Kirimaya Golf Course
Weekday green fee
1,700THB
Weekend: 1,700 THB
Kirimaya Golf Course is one of the finest resort golf experiences in mainland Thailand — a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design set within the grounds of the Kirimaya luxury eco-resort at the edge of Khao Yai National Park. Opened in 2004, it plays 7,170 yards from the tips and shares its address with some of the most biodiverse forest in Southeast Asia: the national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and Siamese crocodiles. Golfing against this backdrop elevates an already accomplished layout into something genuinely memorable. The course is immaculately maintained to resort standard, with caddies and carts mandatory for every round, and the Kirimaya clubhouse — an extension of the resort's design-forward aesthetic — provides a seamless arrival experience for hotel guests and day visitors alike. At approximately 1,700 THB for an 18-hole green fee, it delivers exceptional value for a Nicklaus Signature course that would command two or three times the price in a comparable European or American resort setting.
18
Holes
72
Par
175 km
From Bangkok
~2h
Drive time
Layout & playing experience
Nicklaus's routing for Kirimaya is characteristically strategic rather than punishing: wide enough fairways to encourage aggressive play from the tee, but with water features, undulation, and carefully placed bunkering that demand club selection discipline throughout the round. The course weaves through the forested terrain immediately adjacent to the national park boundary, and it is not uncommon for hornbills to pass overhead or for deer to be visible from the fairways during early morning rounds. Elevation changes across the routing — unusual for a Thai resort course — add visual interest and require golfers to adjust carry distances on approach shots. The par-3s are consistently strong, requiring precise iron play over water or into well-protected greens. The back nine builds steadily to a demanding finishing stretch where water comes into play on three of the final five holes. From the forward tees, the course remains playable for mid-handicappers while retaining enough length and variety to challenge scratch golfers. Greens are typically fast, running true to Nicklaus's preference for subtly tiered, undulating putting surfaces.
Tips & what to know before you go
Kirimaya is at its best during the cool and dry season — November through February — when the Khao Yai highlands are cooler than Bangkok by 5–8°C and morning mist occasionally settles over the fairways. The park's rainy season (May to October) brings lush green conditions but afternoon thunderstorms are common, making 6:30–7:00 am tee times the prudent choice. Book well in advance during Thai public holidays (Songkran, New Year) and the high season, when the resort books out and tee availability becomes limited. Kirimaya is an 18-hole walk with caddie and cart; play is typically through in under 4.5 hours. After your round, the resort's spa, pool, and jungle-view restaurant make a natural extension of the day — several Bangkok golfers combine the trip with an overnight stay to allow for a dawn wildlife safari in the national park the following morning.
Location & getting there
Kirimaya Golf Course is located on the grounds of the Kirimaya resort, approximately 175 kilometres northeast of Bangkok in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The drive via Highway 2 (the Friendship Highway) takes approximately 2 hours from the city centre and is straightforward as a day trip. From Pak Chong town, the resort is a short 15-minute drive. Visitors travelling by public transport can take the train or bus to Pak Chong (departures from Hua Lamphong or Mo Chit), then a local songthaew or taxi to the resort. Golf packages including private transfer from Bangkok are available through multiple online booking agents.
No clubs? No problem.
Heading to Kirimaya from Bangkok? LENGOLF delivers premium rental sets to your hotel so you can board the car for Khao Yai without a club bag — and play a Jack Nicklaus Signature course in full comfort.