Golf Courses Directly on Thai Beaches: Play with Ocean Views

22 August 2025

Few experiences in golf compare to the feeling of standing on a tee box with the ocean breeze in your face, palm trees swaying, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing nearby. In Thailand, this dreamy scene is more than just fantasy – it’s reality. Beachfront golf courses in Thailand offer an unbeatable mix of tropical beauty, relaxing coastal vibes, and world-class course design that makes every swing unforgettable. Golfers from around the globe are drawn to Thailand not only for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality but also for its unique landscapes that allow a round of golf to feel more like a holiday experience. Imagine lining up a shot with the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea shimmering in the background, or finishing your round just steps away from a pristine white-sand beach. These coastal layouts blend championship-quality fairways with the relaxed atmosphere of a tropical getaway.

Golf, Beach and Ocean Views – A Perfect Holiday Combination

Whether you’re traveling for the golf alone or looking to blend your game with a beach holiday, Thailand has several golf courses located directly along the coastline or just a short stroll from sandy shores. These courses give you the best of both worlds: resort-style comfort and challenging, scenic play. Many are integrated with luxury resorts, making it easy to combine early morning tee times with afternoons by the pool or cocktails at a beachfront bar. This mix of high-standard golfing and a laid-back beach lifestyle is exactly what makes Thailand a top choice for golf travelers. It’s not just about the sport, it’s about the entire experience of playing in paradise.

Are There Golf Courses Directly at the Beach in Thailand?

Yes, Thailand is home to several beachfront golf courses that provide sweeping ocean views, refreshing sea breezes, and a tropical golfing experience unlike anywhere else in Asia. From Phuket’s island coastline to Hua Hin’s royal seaside charm, you’ll find places where the course and the coast meet seamlessly. Some holes play so close to the shoreline that you can smell the salt air as you swing, while others offer dramatic panoramas of bays, cliffs, and headlands.

For many visitors, this unique setting is the highlight of their Thailand golf holiday, as it combines the challenge of championship layouts with the beauty of natural seaside scenery.

Why Beach Golf in Thailand Feels Like Paradise

Thailand’s coastline stretches for more than 3,000 kilometers along both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, and many of its top golf destinations—Phuket, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Koh Samui—are located right on the water. The year-round warm climate, lush tropical flora, and ocean breezes create ideal playing conditions, allowing golfers to enjoy shorts-and-polo comfort no matter the season.

But what truly sets beachfront golf in Thailand apart is the atmosphere. It’s relaxed yet luxurious, adventurous yet tranquil. You can start your day with an early round and be toes-in-the-sand with a coconut in hand by midday. Or, you can schedule a sunset tee time, finishing your last putt as the horizon glows with shades of orange, pink, and purple.

It’s not just golf—it’s lifestyle. And for many travelers, it’s the reason they return to Thailand again and again.

What to Expect From Beachfront Golf Courses in Thailand

Thailand’s beachfront golf courses are more than just beautiful—they’re well-maintained, thoughtfully designed, and offer challenges for all levels of play. Some are located within resort complexes, while others are public-access courses near the coast.

Expect to find:

🌴 Scenic sea views from tees and greens
🌴 Cool ocean breezes that influence your shots
🌴 Well-groomed tropical landscaping with palm trees, lagoons, and white sand bunkers
🌴 Relaxed coastal clubhouses and beachfront dining nearby

Facilities usually include caddies (always mandatory in Thailand), rental clubs, pro shops, and the option to ride or walk the course—depending on the layout.

Which Golf Courses are directly on the Beach?

If you’re looking for specific courses that offer true beachfront or ocean-facing play, here are three standouts that belong on your itinerary:

⛳ Aquella Golf & Country Club – Located near Phang Nga, just north of Phuket, Aquella offers a luxury seaside golf experience with direct views of the Andaman Sea. With its modern design and stunning coastal setting, it’s one of the most scenic courses in southern Thailand. The signature holes play right against the shoreline, where the sound of the surf and sea breezes make every swing unforgettable. Beyond the fairways, the resort facilities add to the experience—think world-class practice areas, elegant clubhouses, and spa-like amenities that make it easy to turn a round of golf into a full day of relaxation. Aquella is not just about playing golf; it’s about immersing yourself in a seaside escape that blends sport, luxury, and nature in one breathtaking location.

⛳ Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort – Situated along Phuket’s eastern coast, Mission Hills is the island’s only true beachfront golf course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it gives players dramatic ocean vistas and signature holes that play directly along the shoreline. The salt-tolerant turf ensures year-round play despite the coastal environment, while the breezy seaside setting makes it both a challenge and a pleasure. Standout holes such as the par-3s framed by mangroves and open sea views are among the most photographed in Thailand. With its combination of resort-style facilities, caddie service, and seaside panoramas, Mission Hills is a must-play for golfers who want their round to feel like part of a holiday in paradise.

⛳ Seapine Beach Golf & Resort – Hua Hin’s Seapine Beach course is a rare gem, nestled right next to the beach and managed by the Thai military. It combines an excellent layout, seaside tranquility, and unbeatable value for money, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Several holes run parallel to the coastline, with the waves of the Gulf of Thailand just meters away, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Hua Hin. The course design mixes open links-style holes with tree-lined fairways, offering variety and a fair challenge for all skill levels. Add to this the relaxed clubhouse and the proximity to Hua Hin’s famous beaches, and Seapine becomes the perfect spot to pair a round of golf with a laid-back seaside holiday.

All three provide exceptional access to the coast, professional caddie service, and unforgettable rounds framed by tropical beauty.

Which Golf Courses in Thailand Offer Ocean Views?

Not every golf course in Thailand sits directly on the sand, but several are designed in locations where the sea is always within sight. These courses use their elevated settings or coastal layouts to provide sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea, giving golfers a strong sense of place while still enjoying world-class design and playability.

⛳ Santiburi Samui Country Club (Koh Samui) – Widely regarded as one of Thailand’s most beautiful courses, Santiburi is set high in the hills overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Known as the “Pebble Beach of Asia,” it features dramatic elevation changes, lush jungle fairways, and multiple vantage points where the ocean spreads out beneath you. Every round feels like a sightseeing tour as much as a game of golf.

⛳ Laguna Golf Phuket (Phuket) – Surrounded by tropical lagoons and set within a luxury resort complex, Laguna offers glimpses of the Andaman coastline from elevated spots around the course. The layout is friendly yet strategic, making it ideal for holiday golfers who want a scenic round with a touch of seaside atmosphere.

⛳ Siam Country Club – Plantation Course (Pattaya) – Located on rolling hills just outside Pattaya, the Plantation Course offers broad views across the Gulf of Thailand. Its elevated tees and wide fairways deliver dramatic vistas that make this Nicklaus design feel expansive and coastal, even though it’s set slightly inland.

These courses prove that you don’t have to play directly on the beach to enjoy the magic of seaside golf. Elevated fairways, coastal horizons, and clever course design bring the sea into view, ensuring your round still feels distinctly tropical and tied to Thailand’s stunning coastlines.

Destinations With Golf Courses on or Near the Beach

While truly beachfront holes are rare worldwide, Thailand offers some exceptional choices for golfers who want to stay close to the coast. Here’s where to go if you’re looking to combine sand, sea, and swings.

Phuket: Island Vibes and Coastal Fairways

Phuket is known as Thailand’s premier island destination, and its coastal courses are just as memorable as its beaches. Here, you can tee off near the sea, enjoy panoramic views of the Andaman coast, and still make it back to your beachfront resort in time for a swim. Aquella and Mission Hills are both excellent examples of Phuket’s ability to deliver both high-end golf and beachfront beauty in one seamless package.

Hua Hin: Royal Legacy and Seaside Breezes

Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s most underrated gems for beachfront golf. Known as the Thai royal family’s holiday retreat, this coastal town has charm, comfort, and some excellent seaside courses. The gentle sea breeze and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal destination for both couples and families. Seapine Beach Golf & Resort offers a front-row seat to the ocean and is one of the few courses in Thailand with fairways that run directly alongside the beach.

Pattaya: Coastal Fun and Vibrant Energy

Pattaya is a favorite for those who want their golf holiday to include lively nightlife and beachside excitement. While most courses are inland, the city’s proximity to the ocean means that after a round, the beach is never far away. Some clubs even offer shuttle services to nearby coastal lounges and bars.

If you’re staying near Jomtien Beach or Wong Amat, you’ll be able to enjoy both early tee times and late beachside dinners without having to compromise.

Tips for Booking a Beachfront Golf Trip in Thailand

Booking a beachfront golf holiday in Thailand is relatively easy, but there are a few tips that will make the experience even smoother:

⛳ Book tee times in advance – Beachfront courses are popular and can book out quickly, especially during high season
⛳ Stay in coastal resorts – Choose accommodations within 15 minutes of your preferred course for easy transfers
⛳ Opt for morning or sunset rounds – These times offer the best temperatures and most beautiful lighting
⛳ Pack light, breathable gear – Thailand’s coastal humidity is manageable, but only with proper golf attire

Many resorts and golf travel companies like Fairways of Eden offer customizable packages that include beachfront accommodations, tee time bookings, caddies, transfers, and optional excursions.

The Ideal Itinerary: Golf and Beach in Harmony

A beachfront golf trip in Thailand is perfect for blending play and relaxation. Here’s what a day could look like:

🌅 6:30 AM – Wake up to the sound of waves crashing just outside your window
☕ 7:00 AM – Enjoy a beachfront breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and Thai iced coffee
🏌️ 8:30 AM – Tee off with ocean views and a cool morning breeze
🍛 12:30 PM – Refuel at the clubhouse or head back for lunch by the sea
🧘 2:00 PM – Relax with a beachfront massage or a swim in your resort pool
🍹 5:00 PM – Enjoy sunset cocktails as the sky turns gold over the water

Whether you want to spend your time playing every coastal course or just mixing in a few rounds during your beach escape, Thailand makes it easy to personalize the experience.

Beachfront Golf Courses in Thailand – Where Golf Meets Paradise

Thailand’s beachfront golf courses are more than just a scenic bonus, they’re a big part of what makes the country one of the world’s top golf travel destinations. You get to enjoy championship-caliber play with postcard-perfect backdrops, and you’re never far from a hammock, a fresh coconut, or a stretch of soft white sand.

From Phuket’s tropical fairways to Hua Hin’s elegant seaside greens, every destination offers its own flavor of beach golf. And with Thailand’s famously warm hospitality, expert caddies, and range of travel styles, it’s no surprise that so many golfers return year after year.