Kaeng Krachan Country Club and Resort

Hua Hin's Hidden Gem

Located an hour north and 32 miles inland from Hua Hin in the Thai Kaeng Krachan Estate lies what might just be Hua Hin’s least known, most under rated and best valued golf course? The 27 hole Kaeng Krachen Country Club is hardly known by the locals.

After travelling due north from Hua Hin and leaving the main highway, the road to Kaeng Krachan deteriorates into virtually a dust path. Don’t be put off by this or worry you have taken a wrong turn, just keep following the signs to the Kaeng Krachan Estate. Sure enough fifteen minutes later the Kaeng Krachan golf course can be seen and first impressions of a natural parkland course are excellent.

The original 18 at Kaeng Krachan was designed by the Thai architect Cherd Boonyaratavej in 1995. The main course meanders through the rolling hillside and the park land layout gives you the feeling of playing in Spain or Portugal.

The Jack Nicklaus designed new 9 holes opened in 2007 and is a typical Nicklaus design with generous driving areas and well bunkered greens. Classified as a mountain course it is well named as its set amongst spectacular mountains which is most untypical of the Hua Hin area and other Hua Hin golf courses. Whichever 18 you decide to play, you will not be disappointed as all 27 holes offer unique challenges among natural surroundings.

The new Jack Nicklaus 9 hole Mountain course opened for play in March 2008, making Kaeng Krachan a 27 hole golf facility. From the Championship tees the par 36 Nicklaus course stretches over 3,600 yards and offers some of the most dramatic elevation changes in Thailand. Each hole presents risk versus reward options and is playable for golfers of all skill levels. The Nicklaus design team did a remarkable job of preserving the natural terrain, lakes and streams and did minimal earth works so the golf course doesn’t feel contrived in any way. Interestingly enough, four of the holes dog leg to the left which go against Nicklaus’ early designs in which he seemed to favour dog leg right holes for his patented fade. Hole 3 is a majestic par 5 that sweeps left through forest-bordered fairways on either side. It features a sprinkling of fairway and pot bunkers with a two-tiered green sloping from back to front.

Kaeng Krachan is 32 miles from Hua Hin and the course gets very little play, especially in the off season. It is well suited for Hua Hin golfers looking for change and a golf course off the beaten tourist tracks. There is an on-site golf resort, but the rooms and facilities are rather basic. Golf visitors are advised to drive back to Hua Hin after their round.