Golf in Thailand vs. China – Why Chinese Golfers Are Choosing Thailand for a Better Golf Experience Abroad

22 August 2025

Golf in Thailand vs. China – Where the Game Feels More Like a Holiday

China is home to some of the largest and most architecturally impressive golf courses in the world. From mega-resorts in Hainan to elite courses around Beijing and Shenzhen, the country’s golf industry has grown rapidly over the past two decades – especially among business elites and rising middle-class golfers. But despite the scale, the golf experience in China is often restricted, expensive, and complicated. Limited access, strict regulations, and inconsistent service mean that for many Chinese golfers, a full holiday built around the sport is still a challenge. That’s why more and more golf lovers from China are looking outward – to a nearby destination that combines elite golf with relaxation, sunshine, service, and freedom. And for them, the answer is clear: Thailand. In this in-depth comparison of golf in Thailand vs China, we explore how each destination stacks up – across playability, pricing, weather, and overall holiday experience – and why Thailand has become the top international pick for Chinese golf travelers.

Golf in China – Big on Scale, Limited in Access

China’s golf scene is both impressive and restrictive. It’s home to Mission Hills Shenzhen, the largest golf resort in the world with 12 courses. Cities like Kunming and Hainan have hosted international tournaments, and China continues to produce emerging talents like Carl Yuan and Lin Xiyu.

But playing golf in China isn’t as simple as it seems:

• 🚫 Public Golf is Rare – Many courses are members-only or semi-private, requiring connections, advanced booking, or referral.

• 💰 High Green Fees – Especially near major cities, rounds often cost 1,000–2,000 RMB or more, with added caddy and cart fees.

• 🔒 Golf Course Closures – Over the past decade, many golf courses have been closed due to land use regulations, environmental concerns, or shifting government policies.

• 🧭 Regional Disparities – Top courses are clustered in certain cities. Golfers in second-tier or inland cities often have limited access.

• 🌦 Weather Variation – Northern cities have cold winters, while southern cities face seasonal typhoons and heavy rain.

In short, while China has some of Asia’s most stunning golf courses, access and ease are limited, especially when planning a relaxing, multi-day golf trip.

🌴 Thailand – Golf Without the Restrictions

Thailand offers everything Chinese golfers often don’t get at home: open access, fair pricing, sunshine, and flexibility. In Thailand, you don’t need to be a member or know someone. You don’t need to plan around red tape or worry about closures. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, everything is built around making the experience simple, smooth, and relaxing. Imagine this:

• Tee off at sunrise with a personal caddy 👩‍🦳

• Play on a championship course with mountain or ocean views 🏌️‍♂️

• Enjoy Thai cuisine for lunch 🍜

• Take a spa treatment or go sightseeing in the afternoon 🧘‍♀️

• Enjoy dinner at a local market or luxury restaurant 🌇

That’s the Thailand golf lifestyle and why it’s attracting more travelers from China than ever before.

✈️ Why Chinese Golfers Are Flocking to Thailand

Thailand is already one of the most popular outbound travel destinations for Chinese tourists. With frequent flights, relaxed visa policies, and a strong tourism infrastructure, it’s familiar, friendly, and easy to explore. For golfers, Thailand offers unique advantages:

1. Full Access – No Membership Needed

Unlike in China, Thai courses are open to the public. You can book a tee time online, show up, and play—without paperwork, connections, or long waiting lists.

2. Affordable Excellence

Golf in China is expensive, especially in Tier 1 cities. In Thailand, even high-end courses offer green fees starting around 1,500–3,000 THB (300–600 RMB), usually including a caddy and golf cart.

3. Year-Round Sunshine

From Chiang Mai to Phuket, Thailand has a true year-round golf season. Even during the rainy months, courses are playable thanks to excellent drainage and flexible morning tee times.

4. Chinese-Speaking Support

Fairways of Eden and many Thai golf courses now offer Chinese-language support, translated menus, and signage to help Chinese guests feel welcome and understood.

5. Seamless Travel & Custom Packages

Thailand’s mix of direct flights, friendly visas, and customizable golf packages makes it easy to plan a 4–7 day holiday that blends golf with food, fun, and culture.

🏌️‍♂️ Where Chinese Golfers Love to Play in Thailand

Chinese golf travelers seek a blend of convenience, luxury, and holiday-style play. Based on traveler behavior, social media, and booking data, here are the most popular golf spots for visitors from China:

📍 Chiang Mai – Mountain Golf and Tranquility

Northern Thailand’s cool climate and serene landscapes make Chiang Mai a surprising favorite for golfers looking to escape the heat and pressure of the city.

• Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort – An award-winning course surrounded by forested hills, perfect for relaxed rounds and spa days.
• Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai – Championship-level design that hosted the Asian Tour, with luxury accommodation on-site.
• Gassan Panorama Golf Club – One of the more affordable options, offering wide fairways and scenic play.

Chiang Mai is especially popular with older golfers or families combining golf with sightseeing and culture.

📍 Bangkok – Urban Energy and Golf in the City

China’s business travelers and corporate golfers often spend time in Bangkok before or after meetings. Several courses around the city offer easy access.

• Thai Country Club – A top-tier experience, famous for elite tournaments and service standards.
• Riverdale Golf Club – Designed with rolling hills and creative bunkering—just 45 minutes from central Bangkok.
• Suvarnabhumi Golf & Country Club – Very close to the airport, great for a round on arrival or departure day.

Bangkok golf is ideal for shorter trips or stopovers with city luxury and shopping nearby.

📍 Hainan Alternative – Phuket for Island Golf and Luxury

While Chinese golfers used to flock to Hainan, many now prefer Phuket for its course variety, clean beaches, and laid-back pace.

• Aquella Golf & Country Club – A stunning new seaside course just north of Phuket, with ocean breezes and premium service.
• Phuket Country Club – A more forgiving course with charm, great for all levels and mixed groups.
• Loch Palm Golf Club – Beautifully set around a lake and palm-lined fairways. Very playable and scenic.

For golfers who once favored Sanya, Phuket delivers everything they expect – and more.

🧳 More Than Just Golf – A Complete Holiday

Golf in China often means early tee times, long car rides, and going home right after the round. In Thailand, golf is the beginning – not the whole day. Here’s what Chinese travelers enjoy doing after their round in Thailand: 🚤 Private boat tours to nearby islands 🛍 Luxury outlet shopping and night markets 🧖 Thai massage and spa packages 🏯 Temple visits, elephant sanctuaries, or cooking classes 🍷 Wine tastings and local seafood dinners

Fairways of Eden helps travelers build a full itinerary. You choose your hotel level, number of golf days, destinations, and additional experiences. It’s completely customizable and fully arranged in Chinese-friendly formats.

🎯 Your Golf Getaway Starts Here

Golf in China can be stunning – but it often comes with complications. For a holiday where you actually enjoy the game, feel relaxed, and get great value, Thailand is the clear choice. From Chiang Mai’s quiet beauty to Phuket’s beachside fairways, the courses are ready. The caddies are waiting. And the holiday is yours to shape.

👉 Plan your next golf holiday in Thailand with Fairways of Eden – built for Chinese golfers, by people who understand what you want.

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