Golf in Khao Lak: Essential Guide to the Best Courses

Phang Nga is known for its beaches and island tours, but just behind the shoreline, golf in Khao Lak is quietly making a name for itself. With a few well-maintained courses, minimal crowds, and views that shift from ocean to forest, this is a place where golf stays connected to its surroundings.

Photo Credit via Aquella Golf & Country Club Website

You come for the beach. You stay for the swing. Golf in Khao Lak isn’t always on the itinerary, but once you hear there’s a seaside course nearby—it’s hard not to play a round. Just palm-lined fairways, a cool morning start, and a new way to explore the south. Sometimes the best part of the trip isn’t in the brochure.

Full round, short game, or just time on the range—Khao Lak welcomes them all!

1. Aquella Golf & Country Club

Aquella is one of the key spots for golf in Khao Lak, with an 18-hole, par-72 course that stretches over 7,000 yards. The design by Pacific Coast Design uses Platinum Paspalum grass and follows the flow of the coastal land. Players will notice the challenge in its shifting sea breeze, lakes, and bunker placement—especially at Hole 11, which runs along the shoreline and demands accurate control.

Photo Credit via Aquella Golf & Country Club Website

Beyond the course, Aquella offers practice bays, a short game area, and a mini-golf course. Paths between holes are lined with bamboo and native trees, blending the course into its surroundings. The clubhouse has all core facilities, and visitors can reach the course within 35 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

2. Katathong Golf Resort & Spa

Katathong is a strong choice for those exploring golf in Khao Lak, offering an 18-hole, par-72 course built into the contours of the Phang Nha valley. The layout stretches 6,837 yards and uses the area’s slopes, streams, and reservoirs as part of its natural challenge. Narrow fairways and water features test short control throughout the round, mainly on the shorter par-3 holes that require strategic play.

Photo Credit via Katathong Golf Resort & Spa Website

The resort sits on land once used for tin mining, and elements of that past remain visible. Old tools, carts, and structures are integrated into the landscape. The clubhouse and facilities reflect a design inspired by the area’s cultural history, and the grounds support local ecology through water recycling and green maintenance practices. For players looking to combine sport, local context, and quiet scenery, this is one of the more distinctive places to experience golf in Khao Lak.

3. Tublamu Navy Golf Course

For players seeking practical, no-frills golf in Khao Lak, Tublamu offers an 18-hole, par-72 seaside course set within the Phang Nga Navy Base. The layout spans over 7,100 yards, with 5 holes running alongside the Andaman Sea. The terrain is flat and open, making it walkable, but coastal wind and sand traps still test short control. Views include Son Ngam Beach and the extent of the quiet shoreline.

Photo Credit via Tublamu Navy Golf Course Website

Facilities cover the basics: driving range, golf shop, caddy service, and optional cart rental. Green fees are set by the Naval Development Sports Center, keeping them affordable. The clubhouse offers refreshments, and a restaurant can be arranged with advance notice. Located about 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Tublamu is a convenient choice for casual golf in Khao Lak, perfect for those looking to play without leaving town.

4. Kirinara Golf Course

Kirinara is a 9-hole course designed for players who want a slower, nature-focused round of golf in Khao Lak. Located near Takuapa Old Town, about 25 minutes from central Khao Lak, the course blends hills, palm trees, and water from nearby mountain streams. The layout includes a mix of short and long holes, with greens that test putting control and fairways shaped by the natural slope of the land.

Photo Credit via Kirinara Golf Course Website

Built with a focus on preserving the environment, Kirinara uses local terrain rather than reshaping it. It’s a quiet setting, good for players looking to break from city routines or combine golf with a short inland trip. With its mountain-and-water landscape and compact size, Kirinara is a simple way to experience golf in Khao Lak without rushing through the day.

5. Khao Lak Mini Golf

Khao Lak Mini Golf adds a playful twist to the experience of golf in Khao Lak. This 18-hole course is set in a jungle-themed setting, built with red brick paths, water features, and temple-inspired structures. Players follow winding fairways through palm-shaded ruins, with each hole offering a different way to test your short game. The course begins with accessible greens and gradually increases in complexity, leading to Hole 18, where the outcome depends as much on chance as on aim.

Photo Credit via Khao Lak Mini Golf Website

Next to the mini-golf area is a hedge maze where visitors can walk, rest, or try to find their way through hidden corners. The space is open daily and welcomes both individuals and groups. Drinks, snacks, and meals are available onsite. For travelers looking for light, outdoor activity, this is an easy way to enjoy golf in Khao Lak with friends or family.

What to Expect: Costs and Booking

Most courses for golf in Khao Lak welcome visitors without membership. Green fees vary depending on the course and time of year. Weekday rates tend to be lower than weekends or holidays. Caddy services and cart rentals are available at nearly all 18-hole courses, often required at some locations. Equipment rentals, including clubs and shoes, can be arranged on-site or through hotel partners.

Golfers hit sweeping golf course in the summer

Booking in advance is recommended during the high season, especially from November to April. Some courses accept walk-ins, but calling ahead ensures availability and preferred tee times. Hotels in the area can assist with reservations and transport. For those who combine golf with a short stay, many courses offer flexible packages that include gear and play time without the need for planning days in advance.

Close up of a young concentrated man shooting golf ball

No scorecard needed to enjoy golf in Khao Lak. You don’t need a handicap, or even a full set of clubs. What you need is time—and not even that much. A few hours in the morning. A rental set. Some light wind off the sea. And suddenly, you’re in the middle of a round with palm trees at your back and open fairways ahead. It’s the kind of golf you stumble into on a good trip, and remember long after the flight home.

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