Lots of people choose to quickly learn how to climb in Krabi, fascinated by the fantastic range of top quality climbing faculties and by the fact that most people appear to be capable to try it out! Professional climbing schools in Krabi have numerous training courses consisting of half day introduction programs and one and three days programs. These usually include teaching, insurance cover, climbing gear, transportation to the site as well as refreshments. Simply be sure that you pick a trustworthy climbing company that is approved by ACGA and subsequently a three day beginners training course and a little perseverance is all you need to get started! Rock climbing in Krabi is an activity well suited for every age group, from children to pensioners and new climbers benefit from both the adrenalin rush of achievement experienced at the top of the very first climb and the astonishing views. The limestone cliffs of Railay, which are part of the earths biggest coral reef and the breathtaking location of Tonsai are perfect places to get started with.

Krabi Thailand

For more skilled climbers, Krabi’s renowned cliffs, difficult crags, pocketed mountain faces and extreme overhangs oftentimes punctuated by stalagmites, offer a lot of seriously incredible and difficult climbs, all in spectacular scenery. Tham Phra Nang and Railay East have many significantly gratifying climbing routes for skilled climbers.

Good climbing equipment is widely available in Krabi, so you don’t need to bring your own, but make sure that your holiday insurance coverage includes personal accident coverage and totally covers rock climbing activities. Krabi boasts a wide-ranging choice of low-budget holiday accommodations and Krabi hostels are sometimes located not far from the major climb sites. Big groups can benefit from the large cost savings to be made by booking a Krabi vacation villa, which often prove very reasonable and offers more glamorous accommodation.

And there is merely nothing better after a tough day tackling the Krabi cliffs, than a traditional Thai massage back at your Krabi hotel to relax those fatigued and sore limbs. If you are in Krabi for an extended time you may even devote some time out to enjoy the unspoiled beaches or try various other Krabi sports, such as scuba diving or kayaking!

Training For Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand

Professionals: seek the guidance and supervision of professional Muay Thai instructors for all aspects of your training session: warm-up, pad work, heavy bags and cool-downs.

Basics: Start slowly, get a good grasp of the fundamentals and the proper Muay Thai techniques so that you can train intelligently and improve progressively.

Patience: Muay Thai as you may have already realized is intensive and demanding, there will always be something new to learn and mastering this art takes time. Be patient, take it one day at a time and keep moving forward.

Discipline: As obvious as this may sound, a level of discipline is necessary. Results will come through consistency, consistency comes from perseverance and determination, both are a product of your focus. Focus on your goals, start today and do not stop until you have achieved your objective.

Enthusiasm: Another way to say this is lighten up and enjoy it. The process of moving from a newbie to a master is a roller coaster, you will laugh, you might cry. Keep an open mind, give it your best and enjoy the results.

Relax: However, you must allow your body to have at least one day of rest every seven days. If you are brand new to the sport, a recommended initial one day interval between sessions is adequate, as you improve, you will be able to train up to 3-6 days consecutively. 

Muay Thai

Bearing these tips in mind you will kickstart your  Muay Thai training without a doubt.

Muay Thai Training – Tips For Beginners

Nowadays, Muay Thai is used all across the world. The powerful and devastating bone breaking techniques of this martial art are used by the Thai military, the United States Navy SEALs and also the CIA.

Muay Thai

There is no color belt grading system in Muay Thai, other martial arts use belts to show the advancement and skill level of students.

Muay Thai students test their skills in the Thai boxing ring; these full contact competitions can be very brutal. The fighters are focused on winning the championship belts which show their dominant skill of Muay Thai fighting.

The striking techniques taught in this style are very powerful.

This martial art involves very little in the way of grappling techniques, the emphasis is more on bone breaking kicks, powerful punches and jarring knee and elbow strikes.

A student of Thai boxing is trained so as to be able to put an opponent down with just one strike, usually breaking bones and in some cases killing them with just one lethal kick or elbow technique.

Because this powerful martial art was developed and shaped in ancient battlegrounds where there were always multiple attackers, it didn’t utilize techniques that involved grappling on the ground or submission holds, it was developed to quickly kill an opponent in as fast and effective way as possible.

These battlefield opponents were skilled in sword fighting, which made the need for a dependable and effective martial art essential.

In this type of situation, you didn’t want the fight to go to the ground; this could prove to be lethal for a Thai fighter.

An exponent of the time was skilled in the use of swords, spears, sticks, and powerful strikes.

The strikes and weapon movements were constantly practiced making them fast, hard, and very accurate.

It was in these conditions and environment that Muay Thai was developed into a fast responsive martial art with an excellent weapons system.

Over the years it was planned to add elements of grappling and submission holds, but the martial art developed into more of a ring sport before grappling techniques could be added.

A lot of martial artists from other styles have started using and implementing the striking techniques of Thai boxing into their own training.

The devastatingly effective use of both elbow and knee techniques are feared and respected all around the world by other stylists.

With kicking and kneeing being a major part of this style, it is essential that a fighter has conditioned and toughened their legs; the shins in particular are conditioned to withstand bone jarring impacts.

With years of training and conditioning, Muay Thai fighters’ knees, shins, and elbows can become lethal and deadly weapons.

Because of this Muay Thai is considered one of the most deadly and respected martial arts in the world.

Muay Thai is a great martial art for self defense and an exciting competition sport.

Muay Thai for Self Defense

1. Amari Vogue Resort, Tub Kaek beach: This five-star hotel has tariffs starting from 3. This gets even lower during off-season. The magnificent resort looking out over the beach has all its 57 rooms affording ocean views.

Krabi Thailand

2. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, Ao Nang: Set in a private bay, Centara Grand tariffs are moderate for a five-star resort. The resort provides spectacular views of the aquamarine sea, white sand beach and towering limestone karsts.

3. Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, Klong Muong beach: Another affordable five-star resort with the added advantage of Sheraton hospitality. Its beachfront location and luxurious settings offer the best bet for a memorable Krabi holiday.

4. Ao Nang Villa Resort, Ao Nang: Pay a 3-star tariff and enjoy the 4-star advantage. Lying in one of the most coveted locations, sandwiched between the beautiful beach and majestic limestone cliffs, this is an offer not to be missed.

5. Railay Bay Resort & Spa, Railay: This 4-star resort is famous for its enviable location on Railay beach and its unbelievably low tariffs.

6. The Beach Boutique Resort, Hat Yao: This reasonably priced, 4-star resort is located on the unspoiled and serene beach of Hat Yao. The resort grounds is surrounded by fishermen villages, which adds a local tinge to scene.

7. Phra Nang Inn Hotel, Ao Nang: Located on the beach, close to the pier, Phra Nang Inn Hotel is an ideal choice for tourists who want to move around the province. Luxurious yet affordable is the hallmark of the hotel.

There are affordable luxury Krabi hotels in plenty to give you the best Krabi holiday experience.

Luxury Krabi Hotels For the Ultimate Krabi Holiday Experience

Answer: Buying a Condominium in Thailand is perhaps the simplest and easiest option available to foreigners who want to own property. The only restriction on purchasing a Condominium in Thailand is that the percentage of livable space sold to foreigners cannot exceed 49% of the total space available in the complex and that the funds used to buy the condominium have been remitted from abroad and recorded as such by a Thai Bank on a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (Tor Tor 3). The owner of each Condominium unit is issued with a title deed (Chanote) clearly showing the foreigner as the legal owner of the unit.

Thailand Property

Question: What are the requirements for a foreign individual or organization to purchase a condominium in Thailand?

Answer: In order for a foreigner to purchase a condominium one of the following requirements must be met:

1: A foreigner has permanent residence in Thailand in accordance with Thai Immigration Law.

2: A foreigner is allowed into or resides in Thailand in accordance with Thai Investment Promotion Law.

3: A foreign legal entity is in accordance with the Announcement of the Foreign Business Act BE 2542 (AD 1999), and has been granted an Investment Promotion Certificate in accordance with the Investment Promotion law.

4: A foreigner or foreign legal entity who brings foreign currency into Thailand, or brings in Baht currency from the account of a person residing abroad, or uses foreign currency from their deposit account. This requirement is normally met by the presentation of a Tor Tor 3 form which is provided by the bank receiving an incoming remittance from abroad.

Question: Are foreigners allowed to own land in Thailand?

Answer: Under strict application of the existing law it is officially prohibited for foreigners (including both individuals and companies), to own land in Thailand. However, there are exceptions to the prohibition found in the law itself. There are also other methods of arranging for the purchase of land in Thailand.

The Land Code has been amended to allow foreigners to own land if all of the following requirements are met:

1. The land is for residential purposes.

2. The land does not exceed one rai (1 rai is approximately 0.4 acre).

3. No less than 40 million baht is remitted into Thailand for investment.

4. Foreigners abide by Ministerial Regulations governing the nature of the business that the foreigner will engage in, the period of time for maintenance of the investment, and the location of the land owned.

5. Permission is granted by the Board of Investment (BOI). According to section 97 of the Thai Land Law, the definition of a foreigner includes a Thai registered company or partnership in which more than 49% of the capital is owned by foreigners or of which more than half the shareholders or partners are foreign citizens. This does not happen often.

Question: Can a foreigner acquire land or property in Thailand through a Limited Company?

Answer: Yes, one method foreigners can employ to acquire land or property is by forming joint venture companies with majority Thai ownership but with adequate safeguards to protect the foreigners’ minority interest. If a foreigner plans to run a business in Thailand then he may purchase the land freehold through his Thai majority limited company. The land will be owned by the Thai Company, not by the individual. It is important that the non Thai minority shareholder should not own more than 38%, as any foreign shareholding structure greater than this is normally investigated by the Land department.

Question: What are the different types of rights to private land?

Answer: Land can be controlled through the right of possession or through title deeds and other documentation. Individuals who actually possess and use land may have the right to possess such land under the Civil and Commercial Code. The primary form of evidence for ownership of land is a title deed (Chanote or Nor Sor 4). These title deeds must be registered at the Land Department in the province in which the land is located. It should also be noted that a parcel of land may be commonly held by several individuals. A person whose name appears on a Chanote, or Land Title Deed, has all the legal rights to that land, can produce the deed as evidence of ownership to Government officials, can prove the land has clearly defined boundaries, and can engage in legal acts upon that land as allowed by law.

Question: My wife is a Thai National, can she own land?

Answer: Yes, since 1999! Before 1998, any Thai who married a foreigner would lose their right to purchase land in Thailand. They could, however, still retain land owned prior to marrying the foreigner. The Ministerial regulation from 1999 now allows Thai nationals married to foreigners the right to purchase land. The Thai spouse must prove that the money used for the purchase of freehold land is legally and solely theirs with no foreign claim to it. Normally this is done by the foreign spouse signing a declaration stating that the funds used for the purchase of property belonged to the Thai spouse prior to the marriage and are beyond his claim.

Question: I am married to a Thai. We would like to build a house on land given to us by my wife’s mother. What is the best way to secure my investment (I am paying to build the house) in case of breakup.

Answer: Signing a long term lease with your wife and registering that lease at the Land Office is the most secure way of protecting your investment. If you have a child they may own the improvements in their name. We suggest you contact a lawyer who can advise you in more detail.

Question: Can foreigners own buildings even if they don’t own the land?

Answer: YES. Although Thai law prohibits foreigners from owning land in Thailand, foreigners have the right to own buildings. A common structure is for the foreigner to enter into a long-term lease for the land from a Thai company or individual, and to build the home which the foreigner owns.

Question: Can I buy property in Thailand while out of the country?

Answer: Yes. A person wishing to buy property, including a foreigner, may purchase a property without being present at the time of registration of ownership at the Land Department. This shall be done by appointing, by a power of attorney, a lawyer or some other person to act on your behalf.

Leases & Rentals

Question: Can a foreigner enter into a long-term lease for land?

Answer: Because of the barriers in place to the purchase of land by foreigners, one of the most effective ways to acquire land that a building resides on is to “purchase” the land on a 30-year leasehold with an option to extend the lease for subsequent 30-year periods. Leases are limited to 30 years, except on land for industrial purposes or commercial leases, which may be established for 50 years. Similarly, lease extensions are capped at 30 and 50 years respectively. Possession of the land leased for an already owned building is protected by the fact that the building rests on the land; ownership of the building is separate from the land and cannot be seized by the lessor once the lease expires. Leases exceeding three years are enforceable for only three years unless they are registered with the Land Department. Therefore, a 3-year or longer lease must be registered with the Land department. In addition, a lease continues to be valid even in the event the property on the land is sold.

Question: Are condominium long-term leases available?

Answer: Yes. Condominiums may be leased to foreigners for periods of up to 30 years and may have options to renew. This structure is becoming more popular for foreigners who want to “own” a condominium in a building which exceeds the foreign ownership quota. It is also a viable structure for elderly or others who want to enjoy a property for several years but do not want to purchase a property. Leases of greater than 3 years are required to be registered with the Land Department.

Question: Can a foreigner legally rent out property in Thailand?

Answer: Yes. A foreign-owned property may be leased out to another third party. Rental revenue is subject to a 12.5% tax on the annual income.

Can Foreigners Own Property in Thailand?

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi claims to have built a self-contained world of beauty. The entire landscape is more like a small town than simply an average resort. You’ll find the main hotel buildings, paddy fields, sprawling plantations and the surrounding mountain scenery almost too much to take in.

Chiang Mai Thailand

Mandarin Oriental Hotels offer guests a cultural experience specific to the resort’s location. For Chiang Mai’s resort, the Mandarin was designed to be a tribute to the traditional Lanna architecture of the area. Along with many antiques from Thailand and cuisine from some of the best chefs around, guests at Dhara Dhevi get to experience a little bit of what life was like in the area in past centuries. The only difference being, of course, everyone visiting is treated like royalty.

This large resort offers a wide range of accommodation. Not only do they have suites in the main hotel, but Dhara Dhevi also has separate villas available and even private residences. The residences are the crème de la crème of the Mandarin experience. They’re as luxurious as a hotel can get in terms of privacy, size, service and amenities.

The private two-floor villas are also very upscale. Some villas offer private outdoor plunge pools and large terraces. The colonial-style suites are the actual rooms within the hotel. They’re nothing to sneeze at, however, and still offer ample space and luxury. Every room at the Mandarin is spacious, well designed and features large bathrooms, separate sitting areas and one-of-a-kind views of the surrounding scenery.

When guests come to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, they come with a sense of what’s available. The lavishness of the five-star hotel accommodation is a big draw, of course, but the spa treatments and dining options are equally enticing to all comers.

The Dhara Dhevi spa offers an extensive range of holistic therapy, including many wellness programs, healing treatments, sensory and heat treatments, and much more. The spa wasn’t designed by haughty architects looking to impress visitors. It was designed by health specialists who knew what was needed for holistic practices.

The dining at Dhara Dhevi is set up like the food court in a mall. Most restaurants are located within the same area (with the exception of private dining and bars), so guests are free to choose from any eatery. You’ll find places to eat like Fujian, Farang Ses, Akaligo, the Oriental Shop, Loy Kham Bar, Horn Bar, and more. Most of the cuisine is either authentic Thai or Mediterranean.

Overall, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is the most impressive resort in Thailand and one of the best in the Mandarin group. It’s extremely expensive, but it’s a genuine five-star experience.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Some of the mixed signals include increased demand and rising prices for residential development property in the central business district and a predicted drop in property values in the city and its suburbs this year. The demand has been centered on Wireless, Ploenchit, Sukhumvit, Rama I, Rajdamri and Sathorn roads, areas in the heart of the city.

Thailand Property

And regardless of the overall situation, developers are moving ahead with over 200 condominium projects alone this year and the extensions of the Mass Rapid Transit underground train and the Bangkok Transit System Skytrain are providing new prime areas for expansion in the inner city. Significant amounts of land have already been acquired by developers in these areas and more acquisitions are expected. Developers focused also on the less developed areas in the centre of town, including Rama IV Road, Phetchaburi Road and Si Phaya Road.

Although property prices are expected to drop this year, mid- and long-term prospects still continue to look good as this expected drop is considered to be as a result of several factors that hit all at once and created a great impact.

First, the central bank tightened up its loan requirements for condo buyers by limiting banks to providing only 90% of the value of the property for loans. Second, tax incentives that were in place until last year were ended by the government. Then, there are slightly higher interest rates and higher construction costs to contend with which raise the prices for prospective buyers. New condominium units accounted for 54% of residential sales last year but that is expected to drop to 50% this year because prices on resale units are expected to drop up to 10%, making them more attractive to buyers.

However, the Government Housing Bank is attempting to make it easier for non-salaried people to purchase property, something that has not been possible up until now. If this happens then the lower end of the condominium market could be positively impacted which would affect the percentage of condo sales.

And other property companies are rolling out projects, with Sansiri unveiling a Bt1.7 billion condominium project on Ekamai Road and Vichitra Group launching two projects in the east of Bangkok, outside of the central business district and near the BTS Skytrain line.

Sansiri schedules the grand opening for “Cell” project for March 5-6, when the project is available at Bt2.6 million per unit. Vichitra Group plans to launch two new residential projects worth totally Bt791 million. Branded “Maroy”, the projects are along the Motorway and On Nuj-Bangna road. Offered at Bt1.9-Bt3.5 per unit, they feature detached houses, townhouses, and commercial buildings, said the company’s chairman Suebwong Wukamongkol said.

All of these factors have painted a picture of the real estate market that is currently not clear but the next few months should provide a much better idea of how the market will end up in 2011.

2011 Overview Of Bangkok’s Property Situation

Think Thailand and you imagine the ancient temples in Chiang Mai, the Chao Praya River reflecting the glow of the Wat Arum temple during warm evenings, white sandy beaches and blazing sunsets, Bangkok’s chaotic traffic, graceful bamboos, and the history rich sacred city of Ayuthaya. The food is glorious too! Hot and sour soup with shrimp, sumptuous fried rice with crab, Thai summer rolls, and the heavenly mango ice-cream. You can bring Thailand to your home in your next dinner party.

Thailand Restaurant

Recreate the Culture

Dinner party ideas can be successfully executed if carefully planned; and if you have been giving dinner parties with the same food and party theme, it is about time to try something exciting to delight your guest or better yet, surprise them with a Thai dinner party.

An element essential to a captivating Thai themed dinner party is the setting. Do not plunk the food on serving dishes and convince your guest you are having a Thai dinner party this way. Your guests will surely go home unimpressed.

The Table

Dinner party ideas always bring focus to table preparation. For your Thai dinner party, use an embroidered (if available) green or red silk runner to give the table the exotic Asian look that echoes the mystic of the East. Bamboo placemats in their natural color will enhance the vibrant silk runner.

As a centerpiece, orchids floating in low celadon or jade green vases and scented candles arranged beautifully will perfectly perk up your table. You can also arrange shiny pebbles on or around the vases. For table napkins, use raffia tied with ribbon matching the color of your table runner. For music, find Thai traditional instrumental music to enhance the ambiance of the setting.

Lighting

The dining area should not be brightly lit but illuminated with soft lighting to dramatize the scent of incense and heighten the Thai inspired dinner. Setting and lighting makes the dining experience a delightful one.

Food and Drinks

Thai party dinner ideas for the festive fare is not complete without rice and Thailand’s famous spices – curry, cayenne pepper, saffron, cilantro, and chili powder. Some Thai recipes can be easily prepared in advanced or brought in stores. You have several choices, pork, poultry, noodles, fish, and greens.

The flavors range from hot, sour, sweet, bitter or salty and the food is prepared with the freshest ingredients. When choosing the menu select ingredients available in Thai food specialty shops or order the more tricky recipes from Thai restaurants.

For the drinks, you can introduce Thai Iced Tea to the women, a sweet concoction of black tea, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, cardamon, and tons of crushed ice. For the gentlemen, give them the full bodied Singha Beer and they’ll get a kick out of it.

Use a Thai theme for your next dinner party and enjoy the compliments that are guaranteed to flow your way. It is easier than you think.

Thai Dinner Party Ideas to Wow Your Guests

“Sinsod” or the practice of paying a dowry is a distinct characteristic of a Thailand marriage ceremony. It is a symbolic act that shows the groom’s financial capabilities. Another unique feature of traditional marriages in Thailand is the strong Buddhist influence. In weddings presided by Buddhist monks, food and prayer are offered and presented to Buddha images. With the advent of modernism, Thai families now have the option to follow the traditional Thai marriages celebration or not.

Thailand Attorneys

Legal part

The legal aspect of Thailand marriages are performed in the amphur or civil registry offices. Marriage registration likewise takes place there.

Marriage eligibility

A. Both the bride and groom must be at least 17 years old. If one of them is a minor, there is a need for a court order.

B. The couple should both be psychologically and mentally fit.

C. Blood-related couples or those who have evident consanguinity relations cannot get married.

D. Likewise, couples that belong to the same adoptive parents are not allowed to get married.

E. Both should be free from any marital relationship prior to the marriage.

Eligibility requirements for Thai widows and divorcees

Widows and divorcees are allowed to get married 310 days after their husband’s death or after the termination of the divorce proceedings. There are some exceptions though which are as follows:

A. If there is a court order that allows the woman to marry

B. A medical certificate showing that the woman is not pregnant

C. If a child is born

D. If the divorcee is remarrying

Required documents for Thai nationals

A. Identification papers

B. Certificate of house registration

C. In cases where the individual is a widow or divorcee, proof of the spouse’s death and divorce papers are required

Required documents for foreigners

A. Clear copies of the passport and arrival card

B. Eligibility to marry or certification of the foreigner’s marital status

C. Translated copies of the eligibility to marry

D. Proofs of death and divorce if the foreigner is a widow or divorcee

E. A passport showing legal entry to Thailand

Why marry in Thailand?

Thailand exotic locations and unforgettable spots are not the only reasons why you should marry in Thailand. Here are some unique benefits characteristic of Thailand marriages:

A. Less strict requirements in drafting prenuptial agreements

B. Easier visa acquisition for both the foreigner and the Thai spouse

C. Property rights

Points to ponder

Marrying in Thailand entails a huge responsibility. Several factors should be considered. First of all, you should be financially capable. This is especially true in situations where a divorce needs to be undertaken prior to the present marriage. Check your financial resources and determine whether it is enough to cover expenses that are related to alimony, child support, and similar others. Secondly, transnational marriages may require you to pay taxes. Lastly, prenuptial agreements, most especially if not well-written may lead to property losses. To avoid above problems, it is advisable for you to hire efficient lawyers to assist you before embarking on your wedding plans.

Thailand Marriage

Laem Chabang International Country Club

Thailand Golf

Around 40 minutes outside of Pattaya | Top quality facilities | 27 holes

Laem Chabang is without a doubt one of the top golf courses near Pattaya with 27 holes and input from Jack Nicklaus. The clubhouse overlooks hole 9 of the lake course; one of the finest 9 holes in the area. Laem Chabang International Country Club is a challenge not to be missed for golfers of all skill levels with a great layout and some of the top caddies in the area. One piece of advice is to bring a good number of golf balls if you are a higher handicapper as there are plenty of oppertunities to lose them!

There are 3 sets of 9 hole courses – The Mountain course (around the mountain style hills), Lake course (9 holes that run along a stream) and the Valley course (surrounded by picturesque hills).

Top Drive: Hole 1 of the Mountain course requires a straight drive as it is surrounded by trees and water to the right. A drive of at least 170 yards is required off the white tees.

Top Hole: Hole 6 on the lakes course requires an accurate drive and then an accurate second shot over water.

Burapha Golf Club

Around 40 minutes from Pattaya | Good facilities | 36 holes

Burapha is a consistently well presented course that hosts the Pattaya Singha Open and the Thailand Open on a yearly basis. Designed by Gary Panks and famous touring professional David Graham this course is always popular with locals and tourists alike. Burapha is also well-known as it has some of the most knowledgeable caddies in the local area due to their excellent training routine.

The groundstaff are also excellently trained meaning the course is always in top shape even with the number of golfers who visit the course throughout the year.

There a 4 different sets of 9 holes:

A – a mix of holes on flat land that require careful shot planning

B – a challenging hilly set of 9 holes, which are used at the top competitions

C – a winding set of nine where straight shots are required

D – a set of nine holes with great views of Pattaya from the highest point on the course

Top Drive: Hole 9 on course C is a long hit over tee boxes and then water and requires a good long hit to get to the fairway.

Top Hole: Hole 5 on the B course is well-known due to the whole of the left side bordered with a bunker and then water. If you over hit the green you’ll most likely be in the bunker, which requires a good bunker shot to get out of.

Siam Country Club Old Course

30 minutes from central Pattaya | World class 18 hole course

The Old Course at Siam Country club is one of the oldest but greatest golf courses in Pattaya. Originally designed in 1969 it has been updated in recent years removing some trees to allow for a natural breeze on the course. The course is also well-known as it has been the host of the LPGA Thailand competition in February. One of the main features of the course are the bunkers – you will often find at least 4 or 5 per hole, although there are less than the Plantation course next to the old course. Maitenance on the course is of the highest quality, with highly trained ground staff and caddies looking after the fairways, greens and rough.

Top Drive: Hole 8 is a par 3 with a shot over water on to a green surrounded by bunkers. At 191 yards it is also a long par 3 where every yard counts!

Top Hole: Hole nine is the most scenic hole on the course with a good view of the Buddha statue atop of the adjacent hill.

Siam Country Club Plantation Course

New addition to the Pattaya region | 30 minutes away | 27 holes

The Plantation course at Siam Country Club features three sets of nine holes (Sugar Cane, Tapioca and Pineapple). The course was built in 2007 by world renowned Schmidt & Curley Design Inc. from Arizona at the same time as the renovations to the old course. One of the main features of the course is the careful shot selection required to avoid the numerous bunkers on the course as well as the tight layout. Lower handicappers are mostly attracted to the course due to the difficulty but players who can generally hit straight shots will have a good time on this course whatever the handicap.

Sugar Cane (a) – Not much water on these nine but bunkers are everywhere! Hole 5 for example has over 20 of them!

Tapioca (b) – A good mixture of holes with water and bunkers covering the main tee shot landing areas. The b course cements the idea that accuracy is the policy here!

Pineapple (c) – Longer holes mixed with water and more sand. A very scenic mix of holes with great views of the surrounding hills.

Top Drive: Hole 5 on the A course (Sugar Cane) requires a good tee shot and the player can decide between a short but dangerous line (right) or a long but safer route (left).

Top Hole: Hole 6 on the C course is a long par 5 winding around a lake. Accuracy is very important to reach par.

There are loads more courses around Pattaya!

These are just a few of the top courses but you can take a look at the map of golf courses around Pattaya and decide for yourself if its somewhere you’d like to visit! We also have loads of information on the top hotels and golf holiday offers from our partners Solar Tours on the play Pattaya website.

The Top 4 Golf Courses in Pattaya, Thailand