Waterford Valley Golf Club & Resort – Highland Calm Meets Scenic Play in Chiang Rai
If you’re dreaming of a golf getaway where cool air, quiet fairways, and natural surroundings take center stage, then Waterford Valley Golf Club & Resort in Chiang Rai should be high on your list. Just 40 minutes from Chiang Rai city and surrounded by green hills and local rice fields, this course delivers a stress-free yet scenic round that perfectly complements a Northern Thailand golf holiday. Waterford Valley is more than a place to play – it’s a welcome escape from the busier, flatter courses in other parts of the country. Designed to flow with the land and the relaxed rhythm of the region, it’s an ideal stop for travelers seeking beauty, calm, and a few wide open fairways.
Open Fairways and Country-Side Comfort
Unlike many of Thailand’s coastal or jungle-style courses, Waterford Valley features a parkland layout with a highland twist. The course plays over gently undulating terrain, with wide landing zones off the tee, lightly contoured greens, and long-range views of the surrounding hills. At 6,961 yards from the back tees, it’s long enough to challenge mid-handicap and low-handicap players, but the generous fairways make it approachable for beginners and casual golfers. Many golfers say the course has a “refreshing” feel to it – thanks to its breezy highland location and unhurried pace. There are few distractions, and very little noise beyond chirping birds and the occasional caddy commentary.
Course Facts – Waterford Valley Golf Club
Location: 40 minutes from Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand
Holes: 18 Par: 72 Length: Approx. 6,961 yards
Style: Highland parkland with wide fairways, open design, and scenic backdrop
Facilities: Clubhouse, restaurant, resort, pro shop, practice areas
Golf Cart & Caddy: Always included
Standout holes at Waterford Valley Golf Club
Hole 7: A stunning par 3 with a green protected by both water and a front bunker, requiring precision and confidence. Hole 10: A dogleg par 4 where local knowledge pays off. The tee shot tempts a cut over trees, but smarter players lay up and approach the narrow green from the right. Hole 16: A risk-reward par 5 that dips and rises across mild terrain, offering a real scoring opportunity for confident second shots. Greens at Waterford are generally medium-paced and true, with modest undulation. Approach shots are rewarded when hit to the right portions of the green, but not overly penalized if slightly off.
Facilities with Thai Charm
Waterford Valley isn’t about luxury showpieces or ultra-modern clubhouses. Instead, it leans into its relaxed countryside vibe. The clubhouse is clean and functional, with a locally-loved restaurant offering regional dishes and cold drinks that taste even better after 18 holes in the highlands. The pro shop carries essential gear and rentals, and the driving range and putting green allow for a decent warm-up before the round. The attached hotel resort is basic but comfortable, making overnight stays a good option for those wanting to soak up the area without rushing.
Add Waterford to Your Golf Holiday in Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is often overshadowed by Phuket or Pattaya in the golf scene, but Chiang Rai offers something unique: a slower pace, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Waterford Valley fits perfectly into this atmosphere. Whether you’re building a full Chiang Rai golf itinerary or stopping through en route to Chiang Mai or the Golden Triangle, this course delivers solid golf and unforgettable countryside vibes. It’s especially great as a first or last round to unwind.
How can I book tee times at Waterford Valley Golf Club?
Booking tee times at Waterford Valley Golf Club is simple with Fairways of Eden. Located just outside Chiang Rai, this peaceful course offers wide fairways and mountain scenery, making it a favorite for golfers who enjoy relaxed play. All packages include a professional caddy and golf cart, both mandatory at the course. If you book a full golf holiday package, round-trip transfers from Chiang Rai hotels are automatically included. For golfers who only book tee times, transfers are optional but can be arranged. With Fairways of Eden managing logistics, your golf booking is smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
What makes Waterford Valley Golf Club unique in Thailand?
Waterford Valley Golf Club is unique for its quiet setting in Northern Thailand, away from the busier tourist golf destinations. The course features rolling fairways, scenic mountain views, and a wide, forgiving layout that appeals to golfers of all levels. Unlike Phuket or Hua Hin courses, Waterford offers a tranquil, crowd-free environment, making it ideal for players seeking relaxation and space. Its peaceful atmosphere combined with natural beauty makes it one of Thailand’s hidden gems. For golfers planning a Northern Thailand holiday, Waterford provides a refreshing alternative with a balance of accessibility, playability, and scenery.
Is Waterford Valley Golf Club suitable for beginners?
Yes, Waterford Valley Golf Club is very beginner-friendly thanks to its wide fairways, open spaces, and forgiving layout. New golfers appreciate the approachable design, while experienced players can still enjoy the challenge of its length and subtle green contours. Caddies—always included in Fairways of Eden packages—provide guidance that helps beginners feel confident throughout their round. Golf carts are also mandatory and included, ensuring comfort across the spacious layout. For families, casual golfers, or mixed-skill groups visiting Chiang Rai, Waterford Valley is one of the best choices for a relaxed and enjoyable golf experience in Northern Thailand.
Can Waterford Valley Golf Club be included in a Northern Thailand golf holiday package?
Absolutely. Waterford Valley Golf Club is a popular choice for golf holidays in Northern Thailand organized by Fairways of Eden. Its location near Chiang Rai makes it an excellent pairing with Chiang Mai courses for a multi-city itinerary. When you book a full golf holiday package, all essentials—tee times, caddies, carts, and transfers—are included. The peaceful nature of Waterford also makes it a great opening or closing round for a Northern Thailand golf holiday. With Fairways of Eden, it’s easy to integrate Waterford Valley into a customized package for individuals, couples, or golf societies.
Are caddies and carts included at Waterford Valley Golf Club?
Yes, both caddies and carts are mandatory at Waterford Valley Golf Club and included in every Fairways of Eden package. The course’s long layout and rolling terrain make carts necessary for comfort and pace of play. Caddies are friendly and knowledgeable, offering support with club selection, green reading, and local insights. Their assistance is especially helpful for beginners, while advanced players benefit from strategic advice. Booking with Fairways of Eden ensures that tee times, caddy fees, and cart fees are always bundled together, with no hidden extras, making your Waterford Valley golf experience seamless and stress-free.
How do transfers work when booking Waterford Valley with Fairways of Eden?
Waterford Valley Golf Club is located about 40 minutes outside Chiang Rai city. When you book a full golf holiday package with Fairways of Eden, round-trip transfers from your hotel, villa, or condo are automatically included. For golfers who only book tee times, transfers are optional but can easily be added. We provide private cars or vans with drivers, making travel comfortable and reliable for individuals, couples, or groups. With Fairways of Eden managing transport, tee times, caddies, and carts, your golf holiday in Northern Thailand is completely worry-free and enjoyable from start to finish.
