It's the question I get asked more than any other. You've decided Thailand is on the list, you've looked at both options, and now you're stuck. Phuket or Pattaya? Both are genuinely world-class golf destinations. Both will give you an incredible time. But they suit different kinds of groups, different budgets, and different ideas of what a golf holiday should feel like.
I've been running tours to both for years. Here's my honest take.
The Golf: Quality and Variety
Both destinations have excellent courses. But they're quite different in character.
Pattaya is home to some of Asia's most celebrated layouts. Siam Country Club (Old Course) hosted the LPGA Honda Classic and remains one of the most technically demanding and beautifully maintained courses on the continent. Laem Chabang International, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is another standout. Rolling Hills, Plantation, and Ballyshear round out a lineup that serious golfers will love. Pattaya courses tend to sit in a rolling, slightly inland landscape with mature tree lines and excellent conditions year-round.
Phuket brings something visually different. Red Mountain Golf Club, built around an extinct volcanic quarry, is genuinely stunning and unlike anything you'll play at home. Blue Canyon Country Club hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic and has two excellent layouts. Laguna Phuket is beautifully manicured and set within one of Thailand's best resort areas. The island setting means some courses have sea views and more tropical, lush conditions.
If pure golf pedigree and course challenge is your priority, Pattaya edges it slightly. If you want spectacular scenery to go with your golf, Phuket has the edge.
Green Fees and Overall Cost
Pattaya is noticeably cheaper for golf. You'll typically pay less per round, and the overall cost of eating, drinking, and getting around is lower than Phuket. For groups on a tighter budget, or groups who want to play more rounds for the same money, Pattaya makes excellent sense.
Phuket is pricier across the board, but still outstanding value compared to Australia. Resort accommodation is slightly more expensive, meals out in Patong cost a bit more, and some courses carry premium green fees. That said, for a 15-day trip with 7 rounds of golf at 4-star accommodation, you're still looking at a package that would cost three times as much in Europe or the US.
Off the Course: Lifestyle and Atmosphere
This is where the two destinations diverge most sharply.
Pattaya is a coastal city with a lively, unpretentious atmosphere. Walking Street and the beachfront areas offer plenty of options for a cold beer after golf, and the city has genuine Thai character alongside its tourist strip. It's easy to get around, restaurants are plentiful and excellent, and most of the group will find something to enjoy in the evenings. Pattaya suits groups who want good golf, easy socialising, and no fuss.
Phuket has more of a resort holiday feel. Patong Beach (where we base our groups at The Kee Resort) is lively and vibrant, with Bangla Road, beach bars, excellent restaurants, and that classic tropical holiday energy. It also has beautiful beaches, good shopping, and plenty of day trip options if anyone wants to explore. Phuket tends to appeal to groups who want the golf trip to feel like a proper holiday, not just a golf camp.
Getting There from Australia
Phuket has direct flights from several Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. This is a genuine advantage. You arrive refreshed and ready to play.
Pattaya requires a connection through Bangkok (about 2 hours from the city by road or bus). It adds a bit of travel time but Bangkok itself is a great stopover if you want to extend the trip.
Which One Should You Choose?
| You'll love Pattaya if... | You'll love Phuket if... |
|---|---|
| You want serious, technically challenging courses | You want spectacular scenery alongside great golf |
| Budget is a consideration | You want the full resort holiday experience |
| Direct flights aren't a priority | Direct flights from Australia matter to your group |
| You prefer a city atmosphere off the course | You want beaches, bars and that tropical island feel |
| You might want to add a Bangkok extension | You'd rather stay in one spot and relax |
The good news is that plenty of groups do both. Our Bangkok / Pattaya Combo tour even includes a Bangkok extension option, so you can see more of Thailand in one trip. And if you've done one and want to try the other, we've had groups do Phuket one year and Pattaya the next.
Still not sure? Drop me an email and I'll ask a few questions about your group, then give you a straight recommendation. No sales pitch, just honest advice.