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Chiang Rai Golf Course Comparison

Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai vs Waterford Valley Golf Club

Side-by-side comparison of Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai and Waterford Valley Golf Club — green fees, par, designer, drive time, and a data-driven view of which course suits which kind of round.

Specifications

chiang-rai

Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai

chiang-rai

Waterford Valley Golf Club

Holes / Par

18 · Par 72

Holes / Par

18 · Par 72

Designer

Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Designer

Mark Rathert

Year opened

1992

Year opened

1996

Drive time

~12h

Drive time

~12h

Distance from Bangkok

860 km

Distance from Bangkok

870 km

Weekday green fee

1,900 THB

Weekday green fee

1,500 THB

Weekend green fee

2,300 THB

Weekend green fee

2,000 THB

Caddie fee

300 THB

Caddie fee

350 THB

Cart fee

600 THB

Cart fee

600 THB

Caddie required

Yes

Caddie required

Yes

Cart required

Yes

Cart required

Yes

Driving range

Yes

Driving range

Yes

On-site club rental

Yes

On-site club rental

Yes

Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai

Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai is the standout golf destination in Northern Thailand — a Robert Trent Jones Jr. Signature design that has held the title of the region's most acclaimed course since it opened in 1992. Set in the green hills of Wiang Chai district, about 15 kilometres south of Chiang Rai city, the course plays 18 holes at par 72 and combines the precision demands of a true championship layout with the lush highland scenery the region is known for. Jones Jr.'s routing makes clever use of the undulating terrain, natural water features, and mature tree lines to produce a course that rewards strategic play at every level. Green fees run approximately 1,900 THB on weekdays and 2,300 THB at weekends — a bargain for a designer course of this calibre. Caddies and carts are mandatory, adding an extra layer of local knowledge and course management support. The facility is impeccably maintained and offers a driving range, well-stocked pro shop, and a comfortable clubhouse — making it the natural first choice for touring golfers flying into Chiang Rai International Airport.

Full Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai guide →

Waterford Valley Golf Club

Waterford Valley Golf Club is one of Chiang Rai's most scenic and underrated golf experiences — an 18-hole, par-72 layout by American architect Mark Rathert that opened in 1996 within the beautiful Wiang Chiang Rung hills, about 40 minutes south of Chiang Rai city. The course stretches to 6,961 yards from the championship tees and takes full advantage of its elevated terrain — the fairways roll through a lush valley setting that provides cooling highland breezes throughout the round, making it one of the most comfortable all-day venues in the region. While the layout is not the most technically demanding in Chiang Rai, its elevation changes, well-placed water hazards, and small, accurate-approach-required greens ensure that strong ball-striking is rewarded and that high handicappers are kept busy. Green fees are approximately 1,500 THB on weekdays and 2,000 THB at weekends — among the best value in the region for an 18-hole layout of this scale and quality.

Full Waterford Valley Golf Club guide →

No clubs? No problem.

Rent premium clubs delivered to your Bangkok hotel — Callaway Paradym, Warbird, Majesty. From 1,200 THB/day. No baggage fees, no airport hassle.

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