Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort – Award-Winning Golf in the Foothills of Northern Thailand
Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort is one of Thailand’s most celebrated golf destinations, located just 40 minutes east of Chiang Mai city. Designed by Schmidt-Curley Design and opened in 2005, this championship course has received multiple awards, including “Best New Course in Asia” and recognition from Golf Digest and Asian Golf Awards. The layout sits amid rolling hills at the foot of Doi Suthep, offering a tranquil yet challenging round surrounded by lush jungle and rice terraces. With 27 beautifully maintained holes — divided into the Highlands, Mountain, and Valley nines — Chiangmai Highlands combines strategic design, exceptional conditioning, and stunning scenery, making it a must-play for golfers visiting Northern Thailand.
A Golf Course In Chiang Mai That Rewards Precision
The Chiangmai Highlands layout was crafted to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Fairways flow between gentle hills and valleys, framed by native vegetation and water hazards that demand strategic play. Large greens with subtle undulations challenge even experienced players, while generous landing areas make the course accessible to all skill levels. The design emphasizes variety — each nine has its own character, from the open Highlands course to the more dramatic Mountain loop and the lush Valley section. Every round here feels fresh and inspiring, complemented by year-round excellent turf conditions and panoramic mountain views in every direction.
Quick Facts – Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
Location: San Kamphaeng District, about 40 minutes east of Chiang Mai city
Holes: 27 Par: 72 (per 18-hole combination) Length: 7,049 yards (Highlands + Mountain)
Defining Feature: Mountain views, rolling terrain, and award-winning course design
Style: Championship resort course with tropical highland setting
Facilities: Luxury clubhouse, spa, resort villas, restaurant, pro shop, driving range, caddie academy
Transfers: Not included by default, but fully arranged by Fairways of Eden
Signature Holes at Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
Hole 5 (Par 5 – Highlands Nine): A risk-reward par 5 featuring a split fairway and a water hazard along the left side. Strategic positioning is key for those attempting to reach in two. Hole 9 (Par 4 – Mountain Nine): A breathtaking finishing hole played downhill with the clubhouse and surrounding peaks in view. Precision off the tee sets up a short iron into a tight green guarded by bunkers. Hole 7 (Par 3 – Valley Nine): A beautiful one-shotter played over water to a green framed by lush jungle and distant mountains — one of the most photographed holes in Northern Thailand.
Luxury Resort Facilities and Award-Winning Spa
Chiangmai Highlands is not only a top-tier golf course but also a full-service resort experience. The elegant clubhouse overlooks the 18th green and surrounding mountains, offering a restaurant with fine Thai and international cuisine. The on-site Highlands Spa is among the best in Northern Thailand, featuring relaxing treatments and mountain-view therapy rooms. Golfers can stay in the resort’s modern villas or pool suites, surrounded by peaceful gardens and natural scenery. A world-class practice facility, including a large driving range and putting greens, completes the experience. Everything at Chiangmai Highlands is designed to make your stay as memorable as your round.
Book Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort with Fairways of Eden
Play one of Asia’s top-ranked golf courses surrounded by mountains and serenity. Fairways of Eden will organize your tee times, resort stay, and transfers at Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort — giving you a seamless experience of championship golf and northern Thai luxury.
What makes Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort one of the best golf courses in Northern Thailand?
Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort is widely regarded as one of Thailand’s top golf experiences, thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, excellent design, and world-class facilities. Located 45 minutes east of Chiang Mai city, this par-72 course was designed by Schmidt-Curley, the team behind many of Asia’s most acclaimed layouts. The course winds through rolling foothills, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from nearly every hole. It’s known for its smooth elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and immaculate greens. In addition to the championship 27-hole layout, the resort features luxury villas, a full spa, and a well-run golf academy. Chiangmai Highlands consistently ranks among the top five golf courses in Thailand and is a must-play for visiting golfers.
How challenging is Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort for different skill levels?
Chiangmai Highlands strikes a perfect balance between challenge and playability. From the back tees, the course stretches over 7,000 yards and tests accuracy with elevation changes and well-placed hazards. However, wide landing areas and clear sightlines make it enjoyable for mid- and high-handicap golfers as well. The greens are large, fast, and multi-tiered, demanding precise approach shots and confident putting. Each hole presents a unique strategy, influenced by wind and terrain. Beginners will find it forgiving enough to enjoy, while advanced players appreciate the variety of shot-making opportunities. Whether you’re on a Thailand golf holiday or part of a Chiang Mai golf package, this course guarantees a memorable and rewarding round surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
What are the signature holes at Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort?
Chiangmai Highlands is full of unforgettable holes, but several stand out for their design and beauty. The par-4 5th is one of the most photographed, playing downhill toward a green framed by mountains — a perfect mix of challenge and scenery. The par-3 15th offers a thrilling tee shot over a deep valley to a narrow green, where club selection is critical. The finishing hole, a par-5 18th, tempts long hitters to go for the green in two, with water guarding the left side. Each of these holes reflects the course’s blend of risk, reward, and natural flow. It’s this balance of strategic design and spectacular mountain vistas that has earned Chiangmai Highlands its elite reputation in Thailand.
What type of grass and course conditions can golfers expect at Chiangmai Highlands?
Chiangmai Highlands is renowned for its world-class maintenance and exceptional playing conditions year-round. The fairways use Zoysia grass, providing crisp lies and excellent ball roll, while the greens are crafted from ultra-dwarf Bermuda, delivering smooth, fast, and true putting surfaces. The course drains exceptionally well despite the hilly terrain, ensuring consistent play even during the rainy season. Bunkers are filled with fine white sand, contrasting beautifully against the vibrant green landscape. Cool northern temperatures and clean mountain air enhance the playing experience, making it comfortable even in the Thai summer. For golfers who value pristine conditions and beautiful surroundings, Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort sets the gold standard for Chiang Mai and all of Thailand.
What facilities and services does Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort offer?
The facilities at Chiangmai Highlands match the excellence of its course. The spacious clubhouse features panoramic terraces, a fine-dining restaurant serving Thai and Western dishes, and luxurious locker rooms with spa-style amenities. The practice facilities include a driving range, chipping greens, and putting areas maintained to the same standards as the course. The on-site resort offers stylish villas with private balconies overlooking the mountains — perfect for stay-and-play golf holidays in Chiang Mai. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, swimming pool, and a professional golf academy for lessons and clinics. The friendly staff and attentive caddies ensure every guest enjoys five-star hospitality, making Chiangmai Highlands one of Thailand’s most complete golf destinations.
How can golfers reach Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort from Chiang Mai city or the airport?
Chiangmai Highlands Golf Resort is located about 45 minutes east of Chiang Mai’s old town and roughly 40 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport. The drive offers stunning countryside views, winding through small villages and green hills before arriving at the resort’s peaceful valley setting. Its convenient location makes it ideal for both day trips and overnight golf holidays. Transfers can be easily arranged through Fairways of Eden, ensuring door-to-door comfort from hotels or the airport. Thanks to its accessibility, superior course design, and resort-level amenities, Chiangmai Highlands stands out as one of the most rewarding destinations for golfers planning a Northern Thailand golf package or a multi-course trip around Chiang Mai.
