Asia
Thailand
About
When you're done with full moon parties, exploring tropical islands or trekking through lush humid rainforest, you'll find disc golf will take you away from the usual tourist haunts in this popular Asian destination.
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Why Visit?
The hospitality and genuine warmth that the Thai people exude is one of the many drawcards to Thailand. The country is both accessible and exotic at the same time and gives even the most budget-pushed traveller, the chance to see and experience everything. While tourists have been making a beeline to this tropical paradise since the1940s, sports tourism is a relatively new thing. The main attraction of Thailand is still its delicious food, a chance to relax on white sand beaches, experience the culture, swim in clear warm waters and embark on an exciting South East Asian adventure.
Things to Do
Your Thai holiday is likely going to start in the crazy busy capital of Bangkok where more than 11 million people call home. In the chaotic traffic , cars, buses, motorbikes and Tuk Tuks fight for space but there are still pockets in this city that are quiet and tranquil. Temples, palaces and places of worship offer some serenity before you step outside into the madness. Explore the royal complex in Bangkok with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Try the street food at least once before settling down to a Thai Curry washed down with a cold Singha beer to beat the heat. The Chao Phraya River winds its way around the city and you can get on a boat to some of the top tourist hot spots like Wat Pho - a massive reclining buddha. You will likely head to at least one of the islands while in Thailand - and there are many. There's the full moon parties on Koh Phangan or Thai kickboxing constantly being touted by shouty audio recordings on passing trucks in Ko Samui. Lots of snorkelling trips head out to the archipelago of Ko Phi Phi and the crystal clear waters of Phuket. While you're on the beach, grab a Thai massage and then find a bar or restaurant and watch the world go by as a balmy tropical evening sets in. Up in northern Thailand you can explore Chiang Mai. If you love Thai food, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to join a Thai cooking class or dine out on the street stalls or markets. It’s more laid back in this part of the country and its where you'll find ethical elephant rides or hiking tours.
Where to Play
Northern Thailand with its lush forests, jungle mountains and proximity to Laos and Myanmar, is a world apart from bustling Bangkok and the well touristed islands down south. There are five disc golf courses close to Chiang Mai. Towards the border of Myanmar, nearly three hours northwest of Chiang Mai in the mountainous region of Pai is the unique attraction of the world’s only bamboo mini golf. You use bamboo clubs and tennis balls on the course and it is a lot of fun especially for groups and families. On the same property is Paidisc, a ‘rustic’ short course that’s also fun and for $USD5 you can enjoy disc golf all day. Nearer Chiang Mai you can enjoy a more challenging disc golf experience on a beautiful golf course, Sand Creek at the foothills of the mountains. It’s got water features, lakes, forest and reviewers say it's spectacular to play because it is so well maintained. Also in Chiang Mai is Mango Valley Disc Golf. You know you’re in the tropics when the rainy season restricts this course to nine holes only. RockNRiver Disc Golf is an evolving 18 hole course in the mountains that has some elevation changes and great views.
Another golf course that’s opened up for disc golf is Lakewood Country Club not far from Bangkok’s International Airport Suvarnabhumi. Early signs are that it’s a great course with some challenging longer Par 5 holes. Because of the heat, it’s recommended you hire a golf cart and enjoy the scenery enroute to your next tee.
If you’re heading south of Bangkok to the islands of Ko Lan and Ko Phai, you’ll likely head to Pattaya City first and catch a ferry. Thailand’s number two course on UDisc is here, Pattaya Disc Golf. Ko Samui is a very popular island with plenty of resorts and white sand beaches. It’s also where they filmed season three of the HBO series White Lotus, so tourism has boomed even more since the Four Seasons hotel featured in the show. To the east of this hotel is Thailand’s number one disc golf course, Samui Disc Golf. Don’t expect championship level, but do expect fun on a tropical island with rustic baskets. Disc golf commentator and player Nate Perkins called out Ko Samui as one of his top five international destinations to play. On the south end of Ko Samui is Laem Sor Beach Disc Golf Anything with the word 'beach' in the title has to be good. Nine holes filled with picture postcard views and the odd water buffalo grazing. A truly unique experience.
