Planning a Thailand Golf Trip: Packages, Transfers and Club Hire

A golf trip to Thailand can be one of the best value, most enjoyable golf holidays you'll ever take. You get warm weather, a caddie on every round and a huge choice of courses, all close together. A bit of planning makes the difference between a smooth trip and one spent in traffic or paying peak prices. This guide takes you through each decision in order.

Step 1: Choose when to go

You can play all year, but each season has trade-offs:

For a detailed month-by-month view, see the best time of year to play golf in Pattaya.

Step 2: Decide how long and how many rounds

Most golf trips to Pattaya last one to two weeks. Some useful rules of thumb:

• Don't play every day unless you're used to it. In the heat, most golfers enjoy the trip more with a rest day every two or three rounds.

• Plan your first round for the day after you arrive, not the day you land. Long-haul flights and heat are a tough combination.

• Mix your courses. Combine one or two famous courses with easier, cheaper local courses.

• A common pattern is 5 rounds in a week, or 8–10 rounds in two weeks.

Step 3: Choose where to stay

If you're travelling as a group, a villa with a pool in East Pattaya or Jomtien is popular, and it makes shared transport easier.

Step 4: Getting there and getting around

From the airport

Most international golfers land at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, around 1.5–2 hours by road to Pattaya depending on traffic. U-Tapao Airport, south of Pattaya, is much closer and has some regional flights. Golf bags take space, so book a vehicle that fits your group and bags. A van is usually best for two or more golfers.

To the courses

• Golf vans and transfers booked for the day are the easiest option for groups.

• A regular driver works well for longer trips.

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps work for nearby courses. Agree a pickup time for the return trip.

Transfer and golf van partners are listed in Tours & Services.

Step 5: Package or do it yourself?

A popular middle ground is to book a short package for the first few days, then book extra rounds yourself once you know the area. Compare current packages and day trips in Tours & Services, and check live course prices and tee times on the course list.

Questions to ask a package provider

• Which courses are included, and can I swap any?

• Are caddie fees and carts included? Is the caddie tip extra?

• What tee times are booked, and are weekends or holidays charged extra?

• Are airport transfers and daily course transfers included?

• What happens if a round is rained off?

• What's the cancellation policy?

Step 6: Bring your clubs or hire?

Club hire partners are listed in Tours & Services.

Step 7: Budget for the trip

Your golf budget per round is more than the green fee. It also includes the caddie fee, caddie tip, cart and transport. Our guide to green fees, caddies and carts in Thailand explains each cost. Add accommodation, food and drink, and some spare for extras such as golf shop purchases, a lesson or a simulator session on a rest day.

Step 8: Paperwork and practicalities

• Visas and entry rules: check the current requirements for your nationality before you book. They can change.

• Travel insurance: make sure it covers golf, your equipment and medical treatment.

• Money: carry cash for caddie tips. Cards are widely accepted for larger payments.

• Phone: a local SIM or eSIM makes contacting drivers, societies and partners easy. LINE and WhatsApp are both widely used.

• Health: the heat is the biggest risk. Drink plenty, use sunscreen and play early.

Step 9: Fill the non-golf days

• Try a golf simulator or the driving range on a hot or rainy afternoon

• Take a lesson with a local coach

• Get your clubs regripped or repaired while you're here

• Explore Pattaya's beaches, islands, markets and restaurants

Example 7-day golf trip

Planning checklist

• Dates chosen (check public holidays and season)

• Accommodation booked in the right area

• Airport transfer booked, with a vehicle big enough for bags

• Package booked, or tee times booked yourself

• Daily course transport arranged

• Clubs: bring (airline fees checked) or hire (booked)

• Travel insurance covering golf

• Cash plan for caddie tips

• Rest days planned

Frequently asked questions

How many rounds should I plan for a week in Pattaya?

Many golfers play 4–5 rounds in a week, with a rest day or two in between.

Is a golf package worth it?

For first-time visitors and groups, often yes. It saves planning and secures tee times. Repeat visitors often prefer to book themselves.

How long is the transfer from Bangkok airport to Pattaya?

Usually around 1.5–2 hours by road, depending on traffic.

Can I hire good clubs in Pattaya?

Yes. Club hire is widely available, and some services deliver to your hotel. Ask about brands and left-handed sets in advance.

Can I join other golfers if I travel alone?

Yes. Golf societies welcome visitors. See society golf days and our guide to how golf society days work.

Start planning: compare courses and tee times, browse packages and services, or read Golf in Pattaya: The Complete Guide.