Ubolratana Dam Golf Course
Weekday green fee
560THB
Weekend: 760 THB
Ubolratana Dam Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 layout built and operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) at the Ubolratana Reservoir in Khon Kaen province, approximately 50 km north of Khon Kaen city. Opened in 1986 alongside the dam's operational infrastructure, the course is one of the oldest public-access layouts in Isan and remains open to civilian golfers despite its government ownership. The setting is exceptional by any measure: the course sits in the forested hills surrounding the reservoir, with views across the dam's vast surface — a landscape entirely unlike the flat basin terrain of most northeastern courses. At 560 THB on weekdays (caddie included in the green fee), it is the best-value full round in Isan for those willing to make the drive. No cart hire is available and there is no driving range.
18
Holes
72
Par
450 km
From Bangkok
~6h
Drive time
Layout & playing experience
The Ubolratana Dam Golf Course is defined by its setting more than its design pedigree — EGAT built it to serve its employees and the surrounding community rather than to attract international golf tourism, and the layout reflects that functional origin. What it lacks in branded architectural ambition, it more than compensates for with one of the most distinctive backdrops in Thai golf: the course routes through forested hill terrain above the reservoir, with holes that use natural elevation changes, tree-lined corridors, and the occasional glimpse across the dam itself. At par 72 across 18 holes, the course presents genuine length and variety. The terrain is not flat — the dam-side topography introduces uphill and downhill tee shots unusual in Isan — and the tree coverage creates a naturally framed playing corridor on most holes. The greens, while not maintained to resort standards, are consistent and hold approach shots reasonably well. Because no carts are available, walking the course is the only option — which, given the elevation changes, makes this a more physically demanding round than the flat Khon Kaen basin courses. The caddie, whose fee is included in the green fee, is the only accompaniment option. The caddie team at a long-established government course like this typically offers reliable local knowledge — club selection and line management on the dam-side holes benefit from familiarity. Ubolratana Dam is a course for golfers who value setting and character over conditioning and amenity. At 560 THB all-in for 18 holes with a caddie, the value is exceptional; the experience is genuinely memorable.
Tips & what to know before you go
Ubolratana Dam Golf Course is approximately 50 km north of Khon Kaen city — about an hour's drive — making it a half-day excursion rather than a city-access course. The all-inclusive green fee (560 THB weekday, 760 THB weekend) includes the mandatory caddie — no separate caddie payment required, though a small tip is customary. No cart is available: this is walk-only golf. Call ahead to +66 43 372 228 to book a tee time and confirm current fees — the course has no website and listings-site prices may lag real-world pricing by a year or more. The older listing of 300 THB found on some sites is almost certainly outdated. The Ubolratana Reservoir area is a popular tourist destination in its own right: the dam wall, surrounding forested hills, and on-site EGAT accommodation make this a viable overnight stop. Pairing a round with a visit to the dam and a night at the reservoir is one of the more unusual golf trip options in the northeast. The area is best visited in the dry season (November–April) when the reservoir is fuller and the surrounding landscape more dramatic.
Location & getting there
Ubolratana Dam Golf Course is located approximately 50 km north of Khon Kaen city in the Ubolratana District, at the Ubolratana Reservoir in Khon Kaen province — around 450 km northeast of Bangkok. The most practical access is from Khon Kaen city by car or Grab: the drive to the dam area takes approximately one hour via Highway 2 north. Khon Kaen Airport receives multiple daily flights from Bangkok (under one hour), and onward transport to the dam is by Grab or rental car. There is no direct public transport from Khon Kaen city to the course. Phone: +66 43 372 228.
No clubs? No problem.
Making the trip to Ubolratana Dam for one of Isan's most scenic rounds? LENGOLF can equip you with premium rental clubs in Bangkok before you head northeast — no need to haul a bag up to the reservoir.