In this guide, compiled with insights from the Hole19 golf app community - which tracks millions of rounds played each year across the globe - we take you through the very best fairways the region has to offer. We cover championship layouts, coastal gems, jungle escapes, and everything in between, so you can plan your next golf vacation in Asia with complete confidence.
From the legendary golf courses in Phuket and the rolling hills of Chiang Mai to the volcanic backdrops of golf in Bali, the island links of Vietnam's Da Nang, and beyond, the following guide is your definitive resource for Southeast Asia golf travel.
)
Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin is widely considered the best golf course in Thailand, having ranked among Asia's top courses multiple times. Designed by Phil Ryan, it offers dramatic elevation changes, stunning water features, and immaculate greens set against a scenic Thai landscape - making it a must-play for any serious golfer visiting the region.
Why Southeast Asia Is a World-Class Golf Destination
The golf scene in Southeast Asia has been shaped by a unique confluence of factors: a warm tropical climate that keeps fairways lush year-round, government-backed tourism investment that has funded world-class resort construction, and an enthusiastic local golfing culture - particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia - that has attracted the attention of globally renowned course designers.
Golf was introduced to Thailand in the early 20th century by British expats and the Thai royal family, but it was in the 1980s and 1990s that the country's golf tourism industry truly exploded. Today, Thailand alone is home to over 250 golf courses, and the wider Southeast Asia golf circuit encompasses more than 1,000 layouts across the region. Many of these venues sit within lavish resort complexes that include spa facilities, fine dining, and luxury accommodation, making them ideal for golfers who want to combine a sporting trip with a full holiday experience.
Perhaps most appealing is the outstanding golf value for money the region offers. Green fees at even the most prestigious courses rarely reach the levels found in Europe or North America, and the availability of well-trained caddies - a standard feature at most Thai and Vietnamese courses - adds a level of personalised service that elevates the whole experience.
Understanding the regional climate is essential for planning a golf trip to Asia. Most of Southeast Asia experiences a dry season golf window between November and April, when rainfall is minimal and humidity is manageable. This is widely regarded as the best time to play golf in Thailand, as courses are at their firmest and fastest, and the skies are reliably blue.
The wetter summer months - from May to October - bring the monsoon season to most of the region, though experienced golf travellers to Asia know that morning tee times can often be squeezed in before afternoon downpours. Thailand's eastern Pattaya coast sits in a different weather pattern from the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi) and can offer reasonable golf conditions throughout much of the year.
Top Golf Courses in Thailand
Thailand is the undisputed golf capital of Southeast Asia. The country's combination of warm weather, superb infrastructure, and internationally designed courses has made it a bucket-list destination for golfers from across the globe. Here are the courses that every serious player should have on their radar.
Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin consistently tops rankings of the best golf courses in Thailand. Designed by Phil Ryan and opened in 2006, this 7,500-yard layout boasts dramatic elevation changes and some of the most aesthetically striking holes in Asian golf. The 17th hole - a par-3 played across a stunning lake - is one of the most photographed in the entire region. The course has hosted the Asian Tour's Singha Thailand Open and attracted endorsement from some of the sport's biggest names. Green fees are competitive, caddies are knowledgeable, and the post-round facilities are exceptional.
)
Another Hua Hin standout, Banyan Golf Club offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand from its elevated hillside setting. The layout rewards strategic thinking, with generous fairways that tighten around well-positioned greens. The club's golf course conditions are maintained to the highest standard, and the clubhouse facilities - including an excellent restaurant and golf academy - make it a popular choice for both visiting and resident golfers in the Hua Hin area.
No conversation about the best golf courses in Pattaya would be complete without mentioning Siam Country Club. The complex features multiple distinct courses, including the Old Course and the Waterside and Plantations layouts. The Old Course is a particular favourite: a beautifully mature design winding through rubber and fruit trees, offering a classic Thai golf experience that many visitors regard as the most atmospheric round they have ever played. The club has hosted the LPGA Honda Thailand tournament and the Honda Classic Asia events, cementing its place among Thailand's most prestigious venues.
Phuket is home to some of the finest golf courses in Thailand, and Blue Canyon Country Club stands above them all. Its Canyon Course has hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic on two occasions, attracting Tiger Woods and other legends of the game. Set amid lush rainforest and sculpted around dramatic canyon features, it delivers a world-class experience that rivals anything available in Europe or the United States. The club's second layout, the Lakes Course, provides a slightly more accessible but equally scenic alternative. Blue Canyon is a fixture on any serious Phuket golf itinerary.
)
Carved into the hillside of a former tin mine, Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket is one of Thailand's most visually dramatic golf destinations. The exposed red laterite rock formations that give the course its name provide a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding tropical vegetation. At 6,967 yards from the championship tees, Red Mountain offers a genuine challenge for low-handicap players while remaining playable for higher handicaps from the forward tees. It is among the most photographed golf venues in Southeast Asia.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mission Hills Golf Club Phuket sits on a spectacular hillside site with views out towards the Andaman Sea on clear days. The Nicklaus Design layout rewards precision above all else, with doglegs and water hazards demanding careful club selection throughout. The associated resort complex offers outstanding accommodation and a golf training facility with video analysis and coaching - making it popular with golfers who want to combine a holiday with structured performance practice.
For golfers seeking a cooler mountain escape, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort delivers one of Thailand's most distinctive experiences. Set at elevation in the foothills of northern Thailand, the course winds through pine-clad slopes and offers dramatically different conditions from the coastal layouts further south. The fairways are firm, the greens are fast, and the fresh mountain air makes for an invigorating round. Golf in Chiang Mai provides a wonderfully different dimension to any extended Thai golf trip.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Laem Chabang International Country Club has long been one of the most respected championship golf courses in Thailand. Its 27-hole layout offers three nine-hole combinations - Lake, Mountain, and Valley - each delivering a distinct character and challenge. The Mountain and Valley combination is generally regarded as the most rewarding test. Conditions are consistently excellent, and the club draws a strong field of both business travellers and dedicated golf tourists.
)
Best Golf Courses in Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as one of the most exciting new golf destinations in Asia. Da Nang, in central Vietnam, has attracted enormous investment in recent years, and the coastal strip between the city and the ancient town of Hoi An is now home to several world-class layouts that have put Vietnam golf tourism firmly on the global map.
Designed by Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, Montgomerie Links stretches along the beachfront south of Da Nang and offers one of the most spectacular links-style golf experiences in Asia. The course combines open, windswept holes along the South China Sea shoreline with more sheltered, tree-lined fairways inland. The result is a varied and highly strategic test that consistently earns outstanding reviews from visiting golfers. It ranks among the most memorable golf courses in Vietnam for good reason.
Located on an island in the Dong Mo Lake near Hanoi, BRG Kings Island Golf Resort is one of Vietnam's most unique and storied venues. The complex features two 18-hole courses - Lakeside and Island - the latter of which occupies a genuine island accessible by boat or causeway. The Island Course's dramatic setting, with water in play on virtually every hole, creates an unforgettable golf experience in Vietnam that rewards careful course management above all else.
Best Golf Courses in Bali and Indonesia
Bali's combination of spectacular natural scenery and world-class resort infrastructure has made it a premier golf holiday destination in Indonesia. The island's courses range from clifftop ocean layouts to jungle-fringed designs that immerse golfers entirely in the island's famous tropical atmosphere.
Perched dramatically on clifftops above the Indian Ocean on Bali's western coast, Nirwana Bali Golf Club is one of the most visually stunning golf venues in the world. Designed by Greg Norman, the course incorporates ancient Hindu temples, emerald rice paddies, and sheer ocean cliffs into a layout that is as breathtaking as it is challenging. The par-3 seventh hole, played across a chasm with the ocean in the background and the Tanah Lot temple visible to the right, is one of the most iconic golf holes in Asia. For sheer spectacle, very few golf courses in Bali can compete.
)
Situated on the Bukit Peninsula near Uluwatu, New Kuta Golf occupies a dramatic hillside site with commanding views over the Indian Ocean. The layout was designed to take full advantage of the coastal topography, with several holes played along ridge lines that offer vertiginous drops on one side and dense jungle on the other. It is a particularly popular choice for golfers staying in the Seminyak or Kuta resort areas. The standard of golf course maintenance and the professionalism of the caddies make it a pleasure to play.
For those seeking a cooler mountain alternative, Handara Golf & Resort Bali - set in the crater of an ancient volcano in the central highlands - is one of Southeast Asia's most distinctive rounds. The cool, misty air and lush highland vegetation create an atmosphere entirely different from Bali's coastal courses. The Handara Golf course rating among visitors who have played it is remarkably high, and it remains a genuine must-play for any serious golf traveller in Bali.
Top Golf Courses in Malaysia
Malaysia has a long and distinguished golf history and is home to several courses that have hosted major Asian Tour and European Tour events. The country's two principal golf regions - the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area and the Langkawi/Penang corridor - offer contrasting styles and experiences.
Founded in 1893, Royal Selangor Golf Club is one of Asia's oldest and most prestigious golf institutions. Its two courses - the Old Course and the New Course - both deliver classic parkland golf course design in a lush tropical setting just minutes from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The Old Course has hosted multiple Malaysian Opens and is steeped in the history of golf in Malaysia. Membership is highly coveted, but visitor rounds are available through hotel tie-ups and prior arrangement.
)
Designed by Ernie Els and nestled in ancient rainforest on the northernmost tip of Langkawi island, The Els Club Teluk Datai is widely considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in Malaysia. The layout weaves through towering dipterocarp forest, with hornbills, macaques, and monitor lizards frequently visible during a round. The combination of natural beauty, intelligent design, and impeccable conditioning makes it a standout choice for golf tourism in Malaysia.
Known as 'The Cobra' and 'The Crocodile', the two championship courses at Saujana Golf & Country Club near Kuala Lumpur have hosted numerous professional golf tournaments. The Cobra Course in particular - a demanding layout through rubber and oil palm trees - is regarded as one of the toughest tests in Malaysian professional golf. It requires precise ball-striking and strong course management skills to navigate successfully.
Golf in Singapore
Singapore's limited land area means golf courses in Singapore are few in number but high in prestige. The island state punches well above its weight in terms of course quality and has hosted internationally significant events including the HSBC Women's World Championship and various editions of the Singapore Open.
Home to the Serapong Course and the New Tanjong Course, Sentosa Golf Club sits on Sentosa Island and offers dramatic views of the Singapore Strait and passing container ships. The Serapong Course is considered the more challenging of the two, with its demanding coastal layout and fast greens testing even experienced low-handicap golfers. The club has hosted the Singapore Open repeatedly and remains one of the premier golf courses in Asia.
With its two well-established courses - the Garden and Tampines layouts - Tanah Merah Country Club is a favourite among Singapore's resident golfing community. Both courses are meticulously maintained, and the club's proximity to Changi International Airport makes it an ideal option for golfers with a layover or short stopover in the city-state. For golf travellers passing through Singapore, it is one of the most conveniently located venues available.
Emerging Golf Destinations in Southeast Asia
Beyond the established powerhouses of Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Malaysia, and Singapore, a number of emerging golf destinations in Southeast Asia are beginning to attract international attention. These markets offer a combination of lower green fees, genuinely unique surroundings, and the excitement of discovering something new.
Cambodia's golf offering is still developing, but the country's two main urban centres each host well-regarded golf courses in Cambodia. The most notable is Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap, designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Situated just minutes from the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, it allows golfers to combine a world-heritage cultural experience with a round on a beautifully designed resort golf course. The Faldo-design layout incorporates water features and mature tropical vegetation throughout, making it one of the most distinctive rounds in Southeast Asia.
The Philippines has a long golf tradition and boasts some of the most underrated courses in the region. Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in Manila, founded in 1930, is a historic venue that has hosted the Philippines Open on multiple occasions. More recently, the development of golf resorts in Cebu and Boracay has added a resort-golf dimension to the Philippines offering that is increasingly attractive to international golf tourists.
)
Planning Your Golf Trip to Southeast Asia
A well-planned Southeast Asia golf holiday can be one of the most rewarding sporting trips you ever take. Here is what experienced golf travellers to the region consistently identify as the key planning considerations.
The most popular golf courses in Thailand and Vietnam fill up quickly during the peak golf season in Asia (November to April). Black Mountain, Blue Canyon, and the Siam Country Club Old Course in particular can be booked out weeks in advance during high season. Use your golf app, tour operator, or the course's own booking system to secure tee times as early as possible. The Hole19 app provides GPS maps and course guides for many Southeast Asian venues, helping you prepare for your round before you even step off the plane.
For multi-course trips, partnering with a specialist golf tour operator in Southeast Asia is often the most efficient approach. These companies have established relationships with courses, can negotiate preferred golf green fees, arrange transportation between venues, and often have access to tee times at exclusive or members-only clubs that are otherwise difficult to book. Look for operators with transparent pricing, good online reviews, and experience arranging golf trips for international visitors.
Caddies are a standard feature at most Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian courses, and hiring one is strongly recommended even for experienced golfers visiting Asia for the first time. A good local caddie brings an intimate knowledge of the course's quirks, undulations, and preferred lines that GPS data alone cannot replicate. They will read green slopes for you, advise on local wind patterns, and help you navigate the many blind approaches and awkward stances that characterise tropical course design.
Packing smart is essential for a golf holiday in tropical Asia. The heat and humidity can sap energy quickly, particularly for those arriving from cooler northern climates. Key items include lightweight, moisture-wicking golf shirts, a quality sun hat with at least 50+ UPF protection, high-SPF sunscreen, electrolyte sachets or supplements, and a reliable glove inventory - gloves wear out quickly in humid conditions. Breathable golf shoes - ideally spikeless - are also strongly recommended.
Most international airlines serving Southeast Asia offer golf bag carriage as part of their checked luggage allowance on longer routes, but it is essential to check your specific carrier's policy before travel. Some low-cost carriers operating internal flights within the region charge significant supplementary fees for oversized sports equipment. Consider hiring clubs locally at major venues if you are making multiple short-haul connections within the region.
Technology has transformed the golf travel experience in Southeast Asia. The Hole19 golf GPS app provides precise yardages to the front, centre, and back of the green, hazard distances, and digital scorecards for hundreds of courses across the region. Having accurate GPS data at your fingertips not only speeds up play but also gives you the confidence to take on aggressive lines when the conditions are right.
For golfers serious about improving their game during their trip, the CORE Golf app - Hole19's companion performance practice platform - offers structured, result-oriented practice drills and game-area-focused improvement plans. Whether you want to sharpen your short game before a big round at Blue Canyon or build your iron striking consistency during range sessions, CORE Golf gives you a structured framework to track your progress and make your practice time count.
)
Golf Handicaps and Competitive Play in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is home to a vibrant competitive golf community, with regular club competitions, society events, and inter-club challenges taking place throughout the region. Many clubs operate within the World Handicap System (WHS), meaning your official golf handicap can be maintained and updated during your trip.
The Asian Tour also hosts several events across the region each year, and golf tourists occasionally have the opportunity to watch professional golf live while visiting. The LPGA Thailand event at Siam Country Club in Pattaya regularly attracts a strong international field and is open to spectators, making it an excellent addition to a wider Thai golf itinerary.
Several resorts and golf clubs in Thailand and Vietnam host open amateur golf tournaments that welcome international visitors. These events - often structured as two- or three-day strokeplay or stableford competitions - offer a wonderful way to meet local golfers, experience friendly competition on new courses, and potentially win a trophy to take home. Check the websites of leading resorts such as Laguna Phuket and Hua Hin Golf Club for their event calendars before finalising your travel dates.
Sustainable Golf in Southeast Asia
As golf tourism in Asia has grown, so too has awareness of the need for environmentally responsible course management. Water usage, chemical application, and land clearing have all come under scrutiny, and a growing number of leading courses in the region are implementing genuine sustainable golf practices.
Courses such as Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi have made significant investments in preserving the surrounding rainforest and minimising their ecological footprint. Several Thai courses have adopted integrated pest management programmes to reduce chemical use, and water recycling systems are increasingly standard at newer developments.
Golfers can do their part too. Choosing courses certified by organisations such as the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO), staying in eco-accredited resorts, using reef-safe sunscreen near coastal courses, and sharing transport to and from the course all help reduce the environmental impact of a golf trip to Southeast Asia.
)
How Hole19 Enhances Your Southeast Asia Golf Experience
Planning a golf trip to Asia involves a lot of moving parts: booking tee times, understanding course layouts, tracking scores, and keeping your handicap updated. The Hole19 app brings all of these elements together in one place, making it an indispensable companion for golf travellers in the region.
With GPS course maps covering hundreds of Southeast Asian layouts - including most of the courses listed in this guide - Hole19 gives you precise distance information, hazard mapping, and digital scorecard functionality from the moment you arrive at the first tee. The app's live leaderboard feature allows you to compete in real time with fellow golfers in your group, adding a competitive edge to even a casual holiday round.
For golfers who want to take their game seriously during their trip, the CORE Golf performance platform provides a structured approach to practice. Rather than heading to the driving range and hitting balls aimlessly, CORE Golf gives you result-oriented practice plans focused on the specific areas of your game that need attention. Whether you want to work on your wedge game before tackling the tricky short holes at Black Mountain, or build putting consistency ahead of the fast greens at Sentosa, CORE Golf provides the structure and measurement framework to make practice genuinely productive.
)
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf in Southeast Asia
Compared to Europe or North America, golf in Thailand is exceptional value. Green fees at top courses like Black Mountain typically range from USD 80 to USD 150 for visiting golfers, including a caddie. Mid-range courses can cost as little as USD 30 to USD 60. Equipment rental, food and beverage, and resort accommodation are all competitively priced, making a Thailand golf holiday accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Most public access golf courses in Southeast Asia do not require visitors to hold an official golf handicap certificate. However, some private member clubs - particularly in Singapore and Malaysia - may request a handicap certificate to ensure the course is not delayed by slower players. If you plan to include private clubs on your itinerary, it is worth carrying an official handicap document or a screenshot of your WHS handicap from a recognised golf app.
Thailand is home to approximately 250 golf courses, spread across the country's main tourist and urban centres. The greatest concentrations are found in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai. The sheer breadth of choice means that even a dedicated two-week golf tour of Thailand could not cover all of the top-rated layouts - which is perhaps the best argument for making Thailand a regular return destination.
For golfers new to the game or those with higher handicaps, Hua Hin in Thailand is often cited as the most beginner-friendly golf destination in Asia. The town offers a range of courses at different difficulty levels, excellent golf academy facilities, and a relaxed, unhurried pace of play. The presence of knowledgeable caddies at every course adds a further layer of support that newer golfers particularly appreciate.
Many of the region's top resorts operate dedicated golf academies with experienced PGA-qualified instructors. These facilities typically offer individual lessons, group clinics, video analysis, and structured multi-day improvement programmes. Combining a holiday with intensive coaching is an increasingly popular option for golfers who want to return home having genuinely improved their golf technique. Notable academies include those at Banyan Golf Club (Hua Hin), Mission Hills (Phuket), and the Montien Hotel Golf School in Bangkok.
Conclusion: Your Southeast Asia Golf Adventure Awaits
Southeast Asia offers a golf travel experience that is genuinely unmatched anywhere in the world at the price point. From the sheer volume and quality of championship golf courses in Thailand to the coastal links of Vietnam's Da Nang corridor, the volcanic splendour of Bali, the prestigious heritage clubs of Malaysia, and the immaculate resort layouts of Singapore, the region provides a rich and varied canvas for any golfer seeking a memorable trip.
Whether you are planning your first golf holiday in Asia or returning for your tenth, the combination of world-class tropical golf courses, outstanding service, competitive pricing, and stunning natural environments makes Southeast Asia a destination that rewards revisiting year after year.
Use the Hole19 app to navigate these incredible courses with precision, and use CORE Golf to ensure your performance practice is as effective as possible before and during your trip. The fairways of Southeast Asia are waiting - and they have never looked better.
Mafalda Gil