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Australia - Nullarbor Links

Australia - Nullarbor Links


Itinerary - 

Adelaide  (Henley Beach) 1N


Tumby Bay 1N


Venus Bay 1N


Penong 1N 


Bunda Cliffs or  Eucla 1N


Balladonia 1N 


Kalgoorlie 3N (including rest day) 


Perth 1N


=1C - 10N ( You could also play full rounds along the way - Port Augusta - Whyalla - Port Lincoln and Kalgoorlie all have great courses. If you can only pick one in SA go for Port Augusta.)


Highlights -

Star Gazing


Outback Pubs


Whale watching 

June - October - best in the world for Southern Right Whales


Lake MacDonnell

South Australia's best Pink Lake


Bunda Cliffs



Famous -

Swim with a Great White Shark - Port Lincoln


Nullarbor Links - Worlds longest - Links courses are generally treeless and Nullarbor means Null - No / Arbor - Trees


The Big Oyster, The Giant Kangaroo holding Vegemite, Galah, Wombat


Cactus

Surf Beach


Sky Lab

at the Balladonia Museum


90 mile straight

Australia's longest


The Dingo / Dog Fence

5614 km one of the world's longest


Questa Casa Brothel tour

Australia's and one of the world's longest running



Visa -

40 different countries are able to get e-visas and Electronic Travel Authorisations on line. Check with your local Embassy to see what you need to do



Airports -

Adelaide (ADL) -

has direct flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Guanzhou, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Qatar and all other Australian cities


Ceduna (CED) -

direct flights to Adelaide


Perth (PER) -

has direct flights to New Zealand, Asia, Dubai, Doha and London.


Kalgoorlie Boulder Airport (CKB) -

direct flights to Perth


Check here for airfares.




About -

You can start at either end depending on where you are coming from.


If you are coming from overseas you will need to -

(there is a hefty tax for dropping it off in a different location to where you picked it up but hey it's 2,682 kms away.😃 And by the time you split it between all of the players it's not so bad.)


  • and some clubs.

You can rent clubs at each hole if you like. You probably don't need a whole set to get around the course. It's possibly cheapest to just buy a second hand set or a few clubs when you get here. Second hand shops can have a few bargains or try E-bay or GumTree. Another option is to get some telescopic golf clubs from Steve Divnick. (Particularly handy for travelling left handers)


You could do the trip by campervan or even do a 3 day tour in either direction. But remember this trip is not so much about the golf. If you rush through in 3 days you'll spend most of your time sitting in a vehicle.


You could fly, catch the train or drive back the other direction. You could even put the car on the train, which is not cheap. Or you might want to continue on. See Extras below.


It can be done more quickly but it's all about the journey isn't it. It's not a race so spend a little time to have a look around and meet a few of the locals along the way.


Fly into Adelaide, pick up a car at the airport and spend the night at Henley Beach. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered.


Early start and drive to Wallaroo. Don't forget to stop in at the Cornish Kitchen in Moonta for the best Cornish Pasties in SA, which means Australia. Take the ferry across to Lucky Bay the drive down to tumby Bay and spend the night in the Seabreeze Hotel. This will cut off the Port Augusta and Whyalla golf clubs so if you are playing them you will have to go the long way round.


Drive to Venus Bay via Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. Plenty of time to see and do some of the many attactions along the way. And don't forget to pick up some meat for a BBQ tonight.


Drive up to Ceduna and start your round and finish off at Penong. Once again you have plenty of time to see the sights along the way and have a good feed of seafood. Head down to the coast for a look at the famous Cactus, surf beach.


Off to the Bunda Cliffs if you're camping or cross the border and make your way to the Eucla Motel.


In cruise control today as you glide down the 90 mile straight. When you come out the other side you will be near where Skylab crashed back to earth. Keep going to the Balladonia Hotel Motel which is next to the Skylab Museum.


Next stop Kalgoorlie with a rest day so you can visit the Super Pit.


Finish up in Perth where you easily spend a few days and head out to Rottnest Island and meet the Quokkas. The happiest animals in the world.




Stay - Millions Stars Hotels

Just ring up and book the pubs and hotels that don't have a website


Adelaide 1N - 

Ramsgate Hotel by Nightcap Social ***


Tumby Bay 1N - 

The Seabreeze Hotel


Venus Bay 1N - 

Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park South Australia


Penong 1N - 

Penong Hotel


Bunda Cliffs (for Campervans with toilets) 

or 

the Eucla Motel - 1N


Balladonia 1N - 

Balladonia Hotel Motel


Kalgoorlie 3N (including rest day) - 

The Palace Hotel Kalgoorlie ***


Perth 1N - 

Doubletree by Hilton Perth Nightbridge ****



Course -

Nullarbor Links -

World's longest course 1390 km. A unique concept and a lot of fun. It's a great way to cross the Nullarbor and get away from it all on the World's largest island.



Eat -

Coffin Bay Oysters

King George Whiting

Counter Meals / BBQ's / Campfire meals

Quandong jam

Fish and Chips



19th -

Esky / Chilly Bin / Cooler / Pub / Roadhouse / Skimpies



Later -

Campfire / Pub



Side Trips -

Swim with sharks, sea lions, tuna



Don't miss -

The Super  Pit in Kalgoorlie

You can ring up and find out when they are blasting.



Tips -

  • Coloured balls are easier to find

  • Don't take your new clubs

  • Pick up your score cards in Ceduna or Kalgoorlie

  • You could play each hole 4 times and that way you could have a tournament.

  • Watch the crow at the border hole - he'll steal your balls - put something smelly on them

  • Don't forget the rods if you're a fisherman



Budget -

It depends on how many are going, do you have your own vehicle, whether your winning the competitions and side bets and how much you spend at the 19th hole each night. If you choose the train option that can be quite expensive. Overall the daily costs should be quite reasonable if you are sharing accommodation.


Green Fees are $70 and you can become a life member for $215. You will get a shirt, a cap and a certificate.



Extra -

See Adelaide and Perth in Australia. You could do the Great South West Edge loop back to Perth.


Or you could continue on to Adelaide and do one of the trips out of there which include the Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, the Great Ocean Road and Tasmania. 


The last trip would mean you end up in Melbourne. If you've got enough time do all of them. You won't be disappointed and you'll see parts of Australia most tourists miss.




More
Cambodia - Khmer Verts

Cambodia - Khmer Verts

Itinerary - 

Phnom Penh 6 Nights / 5 Courses 


Siem Reap 6 Nights / 3 Courses = 12N / 8C


Highlights -

The people



Famous -

Angkor Wat



Visa -

Click here for the latest information



Airports -

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)


Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport (REP)


Check here for airfares



About -


You can do this trip in either direction. Both cities have international airports.


You can travel between the two in your minivan which takes about 5 hours. Or you could take the boat and the van will take all your gear. There is also a 40 minute flight.


Fly in to Phnom Penh and out of Siem Reap if you can.


The courses are pretty close to Phnom Penh so you will have plenty of time to see the sights en-route.


In Siem Reap there is a spare day for Angkor Wat and a rest day.



Stay -

Find something suitable on Booking.com or one of the other hotel booking sites near these areas - 

  • Phnom Penh - along the riverfront - try

Ohana Phnom Penh Palace Hotel **** 6N

with it's 2 outdoor spa rooftop pools and restaurant and bar with views down the riverfront

or

 Amanjaya Pancam Suites Hotel ****  6N

with a terrace with riverfront views


  • Siem Reap - near Pub  Street - try 

Apsara Centrepole Hotel ****  6N

Pool

or 

Steung Sienreap Hotel **** 6N

Pool


Courses -

Find a reputable agent to help you with the bookings and transport



Phnom Penh

· Garden City Golf Club - Weerayudth Phetbuasak design opened in 2013


· Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club - Jack Nicklaus design


· Cambodia Golf and Country Club - Phnom Penh's first golf course opened in 1996 - has a pool


· Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club - Hun Sens favourite


· Vattanac Golf Resort - 2 x Nick Faldo designed courses  with temples you will recognise in Angkor on the course.


Siem Reap

 Angkor Golf Resort - Nick Faldo designed, best course in the country. Opened in 2007


· Phokeethra Country Club - Home of the Cambodian Open - major renovations in 2018


· Siem Reap Boonyoung Country Club  -  Kentaro Sato designed



Eat -

Amok / Happy Pizza / Fried Tarantulas / Pong tia koon / Ecstatic Pizza / Grilled Frog / Fried Scorpions / Fire Ants 


Amok - creamy coconut fish curry - the National Dish

Banana Blossom Salad - The best

Green Mango Salad

Khmer Red Curry

Lok Lak - stir fried beef in sauce

Cambodian Hotpot

Bamboo Sticky Rice

Pumpkin Duck Egg Custard

Street Food - where ever you see it


Phnom Penh

Friends the Restaurant / Trains young Cambodians

Phnom Penh Night Market

FCC - Foreign Correspondents Club

Burger Cousins

Late Night - Katy Peri's Peri Peri Chicken and Pizza made in the back of a Tuk Tuk


Siem Reap


Pub Street - Red Piano

Khmer Kitchen Restaurant



Sundowners -

Phnom Penh

FCC - Foreign Correspondents Club, a local institution

At a rooftop bar

On a Sunset Cocktail and BBQ cruise


Siem Reap

Sunrise and / or Sunset at the temples



19th, 20th etc -

Learn how to order Angkor beer or Anchor beer and get the right one


Phnom Penh

Riverside Bars / Heart of Darkness

Streets - 54 / 104 / 118 / 130 / 136 /and 172


Siem Reap

Pub Street

Red Piano - have a tomb raider named after one of their famous customers

The Funky Village - 24 hours

Longs Bar - alcoholic ice cream floats / spiders



Side Trips -

Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng S-21 - local high school and torture museum where the Khmer Rouge purged many of their own ranks


The Killing Fields - where these victims ended up


Central Market - buy Kampot Pepper / Russian Market


Seeing Hands Blind Massage


Cambodia Extreme Outdoor Shooting Range


Siem Reap

Angkor Wat - one of the world's wonders


Phare - Cambodian Circus


Cambodia Land Mine Museum


Off Road - Quad bike adventure



Don't miss -

A meal and a show at the North Korean Restaurant - unfortunately all of the government ones have closed - you can still get North Korean food and beer at the Blue Flower restaurant but sadly no show. Which was the best part. keep an ear out to see if any have reopened when you go.



Tips -
  • Don't forget to tip your caddies and buy them a few drinks on the way around the course

  • Take US dollars. In Cambodia you pay for things US dollars and they give you the change in Cambodian riels which you then give it to your moto dup driver.  A moto dup driver is your two wheeled evening chauffer.

  • Get your driver to fill up an esky / cooler full of beer and ice and do your laundry while you are golfing.

  • Use your van for side trips and to get dropped off where you want to start your nights out.

  • Take lots of golf socks and shorts and tops and a glove or two

  • Don't forget to tip your caddy and buy them a few drinks on the way around.

  • Always take a change of clothes and have a shower after the game.

  • Take plenty of golf clothes and get your driver / host to do everyone's laundry while you're playing.

  • Laundry by weight is much cheaper than by the article.

  • Take some baby powder with you and use it liberally in your shoes.

  • It gets really hot in the hot months - consider a cart and umbrella - you can always pick them up after the front 9



Budget -

Good value for what you get but you will still spend a lot. Accommodation, food and drinks are very reasonable in Cambodia.



Extra -

Look at Thailand in 'Golfing Nomads'


There was talk of building a course that was in both Cambodia and Vietnam. One of the highlights was to be an international drive from one of the tees. It seems to have gone quiet in recent years.


More
Isaan  - The Heartland

Isaan - The Heartland

Itinerary -

Bangkok 2N / 1C


Pak Chong 1N / 1C 


Nakhon Ratchasima 1N 


Khon Kaen 2N / 2C 


Udon Thani 2N / 1C 


Nong Khai 2N / 1C 


Vientiane 6N / 4C


 = 16N / 10Courses



Highlights -

Isaan food and culture


French Patisseries



Famous -

Amen Corner


Khao San Road


That Luang - the National Symbol of LAO PDR



Visa -

THAILAND -

60 days on arrival for most countries and extendable for another 30. Sometimes only 15 days at land borders.

Click here for information


LAOS -

30 day visa on arrival for most countries at the border for US$20 - US$42. Best to bring US$ with you and some passport photographs.

Click here for information



Airports -

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

Fly in and out of here


Wattay International Airport (VTE)

Fly from here back to Bangkok or you could catch the train.


Check here for airfares.



About -

Fly in and out of Bangkok. Stay in the Khao San Road area on the riverfront with a pool. Plenty to see and do here the first night while you're getting acclimatised. 


Play the Royal Gems - a replica course. The front nine is made up of famous signature holes from well known courses around the world. The back nine is the back nine of Augusta. 


Have a beer or two in Patpong, check out the museum then celebrate with a night out on Sukhumvit Road. 


Have a sleep in. Eat a big hangover brunch before hitting the road to Pak Chong. Settle in to your new resort by the river. Have a dip in the pool. Head out to the Night Market or straight across the river to the amazing Waterside House.


Another relaxed wake up and breakfast. A bit under an hour to the course. Today it's the exciting Panorama Golf and Country Club. Part of the course makes its way through virgin forest and the other part is on a bluff overlooking the whole Khao Yai Valley. There are two swimming pools so don't forget our bathers. You'll have an hour in the van to enjoy those icy cold beers on the way to your next hotel. Often this is the best part of the day.


Na(kho-n Rat)chasima (abbreviated to Korat) is one of the larger cities in Thailand. Spend the night seeing it's Night Market and Night Life before a well earned sleep. Pop into the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) on Pho Klang Rd by the Siri Hotel for a drink and see if any of the old Vietnam Vets are still around. They serve meals here as well and have been doing so for well over 40 years.


Early star today, you'll need to be on the road by 9ish. It's two and a half hours to the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club. This championship course is on the Asian tour.


A couple of nights in Khon Kaen where you'll be staying in 5***** luxury in the middle of the nightlife area. The other course you'll be playing here is nearby Dancoon Golf Club. It features water on 10 holes including the signature par 3 island green.


Have a rest day as you travel up to Udon Thani which was a major USAF air base in the Vietnam war between 1964 and 1976. It was responsible for much of the bombing of North Vietnam and Laos. These days you will find a lot of ex-pats living up here.


Stay in the centre of town where you will have a pool and be in walking distance to the large Night Markets and bar areas. Play Royal Creek Golf Club and Resort which was formerly a rice paddy and requires a few spare balls.


En-route to Nong Khai play the Victory Course which is a surprisingly high standard course for one that is really off the beaten track. Pop into the local Rum distillery for a taste after the game. Have a rest / sightseeing day and a couple of nights in this wonderful riverside town before crossing over to Laos.


Cross the border and get set up in your next hotel. Also with a pool. There is a great selection of restaurants and bars down along the Mekong River. It's the best place to catch the sunset as well. 


You have 4 courses to play here. One of them being a twilight round. All courses here are quite new and impressive.


After a wonderful week getting to know Laos and her friendly laid back people it's time to head to the airport and fly home via Bangkok. Have an extra few nights there on the way through if you like. If you haven't had your fill of golf there's another twenty or so courses there to pick from.



STAY -

Bangkok 2N

Chillax Heritage Hotel Khaosan***  

Near Khao San backpacker area - Pool

or

Ramada by Wyndham Bangkok Sukhumvit 11****

Near Sukhumvit nightlife area - Pool


Pak Chong 1N

Ban Mai Vintage 

Pool


Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) - 1N

Romyen Garden Palace**** 

Pool


Khon Kaen - 2N

Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid*****  

Pool


Udon Thani 2N -

Charoen Hotel*** 

Pool  

or the

Centara Udon ****

Pool


Nong Khai 2N -

Asawann Hotel ***  

or 

Amanta Hotel  


Vientiane 6N -

Mali Namphu Hotel**  

Pool 

or 

Le Charme Vientiane Hotel ***  

Pool



Courses & Suggested Tee Times -

BANGKOK -

The Royal Gems Golf City - Dream Arena - 12.00pm

They envisage having 63 golf holes here one day making Bangkok a true golfing capital. The attraction at the moment is the replica course. The front 9 holes are replicas of famous holes around the world such as the Road Hole from St Andrews - The Postage Stamp from Royal Troon - the Sawgrass island green - the par 5 from Bay Hill Florida and the Church Pews from Oakmont. This should warm you up and get you ready to take on the back nine at Augusta. It is a lot of fun and adds a new dimension to the game. Every time you watch the Masters you'll be reliving your round.


NAKHON RATCHASIMA -

Panorama Golf and Country Club - 11.00 am

Great course, very scenic, part of the course makes its way through virgin forest and the only hole you can see is the one you're on. Another part of the course is located on a bluff with outstanding views of the Khao Yai Valley. There is an interesting shot on the 10th where you have to hit over a valley and across a hill to a blind green. The course is kept in tip top condition.


KHON KAEN -

Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club - 12.30pm

This land was once the waste disposal area for the Singha Brewery. So it has plenty of water. It is a major fixture on the professional Asian golfing circuit. It is a beautiful course that makes its way past 9 lakes and other natural features. Water comes into play on 16 holes. It has a nice balcony for the 19th.


Dancoon Golf Club - 12.00pm

Opened in 2008 and in 2010 hosted the Asian Seniors. Nice course that is good value, pretty flat and easy to walk. Water features on 10 holes with the par 3 11th island green being the signature hole. Good facilities and a restaurant.


UDON THANI -

Royal Creek Golf Club and Resort - 12.00pm

Built on a former rice paddy it has a lot of manmade water hazards. Including the signature par 3 8th which has an almost island green resembling the famous hole at Sawgrass. Extra balls will come in very handy here. Carts are compulsory.


NONG KHAI -

Victory Park Golf & Country Club - 11.00 am

Opened in 1997. International championship standard course that has had extensive work done in order to attract pro tours again. Out of the way gem.


VIENTIANE - Suggested playing order

Lakeview Vientiane Golf Club - 11.00am

Only 20 minutes to get out to this course which has been transformed to one of the courses with the highest standards in Vientiane. Keeping in line with its name each hole is framed by manmade lakes as well as steep bunker complexes and undulating greens. A lot of trees have been planted as well.


Long Vien Golf Club - 4.00pm - M, W, F Twilight Golf

27 hole and one of the best courses in Vientiane. Situated in a special duty free zone so grab a bottle or two while you're out here. East is lakes and forests and West is more open with bunkers and undulating fairways. Caddies are all male.


SEA Games Golf Club - 11.00am

This course was designed for the 25th South East Asian Games held here. It is a challenging 27 hole course and has a lot of water. It's not as good as Long Vien so you may like to play the other 9 there and play the whole round in the daylight.


Dansavanh Golf Club - 10.00am

One of a kind gorgeous location with views of Nam Ngum Lake about an hour north of Vientiane. The view from the 10th is quite stunning. It is quite hilly so you may want a cart. Water comes into play on 13 holes. 8 holes have doglegs. This was the first international standard course in the country. Get an early start so you've got some time to enjoy a few at the 19th taking in the breathtaking views over the lake.



Eat -

Night Market - Pak Chong


Night Market - Korat


Night Markets / VT Namneung Vietnamese - Udon Thani


Sindad - Lao BBQ and other dishes / Pyongyang Restaurant (North Korean) - Laos



Sundowners -

Amorosa Bar - Arun Residence


Nong Prajak Public Park overlooking the lake, bars and restaurants - Udon Thani


Sky Bar - Nong Khai


Riverfront / Patuxai Park - Vientiane



19th, 20th etc -

Banglamphu


Sukhumvit


Waterside House - Pak Chong


VFW / Dokmai Cafe Pub and Restaurant - Korat


Alfresco balcony at Singha Park


Issan Rum Distillery / Riverfront / Soi Nitapat - Nong Khai


Vientiane riverfront becomes one long Beer Garden


Ease Scent Restaurant (Lake View) after playing Dansavanh Golf Club or the Dansavanh Resort Pier



Side Trips -

Bang Pa-in Palace


The Sculpture Park - Nong Khai


Buddha Park - Vientiane


Beer Lao Factory - Monday / Wednesday / Friday between 1.30 and 4.30 - come here before playing twilight golf at Long Vien


Cope Visitor Centre - the legacy of being the most bombed country in the history of warfare.



Don't miss -

The Royal Gems Dream Arena



Tips -
  • Get your driver to fill up an esky / drinks cooler full of beer and ice and do your laundry while you are golfing.

  • Use your van for side trips and to get dropped off where you want to start your nights out.

  • You can often buy cheap bags of balls at shops conveniently just outside the golf courses. It's worth stocking up when you see them as they are good quality and cheap.If you get caught short on the course you can often get black market balls from the green keepers. Caddies always have a few balls and tees on them too.

  • Take lots of golf socks and shorts and tops and a glove or two

  • You can often buy bags of good, cheap, sorted balls in shops close to the golf course. 

  • Don't forget to tip your caddy and buy them a few drinks on the way around.

  • Always take a change of clothes and have a shower after the game.

  • Take plenty of golf clothes and get your driver / host to do everyone's laundry while you're playing.

  • Laundry by weight is much cheaper than by the article.

  • It gets really hot in the hot months - consider a cart and umbrella - you can always pick them up after the front 9

  • Get some talcum powder from 7-11 - for shoes and hands

  • Cheers in Thai is Chon GOW

  •  in Lao is Tam Chok


Budget -

It depends on how many of you go. The more people sharing the costs of the van the cheaper that will be. 


The hotels are good value and not too expensive. It depends if you want to share or not. 


The green fees are a bit of a mixed bag but compared to western prices very good value. 


Some courses hiring a cart is compulsory and others you can walk. 


Make sure there is enough baggage allowance in your airfares for your clubs. 


It's usually best to get your green fees, transport and accommodation booked by an agency who specialises in golf tours. 


You will need to hire caddies each time and you will need to tip them. It's also nice to buy them and yourself a few drinks on the way around. 


There are side bets and competitions and penalties to think about. Then there's the 19th, 20th, 21st...... holes which can get quite expensive.  Bring lots of money.



Extra -

See Bangkok in 'Cities' - Naga Balls in 'Festivals' and Laos in 'Countries'.





More
Myanmar - Rd  2 Mandalay

Myanmar - Rd 2 Mandalay

Itinerary - 

Yangon 7N (1st night / 3 courses / 1 rest / 2 courses)


Train 1N 


Mandalay  5N (2 courses / 1 rest / 2 courses)


=13N / 9C



When -

Apart from December to February it can be 40 C and makes the golf far less enjoyable even with a cart. 


June to October is the monsoon season and has the most rain. Burning season can be a problem too which can occur from January onwards but is usually late February, March.


So it looks like December is the ideal time. Why not celebrate Christmas here. It's very relaxing without all of the usual responsibilities. Just treat yourself to anything you want for the day. What could go wrong 😂



Highlights -

Turning back the clock to the old Asia - Although a lot of modern buildings have been springing up in Yangon in recent years it hasn't kept pace with its highly touristed neighbours. It is another face of S E Asia that needs to be seen. See if you can work out why this is different to all other Asia cities. 


The World's largest book

on Mandalay Hill along with numerous temples and pagodas.


Mandalay the old Royal Capital - was bombed flat in WWII



Famous -

Shwedagon Pagoda

Covered with the gold hijacked from the sacking of Ayutthaya


Bogyoke Aung San's House (museum)

Aung San Suu Kyi's dad and Father of the Nation who was assassinated in 1947 along with another 8 members of his cabinet.


Aung San Suu Kyi's House - 

from the outside only


U Bein Bridge

go for a stroll in Mandalay


The Moustache Brothers

the dissident comedy troupe who are only allowed to perform for foreigners. Their lampooning of the junta cost two of them 7 years in jail. They drew straws to see who would deliver the controversial jokes. The lucky one Lu Maw avoided all of that hardship.



Visa -

Asian countries get 14 - 28 days visa free (apart from India and China). All others will need to get a visa. You can get them online or at the Embassy and you will get 28 days which can be extended for up to 14 days for a fee.

Click here for information



Airports -

Yangon International Airport (RGN) -

Has direct flights around Asia. It is most easily accessed from Bangkok, Singapore or Dubai.


Mandalay International Airport (MDL) -

Has direct flights to Bangkok, Singapore and Yangon.


Check here for airfares.



About -

Thanks to Burma being a part of the British Raj it's no stranger to the game of golf. There are roughly 130 courses scattered around the country. In many parts of Asia golf is a relatively new thing, but not here. The Thayet Golf Club north of Pyay opened up in 1887.


Try to organise the trip through these people.


Fly into Yangon settle into your hotel then start exploring. Some thought has been put into the order of the courses but play them in any order you like. A rough plan would be play 3 courses, have a day off to see the sights then play the last two. Catch the sleeper train to Mandalay, arrive early morning, move in to hotel then head out for a round of golf. Play the next day, then a day off to look around and then the final two courses. This would take 2 weeks with you flying out on day 14. See Transport below. ⬇️



STAY -

Yangon - 

Pan Pacific Yangon *****


Mandalay - 

if you want something flash with a pool stay at the


Mecure Mandalay Hill Resort ****

Not on Booking.com

 

Orient Hotel Mandalay *** 

A boutique hotel closer to the action. Not on Booking.com


or Shwe Ingyinn Hotel Mandalay ***

Rooftop bar - not on Booking.com



Courses -

YANGON-

Yangon Golf Club

Established in 1909 but constantly renewed to provide a good experience for golfers. 25 mins away it is run as a not for profit organization. There are several long tee shots over water and many other hazards lying in wait. The course hosts the Asian PGA Tour.


Pun Hlaing Golf Club

Excellent course designed by Gary Player opened in 2000 and 12 kms from the city. It has hosted the Myanmar masters and the Myanmar Open. It was built on paddy fields at the confluence of the Hlaing, Pun Hlaing and Yangon rivers. So there is a fair bit of water on the course but there is plenty of room to stay out of trouble. Great city views including the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Facilities are first class, so it is worth having a few beers at the 19th overlooking the 18th.


YCDC aka Yangon City Golf Resort

40 mins away YCDC has 2 x 18 hole courses. One is flate and wide while the other is narrow with trees.


Dagon Golf City

15 mins away and opened in 2018. Built on an old fish farm it is scattered with small lakes. It is also littered with fairway bunkers. Tiny greens and large greenside bunkers add to the challenge. One has a large red monkey in it. A nod to the year construction started. The club house facilities are akin to a 5***** hotel.


Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club

Another beauty half an hour north of the city. Opened in 1995 each hole is unique and once again there is no shortage of water on the course.


MANDALAY -

Yay Dagon Taung Golf Resort

Set in the foothills about a half an hour drive this is known as the waterfall course. It has 27 holes and it opened in 1996. The mountain scenery, temples and pagodas make it a very pleasant and relaxing course to play. There are no carts so you'll be walking.


Shwe Sar Yan Golf Resort and Country Club

Scenic course on a river bend 40 minutes from Mandalay


Myotha National Golf Club

The best course in Myanmar and one of the best in Asia. From the back tees at 7,315 metres it's also one of the most difficult. From the front tees it actually plays easier for short hitters. A great effort was used to create 18 individual and memorable holes. It has landscapes similar to Arizona with cliffs, canyons and 40 metre changes of elevation. There are no signature holes as they are all good but there's a couple of par 3's you'll want to get your camera out for. One is an island green made from rocks removed from all of the other holes and the other is surrounded by a natural canyon for 270 degrees. Another hole has its own waterfall. Even though you can walk the course it is long and hot and you've paid for the buggy anyway in your green fees. You can leave the paths and drive straight up to your ball here which is a bonus.


Shwe Mann Taung Golf Resort

Very handily located on the hill overlooking the palace. It is a story of two 9's - south (Front 9) and the north (Back 9). This course is from colonial times and each 9 has been renovated at different times 2014 and 2017 respectively. This means different turfs to add to the challenge. There are some great views to be had of Mandalay from the back 9. There are lights here so you can play at night but you'll miss the views. A nice short trip back to the bars for your last night.



Eat -

Mohinga is the National dish

popular for breakfast but can be eaten anytime. It is a bowl of curried fish and noodle soup Burmese style with many garnishes. Some broths are thicker than others.


Tea Leaf Salad 

(Lahphet Thoke) - delicious and healthy. Order some with every meal.


RangoonTea House - 

fantastic milk tea with deep and shallow fried snacks and Shan Noodles. What could be better. Small cups so you'll probably need to order two. Authentic Burmese and cocktails


Street Food - big variety



YANGON

Chinatown and BBQ Street

meat on a stick


999 Shan Noodle


The Strand


Karaweik Palace

Royal cuisine and cultural show aboard the majestic Gold Karaweik bird apperaring to float on Kandawgyi Lake



MANDALAY

Tea Shops


The Golden Duck


City Hotpot & BBQ


Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant


Aye Myit Tar - Curries


Night Market



Sundowners -

The Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro

icy cold beers with a view


The 19th at Pun Hlaing Golf Club


Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar -

the highest bar in Yangon


Mandalay Hill



19th, 20th etc -

YANGON -

Have a cocktail and a Cuban cigar (The local ones are very good too, as are the cheroots) at the Strand Hotel.


ABC Country Pub 

for live Country and "Western"


Chinatown 19th St aka BBQ Street - meat stcks and cheap beer al fresco style


Win Star Beer Station - BBQ and cheap beer



Silver Oak Cafe and Restaurant

Ice Cream Parlour and Rock Club

Zero Zone Roof Top Beer Garden - BBQ Buffet and live music

Most late night clubs are in 5***** hotels.



MANDALAY -

Royal Lake Cafe

Beer station with live music


Uncle Chan Beer Station

BBQ and icy cold beers


The Square BBQ & Restaurant

live music in the garden


The Rock Gastro Bar



Side Trips -

YANGON -

Bogyoke Aung Sang (Scott's) Market


MANDALAY -

The Palace -

reconstructed in the 90's


The Jade Market


The Skinny Buddha


Cultural Show at Mintha Theatre



Don't miss -

The Moustache Brothers in Mandalay



Transport -

Hire a 9 or 14 seat Minivan with driver in Yangon to meet all your needs. You could catch the overnight sleeper train to Mandalay for a local experience and get another Minivan and driver waiting for you at the train station.

Or you could drive up via Bagan and spend a night and some sightseeing around the Pagodas. Or you could fly up and have another van pick you up at the Mandalay International Airport.


You might have to book some of the travel through a local travel agent on Yangon. They can do all of your bookings (train, plane, vans etc) and meet you at the airport when you arrive. Internet is very slow in Myanmar and it can be a real headache trying to organise things. A good travel agent is worth their weight in gold.



Tips -
  • Get a Golf Travel Bag and check the baggage limits before you get your flights.

  • Hiring clubs is very expensive and you'll enjoy playing with your own clubs much more.

  • Bring lots of socks, shorts and shirts

  • Get your driver to fill up an esky / cooler full of beer and ice and do your laundry while you are golfing.

  • Use your van for side trips and to get dropped off where you want to start your nights out.

  • Don't forget to tip your caddy and buy them a few drinks on the way around.

  • Always take a change of clothes and have a shower after the game.

  • Take plenty of golf clothes and get your driver / host to do everyone's laundry while you're playing.

  • Take some baby powder with you and use it liberally in your shoes.

  • It gets really hot in the hot months - consider a cart and umbrella - you can always pick them up after the front 9


Budget -

Myanmar is still quite cheap for food, beer, transport and the higher end hotels are great value. The golf should be cheaper than what you pay at home. Vans and drivers aren't that cheap but you'll be splitting the costs. This would be one of the cheaper golf trips if not the cheapest.



Extra -

See Bangkok and Singapore in 'Cities', Ngapali and Inle Lake in 'Honeymoons' and Bagan and Kalaw in 'Hotels'.



More
Thai - Red Lights & Greens

Thai - Red Lights & Greens


Itinerary -

Bangkok 3N / 3 courses - 


Pattaya 4N / 4 courses - 


Ban Chang 1N / 1 course -  


Phala Beach 2N / 1 course - 


Ko Samet 1N (rest day) - 


Pattaya 1 N / 1 course - 


= 12N and 10 courses



Highlights -

Some of the best golfing in Asia

Asia's first Triple green

2 x Par 6's

The longest par 5 in Thailand

Wangjuntr  (Moon Palace)

Amen Corner and Eden Corner



Famous -

Royal Gems - Asia's first and only replica course (incl Augusta back 9)

Buddha Mountain

Thailand Nightlife



Visa -

Most passport holders get 60 days on entry with the option of another 30.

Click here for information



Airports -

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Bangkok's main airport is a transport hub and has direct flights all over the world.


Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Bangkok's second airport and home for the cheap carriers mainly in Asia


Check here for airfares.



About -

Fly into Bangkok and have your van and driver pick you up at the airport and transfer you your hotel. Stay on or near Sukhumvit Road a major artery that runs all the way to the Cambodian border. Each Soi (lane) that runs off of it has its own attractions. Odd numbers head north and even ones south. It's easy to find your way around and there's a lot to see.


Play the Royal Gems on your first full day here. Bangkok has many nightlife areas so you might want to head somewhere different each night. There are some nice restaurants along the river too. Ask your driver on the best places to go in each place. Usually the driver has an offsider. A good idea is to organise a deal where they take all off your sweaty golf clothes at the end of each day and get them laundered for you. They make a few dollars and you don't have a mountain of stinky, wet clothes. If you've never been to the tropics before, wet clothes don't dry easily.


Next course should be the Thai Country Club on your way to Pattaya. On the day you play Chee Chan get an early start and when you finish head to the Bang Saray Beach Club about 45 mins south of Pattaya. Hang around the pool drinking icy cold beer and watch the sun set over the sea. Hopefully they've got the big Texan BBQ fired up. This place was first built in 1966 for some R&R for the boys coming in from Vietnam.


Play St Andrews 2000 on your way to Ban Chang the little town where the oil rigs workers came to entertain themselves when they come ashore. It started off as an R & R place for the nearby U-Tapao USAF Air Base which is now Rayong -  Pattaya International Airport. Next day play Eastern Star before making your way to Phala Beach.


Next day play Emerald then back to Phala Beach. Some beers and seafood by the beach watching the sunset would be a good recipe for the 19th hole.


Get an early start and make your way to Ko Samet for a day off. This place is a lot livelier than the beach you're coming from. Leave most of your stuff with the van and just take a day pack to keep you going for a day or two. It might be cheaper and definitely quicker to organise speed boats. Sometimes you can avoid the National Park fees this way.


Early start back to the mainland and your final round and trust me it will be a memorable one. Then back to Pattaya for another night where you are only 90 mins away from the airport.



Stay -

Bangkok

The Landmark Bangkok ***** - Pool


Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit ***** - Pool


VIE Hotel Bangkok, MGallery ***** - Pool



Pattaya

Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel ****  - Pool


Mera Mare Pattaya ***** - Pool



Ban Chang

Kantary Hotel  Banchang ***** - Pool


Hideaway Resort Banchang - Pool


Grand Garden Hotel & Residence **** - Pool



Phala Beach

Royal Phala Cliff Beach Resort **** - Pool



Ko Samet

Hunt around for a good deal on Sai Kaew Beach or Ao Phai - 


maybe Tonsak Resort *** 


or Samed Grandview Resort ***



Courses -

Bangkok


The Royal Gems

Asia's first and only replica course. The front 9 is made up of signature holes from around the world including Oakmont #3 church pews, Sawgrass #17 island green, the Road hole at St Andrews and the Postage Stamp from Royal Troon. The back 9 is the back 9 from Augusta including Amen Corner. This might be the closest you get to the real thing and it makes for an interesting round of golf.


Alpine Golf and Sports Club

One of the best in Asia and most challenging in Bangkok. Tiger won here in 2000. Unusual for Bangkok it has significant elevation changes. It is a very scenic course with lots of water protecting the greens. Most of the greens slope from back to front.


Thai Country Club

Tiger has won here as well, as has Vijay Singh. It is regularly voted in the Top 5 courses in Asia and is immaculately presented with an abundance of water and sand. The undulating greens make for some interesting pin placements and will definitely test your putter. The Clubhouse is regularly voted the best in Asia and has a reputation for the friendliest staff in the land.


Pattaya


Siam Country Club - Plantation Course

This is the star in an area that has a lot of fantastic golf courses. It is an amazing golf course and as difficult as any you will find in Thailand. 27 holes rolling through a former tapioca and Pineapple plantation. Some of the high elevations have breath taking views over the Gulf of Thailand. It is one of the longest courses in Thailand and the pressure keeps on building hole after hole. The three 9's are Tapioca Course, Pineapple Course and Sugar Cane Course. The 19th overlooks the triple green and Pattaya.


Chee Chan Golf Resort - (early start and Sundowners around the pool at the Bang Saray Beach)

This is a relatively new one and is a premium links style course. It is located in the shadows of the famous Khao Chee Chan Buddha image, laser etched into the side of a mountain. Combined with the views over Pattaya and the Gulf of Thailand makes this a visually stunning course to play. The wetlands on the course are another highlight.


Laem Chabang International Country Club

The 27 hole Jack Nicklaus designed course is one of the most beautiful in Asia. Each of the three 9's have their own unique character. There is Mountain Course, Lake Course and Valley Course. The only disappointment is that you don't get to play all three. As well as manmade hazards there are plenty of natural ones to keep you on your toes.


St Andrews 2000 Golf Club (Play on the way to Ban Chang)

A fun attractive course and probably the second most interesting on the trip. Designed by Desmond Muirhead to replicate a Scottish links course it features two very long par 6's at 878 and 861yards respectively. It also has a couple of challenging drives over water. There are scenic rock formations which can cause unpredictable reactions from your ball. A good fun day enhanced by the humour of the caddies.


Ban Chang


Eastern Star Country Club & Resort (Play on The way to Phala Beach)

One of only 5 courses in Thailand designed by Robert trent Jones. Another links style course close to the cooling breezes coming off of the Gulf of Thailand. It has 2,200 coconut trees, 11 lakes, 65 bunkers and a lot of water along the fairways. The picturesque par 3 13th is the signature hole and requires an accurate shot over water.


Phala Beach


Emerald Golf Club

A Nick Faldo / Desmond Muirhead design that is not so well known in the Pattaya area. An interesting and challenging course where accuracy is preferable to length. It is set into the mountains and a pristine rainforest with volcano type greens that might have you practising your flop shot. It also makes it one of the prettiest courses around.


Ko Samet


Wangjuntr Golf & Nature Park (Play on way back to Pattaya)

Bring lots of balls!! It's probably not the best till last but it's definitely the most interesting and memorable. You've never played anywhere like this before. Three of the most spectacular and challenging golf courses in Thailand made out of  a plantation for Rubber,  Cassava, Pineapple and Sugar Cane.  The three courses are Valley Course, Highlands Course and Jungle Course. The countryside has been altered as little as possible and don't be surprised to find rocks and bunkers in the middle of your green. As well as animals, teeing off on the shop roof or teeing off into the great unknown. The Valley Course has more animals, the Highland Course is a real challenge and the Jungle Course is the new one and just as bizarre as the other two. If you haven't played here before I would suggest the Highland Course.



Eat -

Bangkok

Try the famous curry crab at Somboon Seafood

various locaions


Chinatown


Asiatique The Riverfront

eating, shopping & drinking in a Heritage site


Don't skip the street food


Pattaya

The seafood restaurants out over the water at the start of Walking Street are good for a group


Pattaya Beer Garden 

is another good spot that is well managed


Central Festival Shopping Centre 

is full of good eating - food court and supermarket in the basement - top 2 floors of restaurants and others scattered throughout


Ban Chang

Ban Chang Night Market


Phala Beach

Heaps of seafood places along the beach


The Lord Nelson

Full English Breakfast / Pies / Fish n Chips / Lamb Shanks / Curries / Steaks


Ko Samet

Beach Vendors

BBQ Seafood in the sand with Fire twirlers



Sundowners -

Bangkok


Sky Bar

shoes and long pants required for men / neat and casual for the ladies - be there for 6pm opening


Amorosa Bar at  Arun Residence

riverside near Wat Pho for the best views of Wat Arun


Pattaya

Pattaya Beer Garden - best Pina Coladas around


Hilton Hotel Horizon Rooftop

2 for 1 cocktails between 5 - 7pm


Phala Beach

By the pool at the Lord Nelson

Any beach place


Ko Samet

On the beach



19th, 20th etc -

Bangkok

Sukhumvit


Pattaya

More choices than anywhere on earth. Just start walking in any direction. 


Ban Chang

The Ban Chang Strip - Soi Thetsaban 25


Phala Beach

There are some little places nearby and you're only 10 mins away from where you were last night


Ko Samet

Hat Sai Kaew



Side Trips -

If you have an extra day or two there are so many things to see and do in Bangkok and Pattaya it's worth looking into



Don't miss -

Sky Bar - Bangkok



Tips -
  • You can often buy bags of good, cheap, sorted balls in shops close to the golf course. 

  • Make sure you have lots of balls then double it for the last game at Wangjuntr!

  • Don't forget to tip your caddy and buy them a few drinks on the way around.

  • Always take a change of clothes and have a shower after the game.

  • Take plenty of golf clothes and get your driver / host to do everyone's laundry while you're playing.

  • Laundry by weight is much cheaper than by the article.

  • Take some baby powder with you and use it liberally in your shoes.

  • It gets really hot in the hot months - consider a cart and umbrella - you can always pick them up after the front 9



Budget -

You're here for a good time not a long time. Budget around $300 per day depending on if you are winning or losing the bets and the comps.



Extra -

See Thailand in Countries as well as Festivals.



More
Thailand - North

Thailand - North

More
Thailand - South

Thailand - South

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