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Western Region Golf Maps
The
mountains and forests of northern Thailand are a frequent reminder
of how beautiful nature can be. Here are pristine areas where
elephants and wild animals still roam, where numerous ethnic hill
peoples live unchanged lives in isolated upland communities. While
the cosmopolitan cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provide
fascinating attractions and excellent accommodation for visitors.
Chiang Mai is the northern capital, a city over 700 years old, where
the moats and old walls provide fascination for visitors. Inside the
small lanes of the old town, peaceful old temples proudly display
the beauty of a bygone age. Wat Chedi Luang houses the city pillar,
symbol of Chiang Mai's spiritual strength, while the glorious main
chedi, whose spire was demolished by an earthquake in the 16th
century, dominates the compound. Nearby Wat Phra Singh contains
superb examples of northern art, with exquisite carved teak
embellishing the main chapel and library. Towering over the city is
Doi Suthep and the revered temple at its peak, which offers superb
views of the city. Further up the slope Phuping Palace is usually
awash in flowers, with the palace open to the public when the Royal
Family is not in residence.
At night, Chiang Mai bustles with activity, mainly centred around the
famed Night Bazaar, full of shops, pubs and restaurants. If its
shopping you want, however, drive down the road to Sankamphaeng,
known as Handicraft Highway. All along the road are little cottage
industries manufacturing great handicrafts such as painted
umbrellas, carved wood and silver, lacquerware and silk. Stop and
watch them being made; you can usually buy at bargain prices.
Outside the city, elephants are a principle attraction, with many
elephant camps in the Mae Sa and Mae Taeng valleys, or further north
at the famed Chiang Dao camp. All offer shows and chances to trek
through nearby forest. South of Chiang Mai, at Lampang is the
irresistable Elephant Conservation Centre, containing an animal
hospital and training school for young elephants.
By comparison, Chiang Rai is a small, sedate town beside the Kok
River. But the mountainous province bordering Myanmar has lots of
interesting things to do. At the border town of Mae Sai, for
instance, you can actually cross into Myanmar on a day pass for a
little shopping. The hills of Doi Tung have been turned into a royal
project of handicrafts, fruit and vegetable growing by the late
Princess Mother. Her royal residence, in the style of a Swiss
chalet, is open to visitors, as are the spectacular floral gardens
beneath her window.
At the northernmost tip of the province, where Thailand, Myanmar and
Laos converge is the Golden Triangle, a once notorious opium area,
now a major tourist attraction. The luxury hotels nearby are an
excellent starting point for exploring the countryside, visiting
nearby hilltribes, or cruising along the Mekong River. Before
leaving the North, sit down - literally - to a khan toke dinner,
typical northern-style dishes eaten with sticky rice while sitting
on the floor. |
Golf courses in Northern Region
of Thailand
1.
Bhumibol Dam Golf Course
2.
Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club
3.
Chiang Mai-Lamphun Golf Club
4.
Lanna Golf Club
5.
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort
6.
Santiburi Country Club
7.
Waterford Valley Chiang Rai
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Golf courses in Bangkok &
Central Region
Golf course in Eastern Region
Golf courses
in
Western
Region
Golf course in
North Eastern Region
Golf courses in Southern Region
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