Golf in Asia

Diethelm Travel Group

Diethelm Travel is part of the Swiss organisation Diethelm Keller Group, which has operated international businesses with emphasis on Asia for almost a century and a half.

Having an unblemished track record in the travel industry is a hallmark of our success. Diethelm Travel has been operating with distinction for more than 50 years in this diverse and dynamic region. Our customers and suppliers trust us implicitly with their business.

With our history of delivering creative travel experiences and serving our customers with care, Diethelm Travel has sculptured a travel brand recognised and respected the world over.

Diethelm Travel's geographic spread covers twelve countries through 29 offices, welcoming almost 500,000 customers from more than 103 countries and territories to the region

Thailand - Vietnam - Cambodia - China

Why Diethelm Golf?

Awarded Best Travel Agency in Thailand by TTG Asia for the last four years and named Best Tour Operator at the 2009 World Travel Awards, Diethelm Golf brings unrivalled credentials to the world of golf in Asia-Pacific. We have personally evaluated and constantly monitor hundreds of golf courses across the region.

We recommend and offer only those courses which can meet the standards of course maintenance, respect for the environment, quality of service and the playing experience our clients expect.

Our service includes the selection and constant monitoring of hotels, transportation providers and other suppliers to ensure all of our clients enjoy a memorable golfing experience in all of the countries in which we operate.

We are “Trade only” – do not sell direct to the consumer and we do not have a consumer website

We offer a “One Stop Shop” which enables bookings to golf resorts at any of our golf locations to be channelled through our dedicated golf division.

We offer instant confirmation of on-line bookings through our B2B website.

All of our staff are committed to help you create a memorable golf holiday experience.

Thailand - Vietnam - Cambodia - China

Diethelm Golf supports IGOLF

IGOLF was created to encourage a healthy, sustainable golfing experience.

Through its five-part program, IGOLF:

1. Acknowledges courses which promote environmental and social responsibility;2. Shares knowledge of best practices among golf course operators;3. Promotes responsible behaviour and golf etiquette;4. Spreads the message of sustainability and success via the media;5. Rewards excellence.

We encourage you to use IGolf Laureate courses whenever possible.

For further information please go to http://www.golfandlife.ch/.

Golf Tips

Dress Code: Courses in Asia are not usually overzealous about clothing but to be safe wear shirts with collars and ensure you have the proper footwear with rubber spikes.

Dehydration: In warm or humid conditions you may need to drink more than usual to continue to ensure your body functions properly. It is advisable to drink some water before you start playing to ensure that your body is properly hydrated at all times. If you are feeling thirsty, that is a sure sign that your body has already lost too much liquid and you should take a drink immediately. All courses have regular drinks kiosks so please use them.

Sun Protection: Please ensure you use sufficient sun block to protect yourself against the very strong sun in Thailand. The best protection is to use your umbrella as a sunshade. It’s also possible to hire a second caddie to hold the umbrella.

Caddies: You will have to pay a caddie’s fee at all courses and it is expected to pay a tip in cash direct to the caddie. It’s entirely up to you but US$10-15 is usual practice depending on the service you receive. If you are really unhappy with the caddie please note the number and advise us.

Change of Clothes: All courses have well-equipped locker rooms so you can shower and change after your game so remember to take a change of clothes with you. Lockers are free of charge, but do not leave anything valuable inside – also it is customary to give a small tip to the attendant.

Golf Carts: Some courses are walking only and do not allow golf carts and at the courses that do permit them they may not be available during busy periods so please ensure that you request one in advance. Also it’s strictly one cart per person at most courses and depending on the weather you may have to stay on the cart path.

Non-Golfing Guests: If you want to bring a non-playing companion on the course please check with us first as not all courses allow this and they may also make a charge.

Equipment: You can hire clubs, shoes and umbrellas at most courses although the standards do vary and it may not always be the latest equipment.

Golf Tips

Thailand

Thailand is rapidly establishing itself as one of the major golfing destinations around the world and is home to some of the most outstanding courses in Asia, some of which are now included on several of the professional tours. In general the courses are very well-maintained and deliver a friendly and efficient service providing a golfing experience that is difficult to match. There are many different types of courses on offer including challenging championship designs, friendlier resort-style courses and others in the foothills of the north and close to the golden beaches in the south.

Most of the courses are clustered in and around Bangkok but within two hours you can get to the beach resorts of Hua Hin and Pattaya which both have an exceptional choice of golf courses. Further north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provide some excellent courses, many of which have beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. The island of Phuket, one hour’s flight south of Bangkok, is probably Thailand’s premier golfing destination and the resorts of Krabi & Samui also offer some unusual golfing opportunities.

Most courses in Thailand are open to visitors although some of the members clubs have restricted access as playing at the weekend is difficult. The courses around Bangkok and the nearby beach resorts can get crowded at the weekend and some of them charge extra so it is much better to avoid the crowds and play on a weekday. All courses provide caddies and have equipment for hire and most courses offer golf carts (sometimes compulsory and usually one per golfer) although some courses are walking only.

Thailand

The Best Time To Play Golf in Thailand

You can play golf all year round in Thailand although there are three distinct seasons:

November thru February - Dry, "Cooler" Season – At this time of the year the northeast monsoon brings cool, dry air and it’s an ideal time to visit. During this season, the temperature ranges from 18ºC to 32ºC in Bangkok, while in northern parts, temperatures can get surprisingly cool with daytime temperatures as low as 8º C to 12º C although it’s usually around 20º C during the day. Nights can be very cold and at higher altitudes and especially on hilltops temperatures can drop below freezing.

March thru June - Summer Season – At this time of the year it can get very hot and sticky and although it is usually dry the temperature soars. In Bangkok the mean temperature hovers around 34º C, and sometimes as high as 40º C with the humidity levels above 75%.

July thru October - Rainy Season - This is the monsoon season when you can expect to get some rainfall most days or at night. The humidity climbs to around 90%, with temperatures close to 29º C in Bangkok. Typically most days will start fine and then clouds will build up in the afternoon and you will get a thunderstorm – it’s very unusual to get constant rain throughout the day and many times it only rains at night. It is unusual to have to abandon a round of golf due to the weather. The months of August & September season may bring very heavy rains in the north of the country.

Thailand

Bangkok

Over recent years, Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, has changed beyond recognition and today it is an exciting and sophisticated holiday destination. It offers visitors a mixture of ancient and modern with many unique cultural attractions and all the modern conveniences you expect from a major international city. As you would expect there is no shortage of golf courses with more than fifty within easy reach of the city, so it’s well worth spending a few days here before heading off to explore other regions.

Some of the best courses include Alpine which is one of the best clubs in the Bangkok area, Amata Springs, a private club and the venue of The Royal Trophy which features a movable floating green and Thai Country Club which is owned and operated by the Peninsula hotel group and has raised the bar for service excellence. In Bangkok, you should allow at least an hour and a half to get to your chosen course although most courses take 30-60 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions when you leave your hotel.

Courses in Bangkok

Alpine Golf & Sports Club Amata Spring Country Club Bangkok Golf Club Bangpoo Golf & Sports Cascata Golf Club Green Valley Legacy Golf Club

Muang Kaew Golf Course Panya Indra Golf Course President Country Club Pinehurst Club Thai Country Club The Vintage Summit Windmill Windsor Park & Golf Club

Thailand

Pattaya

Pattaya is located on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly two hours by car southeast of Bangkok and continues to be a favourite resort for those seeking fun and excitement. Visitors flock from all over the world to enjoy its fine beaches and “over the top” nightlife. Pattaya offers superb dining and shopping opportunities as well as an unparalleled range of water sports.

The golf in Pattaya is equally spectacular. Courses you must play include the Jack Nicklaus designed LaemChabang and the two courses at the Siam Country Club which was recently host to the LPGA tour. Other courses worth mentioning are Burapha which also offers two courses and is a good option for the high handicapper and St. Andrews 2000 which will remind you of playing on the links courses of Scotland.

Courses in Pattaya

Bangpra International Golf Club Burapha Golf Club Crystal Bay Golf Club Greenwood Golf Resort Laem Chabang International Mountain Shadow Golf Club

Khao Kheow Country Club St. Andrews 2000 Golf Course Pattana Sports Club Phoenix Golf & Country Club Rayong Green Valley Country Club Siam Country Club The Emerald

Thailand

Hua Hin

Located two hour’s drive south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand; Hua Hin is still the Thai Royal family's summer residence and as a result you will not see the rampant commercialism that has blighted other areas of Thailand.

Cha-am, the other resort nearby, is located just 30 kilometers to the north. Both resorts offer accommodation to suit every taste and pocket, unspoilt beaches, a wide range of water sports, shopping, excellent restaurants, and of course some great golf.

There are only seven courses to choose from including the Royal Hua Hin, the oldest course in Thailand and the two new courses – Black Mountain and Banyan , both of which rank with any course in Thailand. Hua Hin is an ideal choice if you are looking for a quieter and more relaxing holiday combined with some great golf.

Courses in Hua Hin

Black Mountain Banyan Palm Hills Royal Hua Hin Springfield Lakeview Majestic Creek

Thailand

Phuket

About one hour by air south of Bangkok is Phuket which is not only one of the leading beach holiday destinations in Thailand but also home to some of its best golf courses. The advantage of Phuket is that all of the courses are within easy reach so you do not have to waste too much travelling time and the destination itself offers hotels to suit every budget, great restaurants, relaxing spas and an exciting and cosmopolitan nightlife.

The golf is exceptional and the two courses at the famous Blue Canyon are the pick of the bunch although the recently opened Red Mountain is a breathtaking and challenging course. If you are looking for something less challenging then Phuket Country Club, Loch Palm and Laguna are ideal.

Courses in Phuket

Blue Canyon Country Club – Canyon Course Blue Canyon Country Club – Lakes Course Loch Palm Golf Club Phuket Country Club Red Mountain Golf Club Laguna Phuket Golf Club

Ask for a copy of our separate Thailand Golf Holiday brochure

Thailand

Krabi

Krabi, a two hour drive from Phuket or a short flight from Bangkok, is one of the up and coming holiday spots in Thailand. Many visitors come in search of the deserted tropical islands, which have been shaped by the wind and sea and often resemble the animals and birds after which they are named. The huge limestone outcrops covered in jungle vegetation dominate the landscape and often rise straight out of the sea.

What many people do not know is that Krabi also has two of the most scenic and exciting golf courses in southern Thailand, particularly the newly renovated Rajjaprabha Dam course which is getting rave reviews.

Courses in Krabi

Pakasai Country Club Rajjaprabha Dam

Ask for a copy of our separate Thailand Golf Holiday brochure

Thailand

Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

If you are looking to combine golf with a cultural experience for your next holiday in Thailand and don’t like the heat, then Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the perfect destinations. Located in the highlands of the North, Chiang Mai offers a pleasant climate all year round. Chiang Mai not only boasts magnificent temples and nice weather, but also a strikingly beautiful landscape, excellent entertainment and shopping opportunities, and the charm of its people. With milder weather and a number of new golf courses opening up over the last few years, Chiang Mai has become one of Thailand’s most attractive golfing destinations.

Often referred to as being the “Gateway to the Golden Triangle” Chiang Rai, which is about 180 kms north of

Chiang Mai, is much less developed. The area is renowned for the relaxing ambience and the diversity of its

hilltribes as well as the beautiful natural environment of its many national parks. The Golden Triangle itself is

extremely commercialized and only worth a fleeting visit.

Courses around Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

Alpine Golf Club Mae Jo Golf Club Royal Chiang Mai Chiangmai Green Valley Country Club Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort Santiburi Country Club (Chiang Rai) Waterford Valley Country Club (Chiang Rai)

Thailand

Kanchanaburi

This is the most westerly of all the provinces of Thailand and stretches all the way to the Burmese border – it is a very beautiful area featuring some spectacular waterfalls and caves, unhurried river scenes and lush, green jungle. It is also “infamous” as the location of the bridge across the River Kwai built by Asian laborers and allied prisoners of war as part of Burma-Siam Railway. The famous bridge still stands and the allied cemetery nearby is well worth a visit and is a moving reminder of this tragedy.

As you might expect several golf course designers have used this natural canvas to craft some wonderful golf courses and it is a joy to play on uncrowded courses against a backdrop of such natural beauty. So if you have a few days to spare then come play in Kanchanaburi.

Courses around Kanchanaburi Dragon Hills Golf & Country Club Evergreen Hills Golf & Country Club Mission Hills Golf Club Nichigo Golf Resort & Country Club Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club Blue Sapphire Golf Grand Garden Resort & Golf Club Green World Hot Spring Resort & Golf Club River Kwai Golf & Country Club

Thailand

Khao Yai

Khao Yai is one of the largest National Parks in Thailand and can be reached after a three hour drive from Bangkok. The region is dominated by the hills and mountains rising up to 1300 meters intertwined with jungle, open grasslands and some large rivers. The wildlife is abundant but difficult to spot and includes elephants, tigers, bears, leopards and countless tropical birds. In order to protect this unspoilt natural wonder Khao Yai has been designated as a World Heritage Park.

As far as golf is concerned, the pick of the courses include Kirimaya Golf Club & Resort, designed by Jack Nicklaus which is very challenging and has been carved out of the jungle on the edge of the park. It is the only 5-star golf resort and a perfect base to explore the region. Mission Hills which is situated between two valleys in the mountains of the Khao Yai National Park is another great course with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.

Courses around Khao Yai

Bonanza Golf & Country Club Forest Hills Country Club (Sir James) Friendship Meadows Country Club Khao Cha-Ngok Golf & Country Club Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa

Korat Country Club Golf & Resort Mission Hills Khao Yai Resort & Golf Club Royal Hills Golf Resort & Spa Victory Park Golf & Country Club Voyage Panorama Resort & Golf Club

Thailand

Thailand

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is not often thought of as a golfing destinations but is a perfect escape and offers a more peaceful and relaxing alternative to some of Thailand’s better known beach resorts. The island is covered in coconut palms and ringed by white sandy beaches and most of the hotels are located close to the sea.

The island now boasts a championship standard course in Santiburi Samui Country Club, which is extremely challenging. Carved out of the hillside, many of the holes have amazing views over the island.

Courses in Koh Samui

Santiburi Country Club Royal Samui Golf & Country Club

Ask for a copy of our separate Thailand Golf Holiday brochure

Vietnam

Vietnam has often lagged behind the rest of the Asian economic giants but over the last few years development has reached a frenetic pace with new hotels and office buildings springing up everywhere. The development of golf has been just as extraordinary with around 20 golf courses already open and as many as another 30 at some stage of planning or construction.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is built astride the Red River Delta in the central part of North Vietnam. It still retains some of its French colonial charm but this is rapidly disappearing as the economy develops. Further south, the small and quiet city of Hue sits beside the Perfumed River and is renowned for its numerous pagodas and temples, citadels and Royal tombs.

Perhaps the biggest change can be seen in Saigon, today called Ho Chi Minh City which is the economic powerhouse of Vietnam. New hotels, shopping centers and housing developments are under construction everywhere.

The renowned French colonial hill station of Dalat is delightful and offers a wonderful escape from the heat and humidity of the cities and coastal areas and its lakes and pine trees give it a distinctly alpine feeling. It is also home to Dalat Palace Golf Club - the only course in Asia which uses bent grass on the greens similar to the courses in Western Europe.

Vietnam

Finally, the seaside resorts of Phan Thiet and Vung Tau, about three hours by car north of Saigon, each boast one or two top resort golf courses.

Last year Vietnam was chosen as the "Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year" by the International Association of Golf Travel Operators (IAGTO) and rightly so as it now its offers a fantastic choice of golf courses designed by some of the most famous names in golf. In future years Vietnam will be providing stiff competition for Thailand when it comes to golf tours in the Far East.

Vietnam

Vietnam

List of Courses

Dalat Da Lat Palace Golf Club

Hanoi Hanoi International Golf Club Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club Kings Island Golf & Country Club Van Tri Golf Club Tam Dao Dam Vac Golf & Country Club Dragon Phoenix Dai Lai Star Golf & Country Club Do Son Golf & CC

Ho Chi Minh Saigon South Song Be Golf Resort Vietnam Golf & Country Club Bochang Dong Nai Resort Long Thanh Golf Club

Phan Thiet/Vung Tau Sea Links Vung Tau Paradise Resort Ocean Dunes Golf Club

Danang Montgomerie Course Danang Golf Club (Mar 2010)

When to VisitVietnam is a vast country stretching south to north so there are great variations in the weather patterns. The advantage of this is that you can find good weather somewhere in the country most of the year round as when one region is cold and wet another is dry and hot.

North VietnamBetween November and April it is cold and damp with temperatures falling to around 15°C. The summer falls between May to October and the weather is generally hot and dry. The best time to visit the north is from September to December when the weather is less humid.

South VietnamThis is a mainly tropical climate so it’s pretty hot and humid most of the year and the rains come between May and November with the highest rainfall between June & August. The south is at its hottest from February to the end of May and the ideal time to visit is from December to April although you are pretty safe to come up until the end of June when the really wet weather starts.

Central VietnamThis part of Vietnam experiences a mixture of weather. The coastal regions are mainly dry from May to October and get most of their rain from December to February with the odd typhoon in late summer. The highlands are very cold in winter with temperatures near freezing. An ideal time to come is from December to March.If you want to cover all of Vietnam then the perfect time to visit is either from September to December or during March and April.

Ask for a copy of our separate Vietnam Golf Holiday brochure

Vietnam

Cambodia

Most people visit Siem Reap to see the amazing temple complex of Angkor Wat which is well worth dragging yourself off the golf course for at least one day. Siem Reap seems to have avoided much of the rampant commercialism that has blighted many of Asia’s other leading resorts and it still has a distinctly French colonial feeling with tree-lined streets and bicycle powered ”Tuk Tuks” to transport you around. Apart from endless temples in various states of ruin, you can also visit the vast inland lake of Tonle Sap with its floating villages and abundant birdlife.

What is less well known is that Siem Reap is also home to two of the best golf courses in the region. In early 2007 the Sofitel Phokeethra Country Club was opened, and then Nick Faldo opened the Angkor Golf Resort in 2008– which is not only the best course in Cambodia but probably one of the best maintained courses in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2009 Siem Reap’s third course, the Siem Reap Lake Golf Resort opened and a fourth course designed by Jack Nicklaus is also being constructed.

Cambodia

When to Visit

You can visit Cambodia at any time of year. December and January is the best time, when there is little or no rainfall and low humidity. From early February the temperature starts rising until it peaks in April when the temperature often exceeds 40°C. The monsoon rains arrive sometime in May or June and last through until October although it does not rain all the time and most days have bright sunny spells.

Ask for a copy of our separate Cambodia Golf Holiday brochure

China

Everyone is aware of the speed with which this country has developed and the golf industry has been expanding at the same blistering pace with more than 200 courses opened in the past twenty years. Most of the world’s leading players and course designers have put their name to at least one course and with the funds available to them have built some amazing courses.

China has a huge and growing middle class and for them golf is a real status symbol. It will not be long before we see Chinese players starting to dominate the world of professional golf. To compliment this array of superb courses there is the amazing history and culture of China which makes a golfing holiday to this part of the world truly memorable.

Ask for a copy of our separate China Golf Holiday brochure

China

Beijing

China’s amazing capital city is an obvious place to begin your golfing journey through China because not only will you find a varied collection of more than 20 golf courses but it is also home to some of China’s most spectacular historic sites including the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Tian An Men Square. This part of China suffers from harsh winters so the season begins in April. Two of the more popular courses are Pine Valley Golf Resort and Country Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus and the Honghua International Golf Club which has often hosts the Volvo China Open championship. If you are looking for some great scenery as you play a round of golf, the scenic Willow Golf Club is located to the south of Beijing and winds around numerous lakes, while the Beijing Golf Club has holes which overlook the Great Wall of China.

Hong Kong – Shenzhen

Given the city’s colonial roots it is no surprise that this frenetic city boasts six golf clubs, most of which are open to the public on weekdays. Founded in 1889, The Hong Kong Golf Club now has three courses and the The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course also offers three courses on a remote island in the New Territories. Dramatically located on the Clearwater Bay Peninsula, the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club offers amazing views over the dramatic eastern approach to Hong Kong harbour.

Just across the border you come to Mission Hills – certainly the most famous golfing complex in China and the largest in the world with 12 different courses, each designed by a different golfing superstar.

China

Hainan Island

Hainan Island is about one hour by plane from Hong Kong and is a tropical paradise that has often been compared to Hawaii and it certainly has a climate that is great for golfing most of the year. There are 18 golf clubs on the island: five in Sanya, six in Haikou, two in the Bo’ao Area and five along the East CoastOne of the best courses on the island is Yalong Bay, a Robert Trent Jones design that has been voted as one of the best in China. Sun Valley, which stretches over 7,875 yards, will challenge the best golfers but is also playable for most of us from the forward tees. Not to be outdone the Meishi Mayflower International which was designed by Colin Montgomery is reputed to be the longest in the world. Other notable courses include BFA International designed Graham Marsh by and the luxury golf resort Kangle Garden – located near the Xinglong Hot Spring.

Yunnan Province

Many people believe that Yunnan is the Shangri-La imagined by James Milton when he wrote his famous book. Yunnan is one of the most ethnically distinct regions of China with ancient houses, beautiful Chinese temples and pagodas set against a backdrop of magical snow tipped mountains and towering rice terraces. The golf courses in Yunnan are equally diverse and spectacular and both the Jack Nicklaus designed Mountain course and Spring City Golf & Lake Resort are amongst the best in China and appear on the top 500 list in Golf Digest. Ancient Town Lakefront Golf Club winds alongside Wenbihai Lake against a backdrop of Yulong Snow Mountain and offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is more than 3000 meters high and an unbelievable 8,548 yards long and is still rated as a par 72. Fortunately at this altitude your ball flies much further but not far enough to conquer this monster.

China

Shanghai

Shanghai is the centre of China’s economic miracle and at first sight looks more like Chicago than a city in China. This city of 12 million people has been growing very rapidly fueled by the thousands of rural Chinese who flock to the city in search of a better life. A truly modern city which epitomizes China’s emergence onto the world stage with hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and of course golf clubs to rival anywhere in the world.

Shanghai has more than 25 golf courses and although many of Shanghai’s golf courses are private member clubs several of them are open to visitors. Silport Golf Club has received numerous awards since its opening in 1991 and is one of the better courses, Binhai Golf also has two championship golf courses – one is Links style, designed by Peter Thomson and The Forest Course as its name suggests is set amidst a tranquil forest environment.

Ask for a copy of our separate China Golf Holiday brochure

China

China

When to Visit

China is a huge country and as a result you will encounter every type of weather from extreme cold to oppressive heat. The idea time to visit China is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to early part of November). In central China including Shanghai the summers are very hot with high humidity and the winter cold and very wet and not at all conducive to golf.

Hong Kong and Guǎngdōng province including Hong Kong get very hot and humid from April to

September and this is when it rains the most – this region is also susceptible to typhoons between July and September. Things start to cool off in October and the winters can be very pleasant, especially January to March although there is the occasional cold snap. Hainan is warm most of the time.

Ask for a copy of our separate China Golf Holiday brochure

Contact us at:

Mr. David Pettigrew Director of Golf

Email : david.p@diethelmtravel.comPhone : + 66 76 315 840Fax : + 66 76 315 845

Mr. Chavaroon SattarujawongseGolf ManagerEmail : chavaroon.s@th.diethelmtravel.comPhone : +66 2 660 3501Fax : +66 2 660 7020-1

Scandinavia Representative Office:Mr Folke NybergEmail : folke@europeanevent.se

Phone : + 46 709 922 455

Australia Representative Office:Mr Rod RobsonEmail : robson@i.net.auPhone : +61 413055050

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