Less than three hours from Bangkok, lies the erstwhile weekend retreat of the Thailand royal family. While the sleepy hamlet of Hua Hin continues to weave it charm with pristine beaches, great seafood, idyllic resorts and an eclectic lifestyle, it is golf that reigns supreme here now. Three of the eight Hua Hin golf courses are considered to be among the best in Asia. The best part - all of them are very close to the city center which also offers innumerable attractions apart from golf.
When to Go: Weather
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season between November and March when the temperatures are lower and rainfall is also less. However, this is also when Europeans flock to escape the harsh winters of north. March to May remains hot and the monsoon comes between June and October, though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours. Although it can be hot and humid in Thailand during the southern winter, anytime is a good time to play golf. In particular, the wet season doesn’t stop visitors who like to take advantage of the low rates and thin crowds. As a general rule, it’s wise to play in the morning between June and October, when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain than in the afternoon.
Getting There
• By Air: Bangkok has a well-connected International airport – Suvarnabhumi Airport. The average flight time from Sydney and/or Melbourne is 9.5 hours. Both Chiang Mai and Phuket have their own airports and are well connected to Bangkok by flights
• By Road: Hua Hin and Pattaya are 3 hour and 2 hour drives respectively from Bangkok. The expressway makes for a smooth and easy ride
Time difference
• Apr – Oct: EST -3 hours
• Nov – Mar: EST -4 hours
Currency/ Visas
• Local Currency: Thai Baht (THB). 1AUD = 26.88THB; 1 USD = 29.3 THB
• For stays of 30 days or less, no Visa is required for Australian residents
The ‘Pearl of Andaman Sea’, Phuket, is Thailand’s largest island offers not only world class golf courses, but also spectacular scenery, tropical sunsets over palm lined beaches, luxurious accommodation and a vast array of nightlife activities. With the great selection of championship golf courses,several playing host to major tournaments, Phuket is a golfer’s dream. Golf apart, there’s always something to see and do on Phuket Island - from natural to pre-natural, from land-based to water activities, there is never a dull moment.
When to Go: Weather
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season between November and March when the temperatures are lower and rainfall is also less. However, this is also when Europeans flock to escape the harsh winters of north. March to May remains hot and the monsoon comes between June and October, though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours. Although it can be hot and humid in Thailand during the southern winter, anytime is a good time to play golf. In particular, the wet season doesn’t stop visitors who like to take advantage of the low rates and thin crowds. As a general rule, it’s wise to play in the morning between June and October, when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain than in the afternoon.
Getting There
• By Air: Bangkok has a well-connected International airport – Suvarnabhumi Airport. The average flight time from Sydney and/or Melbourne is 9.5 hours. Both Chiang Mai and Phuket have their own airports and are well connected to Bangkok by flights
• By Road: Hua Hin and Pattaya are 3 hour and 2 hour drives respectively from Bangkok. The expressway makes for a smooth and easy ride
Time difference
• Apr – Oct: EST -3 hours
• Nov – Mar: EST -4 hours
Currency/ Visas
• Local Currency: Thai Baht (THB). 1AUD = 26.88THB; 1 USD = 29.3 THB
• For stays of 30 days or less, no Visa is required for Australian residents
When to Go: Weather
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season between November and March when the temperatures are lower and rainfall is also less. However, this is also when Europeans flock to escape the harsh winters of north. March to May remains hot and the monsoon comes between June and October, though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours. Although it can be hot and humid in Thailand during the southern winter, anytime is a good time to play golf. In particular, the wet season doesn’t stop visitors who like to take advantage of the low rates and thin crowds. As a general rule, it’s wise to play in the morning between June and October, when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain than in the afternoon.
Getting There
• By Air: Bangkok has a well-connected International airport – Suvarnabhumi Airport. The average flight time from Sydney and/or Melbourne is 9.5 hours. Both Chiang Mai and Phuket have their own airports and are well connected to Bangkok by flights
• By Road: Hua Hin and Pattaya are 3 hour and 2 hour drives respectively from Bangkok. The expressway makes for a smooth and easy ride
Time difference
• Apr – Oct: EST -3 hours
• Nov – Mar: EST -4 hours
Currency/ Visas
• Local Currency: Thai Baht (THB). 1AUD = 26.88THB; 1 USD = 29.3 THB
• For stays of 30 days or less, no Visa is required for Australian residents