Golf

Chiang Mai is ringed by championship golf courses that challenge players of all levels.

Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai. This luxurious golf resort offers family weekends where nonplayers can enjoy spa treatments or stroll in the subtropical grounds. The top-rated course, redesigned in 2008 by Ron Garl, winds through a beautiful valley. San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50130. 053/880888; www.alpinegolfresort.com. B4,000; B300 caddie; B1,000 club rental.

Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort. This comfortable golf resort offers "stay and play" golfing packages with varied accommodation options and extras that include foot massages. The course, designed by Schmidt Curley, opened in 2005. Its 18th hole, par 5, provides a famously challenging conclusion to a round played here. 167 Moo 2 Onuar, Mae On, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai. 053/261354; www.chiangmaihighlands.com. B3,500; B300 caddie; B1,500 club rental.

Chiengmai Gymkhana Club. The city's oldest sports club, founded in 1898 by the son of the author of Anna and the King of Siam and others, has a 9-hole course just 2 km (1 mile) from the city center.. 349 Chiang Mai–Lamphun Rd., Nong Hoi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai. 053/241035; www.chiengmaigymkhana.com. B300 for 9 holes, B600 for 18 holes; caddie B100 per 9 holes; club rental B300.

Golfasian. Several specialist agencies offer tours of the best golf courses around Chiang Mai. The most comprehensive is Golfasian, established in Bangkok in 1997. Some packages include accommodations, transfers, and various extras. 29 Bangkok Business Center, Soi Ekamai-Sukhumvit 63, Unit 1105, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok 10110. 02/714–8470; www.golfasian.com.