Suggestions for Golf Tour Packages - Western Region
7-Day Itinerary
Stretching from the hills and famous bridge in Kanchanaburi, past the mountains of Ratchaburi to the aristocratic seaside resort of Hua Hin, there are enticing courses and exotic scenery to excite many golfers.
Day 1: Take a two-hour coach trip to Kanchanaburi, a small town forever linked to the Second World War. The cemetery and JEATH War Museum provide poignant reminders of a terrible era, then visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. From the nearby station you can catch a stream train that takes you along the infamous rail line over cliff-hugging viaducts to Namtok station. Not for away is the excellent Australian War Museum next to the haunting Hellfire Pass. Spend the night at one of the riverside hotels.
Day 2: Return to Kanchanaburi and a round at Evergreen Hills Golf Club & Resort, a pleasant course located in a beautiful jungle-covered valley. While water comes into play at many holes, the course is not too difficult, except for the tricky par-4 17th. In the evening. Dine at one of the many riverside restaurants near the bridge, known for their delicious freshwater fish.
Day 3: Get an early start for the drive to Ratchaburi, where Dragon Hills Golf & Country Club is ready to offer a formidable challenge. Designed by Jim Engh, Isao Aoki and jack Nicklaus, this course has everything from undulating fairways to lateral water hazards, amid the scenic hills of Ratchaburi. After lunch visit the stunning old palace that sites on the hill (Khao Wang) overlooking the town of Phetchaburi. Continue south to the resort of Hua Hin, where you can treat yourself to dinner by the beach at the popular Sailom Hotel.
Day 4: You just to play Thailand's oldest course, Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, next to the railway station in the town center. Set around a hillside, there's no water on the course at all, but the slopes, massive trees and tough lies makes it difficult to get good scores. In the afternoon visit the exquisitely restored teak summer palace of Maruekkataiyawan in Rama 6 Army Camp, that offers hints of a bygone age. In the evening, dine on fresh seafood at the fishing pier.
Day 5: Head off on Safari to Khao Sam Roi Yot (300 Peaks) National Park, about 65 kilometres south of Hua Hin, a scenic area full of birds and wildlife. Popular park activities include bird-watching treks; a visit to Phraya Nakhon cave containing a delightful royal pavilion built for King Chulalongkorn in 1890; and a boat ride along Khao Daeng canal, passing through mangroves wild scenery. Return to Hua Hin and visit the famed Night Market, where you find just about everyone in town.
Day 6: Just south of Hua Hin is the tough Bangkok Golf Milford & Resort, a Robert Mc-Farland-designed course with the two nines on either side of a hill. As a result there are many sloping and tricky lies, while the climb over the hill is exhausting, even in a buggy. Beware the rough on the back nine, which is full of rocks. In the evening, dine in the gardens of the elegant Sofitel Central Hua Hin, a hotel with a history as old as the resort.
Day 7: The final game is at the Imperial Lake View Hotel& Golf Club, a beautiful course designed by Roger Packard. Undulating lies and hidden greens can make for a difficult game, unless you follow the fairways. The course has its own hotel, run by the Imperial Group, if you want to stay on. Otherwise, head back to Bangkok.
