Green fees in GBP, flights, visas, and everything a British golfer needs to know.
Thailand is one of the most popular golf destinations for UK visitors — and for good reason. Excellent courses, warm weather, low green fees compared to the UK, and a short-haul-length flight time (11–12 hours direct) make it a compelling proposition for a golf holiday.
| Course tier | Green fee (THB) | Approx. (£) | + Caddie (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget / municipal | ฿1,000–฿2,000 | £23–£46 | +£7–£10 |
| Mid-range | ฿2,500–฿4,500 | £57–£102 | +£9–£11 |
| Premium resort | ฿5,000–฿8,000 | £114–£182 | +£12–£14 |
Exchange rate used: £1 ≈ ฿44. Rates fluctuate — check xe.com before travel.
Value perspective: A round at a mid-range Thai course with caddie (≈ £70 all in) compares favourably to a UK weekend tee time at a comparable quality club (often £50–£100+ without a caddie).
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi operate seasonally with Thai Airways. More commonly, UK travellers connect through Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Singapore (Singapore Airlines). Flight time is approximately 11–13 hours direct or 14–16 hours with one stop.
Budget airlines (AirAsia, Scoot) operate frequent and affordable flights between Bangkok and Phuket, Chiang Mai, and other Thai golf regions — connecting domestic legs from £15–£40 each way booked in advance.
UK citizens receive a visa-exempt entry to Thailand for up to 60 days (as of 2024 — verify current requirements at the Thai Embassy website before travel). No advance visa application required for most UK nationals on tourist visits.
Phuket — Most accessible for a first-time visitor. Direct charter flights from several UK regional airports in winter. Excellent courses, beach resort infrastructure, familiar hospitality standards.
Bangkok — Best for golfers who want variety. 60+ courses within reach, world-class city to explore between rounds, excellent direct flight connections.
Pattaya — Best pure golf destination. Most concentrated course selection in Thailand, lower costs than Phuket, easy transfer from Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Chiang Mai — Best for the adventurous traveller. Mountain golf, cultural depth, and the lowest green fees in Thailand for the quality on offer.
Excellent. The combination of quality courses, low costs relative to the UK, warm weather, and the extraordinary caddie experience makes Thailand one of the world's best value golf destinations for British golfers.
A week's golf in Pattaya or Chiang Mai with mid-range accommodation can cost as little as £800–£1,200 all-in including flights, hotel, and 5 rounds of golf. A luxury Phuket golf week at premium resorts would run £2,500–£4,000+.
It's recommended for serious golfers. Club hire is available but quality varies. Most airlines allow golf bags as additional checked luggage at £20–£50 each way. A hardshell travel bag is a worthwhile investment.
Left, same as the UK. Traffic, however, is significantly heavier — especially in Bangkok. This is relevant for anyone planning to self-drive to courses.