Thailand is Asia’s leading destination for golf incentives – nowhere else comes close to Bangkok and Pattaya for the wide range of world-class courses, five-star properties and easy access to local attractions.
Good value
Simon Er, general manager of business events at Global Travel in Singapore, regularly takes golf incentive groups to Thailand. He cites the hospitality as much as the course quality for the destination’s popularity. “The service is almost second to none,” he says. “You can always expect a warm smile from the Thais. From the moment you step foot in Thailand, you are warmly welcomed and greeted by the locals.”
Er says that relying on a local partner is essential to get the most out of the golf MICE experience. “Besides the normal things that are done and expected, there are many more little surprises that Thailand can offer,” he says. “These are little gems that are tucked away. Hence, it is important to get a good local partner who understand your needs, requirements and expectations. Once that’s done, you will be surprised by easy it is to run a high enjoyable and effective trip in Thailand.”
Hot zoneThe area between Bangkok and Pattaya is the place to be. In good traffic it is a one-hour drive between the two cities, with most of the golf courses much closer to Pattaya. Leading hotels in Pattaya include Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya (pictured right), Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott and Royal Cliff Resort, which is also next to Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall. Groups will be more than comfortable in any of these hotels.
All golf courses are within a 30-minute radius of the hotels and are very well priced compared to similar-quality courses in other parts of the world. “Thailand golf green fees are reasonably priced and there is a great variety of golf courses you can choose from,” says Peter Ngion of Travelgolf and Leisure Services. “Quite a number of them have been use for European and Asian tour events.”
Siam Country ClubOne of Thailand’s most memorable golf experiences. Features the 18-hole Old Course and 27-hole Plantation Course. Has a function room that can fit 80 people and a new clubhouse with terraces. Only 15 minutes from Pattaya.
www.siamcountryclub.com
Burapha Golf and Resort
Burapha features two courses, the West and the East, and it hosted the 2010 Thailand Open. Its conference facilities hold 144 people and it is 20 minutes from Pattaya.
www.buraphagolfthailand.com
Laem Chabang
Laem Chabang International Country Club offers three courses – Mountain, Lake and Valley. All are challenging while the scenery is postcard material all the way. There is meeting space for up to 150 people and up to 500 for cocktails. It is 30 minutes from Pattaya.
www.laemchabanggolf.com