Thailand has the Art of Golf down to a tee

Every year more and more savvy golfers are swinging by the balmy shores of Thailand for memorable games on some of the world’s finest fairways. Currently boasting over 200 courses, Thailand’s tropical climate, low green fees and highly-trained, service-oriented caddies attract the lion’s share of the region’s golf tourists and was recently voted “Best Golf Destination in Asia” by the respected golfing bible Asia Golf Monthly.

Many of the Kingdom’s inbound golf tour operators are seeing business double year-on-year and the market is rapidly expanding with a new course opening almost every month. Many of these excellent championship courses have been designed by golfing legends including Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Robert Trent Jones Jr. and boast wonderfully varied terrains.

Indeed, one of the most fascinating aspects of golfing in Thailand is the broad diversity of locations and environments in which the courses are situated. From the urban excitement of Bangkok and the seaside charms of the eastern seaboard, from the pristine paradise of Phuket in the south, to the verdant hills of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a veritable tapestry of golfing delights.

One such outstanding facility with an exceptional location is the Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa, is set on 250 acres right on the edge of Khao Yai National Park, a lush tropical forest two hours outside Bangkok that is home to elephants, tigers, and more than 300 species of birds.

This exclusive 18-hole championship golf course – designed by Jack Nicklaus – is beautifully set within natural surroundings and features panoramic views of Khao Yai's lush greenery and mountains. The course features ranges from 4,875 yards to an incredible 7,115 yards and has an innovative single-track layout.

In addition to tee times, Kirimaya's concierge can organize rafting, mountain biking, bird-watching, animal safaris and tours of the Angkor Wat–like ruins at Phi Mai, two hours north. So for both golfers and lovers of the great outdoors, a trip to a Thai golf resort is more than par for the course. Check a golf package at Kirimaya Khao Yai.

Adventuring in Style

For well-heeled thrill seekers, Southeast Asia boasts an exciting range of exotic adventure holidays that come complete with lavish comforts and a splash of champagne. Camp in luxury, sight-see from the sky and safari in style with these extravagant adventure options.

Experience the under-canvas comfort of an Eastern safari in the magnificently appointed tents at Elephant Hills in the lush Khao Sok national park, and Four Seasons Tented Camp set in the heart of the Golden Triangle. These luxury jungle camps combine the tented concept of African national parks with a Thai tropical forest environment for a uniquely lavish adventure.

Both camps are palatial havens of unrestrained luxury with tailor-made tents featuring custom-made furnishings reminiscent of 19th century adventure expeditions. And with canoe trips, elephant riding and spectacular trekking routes on offer, there’s certainly no shortage of activities for contemporary adventurers either!

At the eco-friendly, yet similarly sumptuous Lisu Resort in Myanmar’s Kachin State, tents are decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture and feature private bathrooms and solar powered hot water and electricity. The camp is a comfortable base from which to explore Putau, and the focus of this exclusive lodge is on natural and cultural adventure.

For the ultimate in stylish sight-seeing, experience an adventurous aerial view on a romantic hot-air balloon ride over Bagan. Guided by gentle winds not exceeding 15mph, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Bagan’s 2,142 temples and pagodas as you glide over forests of glittering stupas laid out like a mystical chess board below. Romantic sunrise and sunset champagne flights are available from October to March, so you can raise a glass to adventuring in style!