Hua Hin & Cha-Am Thailand's top regional golf centre

Set immediately beyond the western shores of the Gulf of Thailand is a vast and lush region characterized by a chain of craggy mountains, forests and endless emerald-coloured rice paddles. Visually, it is one of the most stunning regions in Southeast Asia. And at its heart are two or Thailand's most celebrated beach resorts Hua Hin and Cha-Am.

Hua Hin is a relaxing resort, a former fishing village that kept its sedate nature. The main beach is curving expanse of fine sand leading to Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill). Next tot eh fishing pier are popular restaurants serving every kind of fresh seafood, while everyone walks around the Night Market in the town centre, a sort of meeting place to talk and buy snacks.

For holiday-markers, there twin resorts and surrounding areas mean golden beaches, swimming in warm tropical seas, carefree sunny days and long balmy evenings. For golfers, Hua Hin and Cha-Am mean something completely different: access to some of the best-kept, most picturesque and challenging golf courses in this part of the world.

It takes just 40 minutes' drive from the centre of Hua Hin to reach seven superb courses, each boasting the same high level of facilities and service for which Thailand's golfing scene is so renowned. Those prepared to travel a little farther will be rewarded by another ten equally memorable golf course.

Some like Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club offer golfers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, while others such as Springfield Royal Country Club and the Majestic Creek Country Club are set in beautiful valleys.

The region's most celebrated facility, the 80-year-old Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, is a wonderful combination of tradition and unique location. Its opening in 1924 coincided with the establishment of the first rail link between Hua Hin and Bangkok. Even today, the course layout follows the original design, based on the classic links courses of Europe. As such, it is like no other course in Thailand and thus proves an enormous challenge for the most seasoned golfer.

Totally different in character is the humble Sawang Resort Golf Club, located north of Hua Hin and beyond the 13th century town of Phetchaburi, whose names translates as "Diamond Town" in a reference tot eh gems that were once found in the vicinity. Sawang Resort nestles in the foothills of Kaeng Krachan, Thailand's largest but least frequently visited national parks.

South of Hua Hin is the Khao Sam Roi Yot (300 Peaks) national park, a wetland area packed with bird and animal life. Trekkers can explore the area, visit the famous Phaya Nakhon cave, where an elegant pavilion was built for King Chulalongkorn.

Close to Cha-Am, within the Rama 6 Border Patrol Police is the elegant teak summer palace of Maruk Khatayawan, built for King Vajiravudh with a special hall for performing plays the King loved so much. The palace has been restored for visitors with an elevated walkway leading to the sea.

The nearby town of Phetchaburi is known for its old temples with faded examples of murals dating from Ayuttaya period. Above the town, King Mongkut built Phra Nakhon Khiri summer palace and observatory on Khao Wang. The place has been renovated, and turned into a fascinating national museum, which is accessible by cable care.

As from Hua Hin, it is an easy and pleasant drive to Ratchaburi for exploring a wealth of nearby golf courses.

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