Bangkok isn't the first city that comes to mind when you think "golf destination." That distinction goes to places like Scottsdale or the Algarve. But Bangkok has something those cities don't: a golf culture that blends seamlessly into urban life, where you can swing a club at 9 PM on a Wednesday without leaving the BTS line.
For visitors and residents alike, golf in Bangkok has more dimensions than the typical course-and-clubhouse experience. Here's what the scene actually looks like.
The Outdoor Course Scene
Bangkok is ringed by golf courses — over 30 within a 90-minute drive of the city center. The quality is legitimately world-class. Thai Country Club has hosted the Asian Tour. Alpine Golf Club is a regular on regional rankings. Nikanti Golf Club, designed by Pirapon Namatra, consistently appears on "best courses in Asia" lists.
The catch is access. These courses sit in the suburbs or beyond, which means battling Bangkok traffic to reach them. A Saturday morning tee time at a course in Pathum Thani or Nakhon Pathom typically requires leaving central Bangkok by 5:30 AM to avoid the worst of it. Green fees range from 1,500 to 5,000+ baht, plus caddie fees (300-600 baht), cart rental, and food. It's a half-day to full-day commitment.
For dedicated golfers, the courses are worth the effort. But for casual players, tourists, or anyone who doesn't want to sacrifice an entire morning to traffic, there's a more accessible option.
Indoor Golf: The Urban Alternative
The indoor golf simulator scene in Bangkok has grown significantly. Venues across the city now offer high-end simulator technology — the kind that tracks ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and club path with genuine accuracy. The experience has moved far beyond the gimmicky golf games of a decade ago.
The appeal is practical. A simulator session at a central Bangkok venue takes 1-2 hours, requires no advance booking at a course, involves zero traffic, and happens in air-conditioned comfort. You can play world-famous courses virtually, practice at a driving range with data feedback on every shot, or compete with friends in mini-games.
For Bangkok's expat community — many of whom pick up golf for networking and social purposes — simulators serve as the bridge between "curious about golf" and "ready for the real course." You can learn the basics, build confidence, and figure out whether you enjoy the sport before committing to a 5 AM drive to Pathum Thani.
The Social Side of Bangkok Golf
Golf in Bangkok isn't just a sport — it's a social currency. Business deals happen on the course. Expat communities organize around weekly games. Friend groups bond over weekend rounds. And increasingly, simulator venues have become the casual, accessible entry point to all of it.
Venues like LENGOLF at BTS Chidlom have leaned into this social dimension. The combination of golf simulators and a bar creates a format that works for mixed groups — the golfer in your friend group gets to play, while the non-golfers can still participate, have drinks, and enjoy the competitive atmosphere. Up to five people share a bay, which means the experience is genuinely communal rather than one person playing while others watch.
Golf as a Tourist Activity
If you're visiting Bangkok and have even a passing interest in golf, the simulator route makes sense. You don't need to pack clubs (they're provided), you don't need to navigate suburban Bangkok, and you don't need to commit a full day. A 2-hour session fits neatly between a temple visit in the morning and dinner plans in the evening.
It's also one of the few tourist activities in Bangkok that's genuinely active and social without being physically exhausting. After a day of walking through the Grand Palace and Chatuchak Market in 34-degree heat, stepping into an air-conditioned simulator bay feels restorative rather than draining.
Where to Start
If you're new to golf in Bangkok, the lowest-friction starting point is a simulator session at a central venue. LENGOLF at The Mercury Ville (BTS Chidlom) is the most accessible option — connected directly to the BTS, open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM, with Bravo simulators and a full bar. No equipment needed, walk-ins welcome.
From there, if you catch the golf bug, the outdoor courses await. But don't feel like you need to work up to them. Some people use simulators exclusively and have a great time doing it. The point is to enjoy the game, however you choose to play it.
Book a session at booking.len.golf or check bay rates at len.golf/golf.