How to Plan a Golf Trip to Banyan Tree Phuket Thailand

Thailand is a paradise for golf lovers, with over 250 golf courses across the country, many of them designed by world-renowned architects. One of the most popular destinations for golfers is Phuket, an island in the south of Thailand that offers stunning beaches, lush tropical scenery, and a vibrant nightlife.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing golf getaway, you can’t go wrong with Banyan Tree Phuket, a five-star resort that features an award-winning 18-hole golf course, a spa, a pool, and several dining options. Banyan Tree Phuket is located in Laguna Phuket, a complex of hotels, villas, and golf courses that covers 1,000 acres of land along Bang Tao Bay.

But before you pack your bags and book your flight, there are some things you need to know and do to make your golf trip a success. Here are some steps to follow:

Check the local golfing seasons to plan your trip accordingly.

Phuket has a tropical climate, which means it’s hot and humid all year round. However, there are three distinct seasons that affect the golfing conditions:

• The cool season (November to February) is the best time to play golf in Phuket, as the weather is dry and sunny, with average temperatures of 24°C (75°F). This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds on the golf courses.

• The hot season (March to May) is the hottest and most humid time of the year, with average temperatures of 28°C (82°F). This is not the most comfortable time to play golf, as you’ll be sweating a lot and need to drink plenty of water. However, this is also the low season for tourism, so you can find cheaper rates and less crowded courses.

• The rainy season (June to October) is the wettest and most unpredictable time of the year, with average temperatures of 27°C (81°F). This is when Phuket experiences heavy rainstorms and thunderstorms, which can affect the quality and availability of the golf courses. However, this is also the greenest time of the year, as the rain makes the grass and trees more lush and vibrant.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the best season for your golf trip. Just make sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.

Airfare: Research flight options and prices to your chosen destination.

The easiest way to get to Phuket from anywhere in the world is by flying. There are many airlines that offer direct or connecting flights to Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is about 20 km (12 miles) from Banyan Tree Phuket.

To find the best flight deals, you can use Expedia or Booking.com flight search tool, which allows you to compare prices, dates, airlines, and airports. You can also set up price alerts to get notified when fares drop or rise.

Some tips to save money on airfare are:

• Book your flight well in advance, preferably at least two months before your departure date.

• Avoid traveling during peak seasons or holidays, such as Christmas or Chinese New Year.

• Consider nearby airports and compare ticket costs. For example, you might find cheaper flights to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur than to Phuket, and then take a domestic or regional flight from there.

• Look for special offers or discounts from airlines or travel agencies.

Lodging: Look for hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals near your preferred golf courses.

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make for your golf trip is where to stay. There are many options available in Phuket, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

If you want to stay at Banyan Tree Phuket, you can choose from different types of accommodation, such as pool villas, spa pool villas, double pool villas, or signature pool villas. Each villa comes with its own private pool, garden, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and outdoor sala. You’ll also enjoy access to the resort’s facilities and services, such as the spa, the pool, the restaurants, the gym, the kids club, and more.

However, staying at Banyan Tree Phuket can be quite expensive, especially during peak seasons. If you’re looking for more affordable options near Laguna Phuket, you can check out other hotels or resorts within the complex, such as Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, or Laguna Holiday Club Resort. These properties also offer access to the golf course and other amenities within Laguna Phuket.

Another option is to look for vacation rentals near Laguna Phuket, such as apartments, condos, or villas. You can use expedia, booking.com or airBnB  search tools to find the best deals and reviews. Vacation rentals can offer more space, privacy, and flexibility than hotels or resorts, as well as lower prices. However, you’ll also have to take care of your own cleaning, cooking, and transportation.

Transportation: Research local transportation options, such as rental cars or public transit.

Once you’ve arrived in Phuket and checked into your accommodation, you’ll need to figure out how to get around the island and to the golf courses. There are several transportation options available in Phuket, such as:

• Rental cars: Renting a car is a convenient and flexible way to explore Phuket at your own pace. You can rent a car from the airport or from your accommodation. However, you’ll also have to deal with traffic, parking, and driving on the left side of the road. You’ll also need an international driving permit and a valid driver’s license.

• Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Phuket, especially in tourist areas. They are easy to hail or book through apps or phone calls. However, they can be expensive, especially if they don’t use meters or charge extra fees. You’ll also have to negotiate the fare before you get in and make sure you have enough cash.

• Public buses: Public buses are the cheapest way to get around Phuket, but they are also the slowest and least comfortable. They run on fixed routes and schedules, which may not suit your needs or preferences. They are also crowded and often lack air conditioning.

• Shuttles: Shuttles are free or low-cost buses that run within Laguna Phuket or between Laguna Phuket and other nearby attractions. They are convenient and comfortable, but they also have limited capacity and frequency. You’ll have to check the timetable and plan ahead.

• Motorbikes: Motorbikes are a popular and fun way to get around Phuket, especially for short distances. You can rent a motorbike from many shops or hotels for a low price. However, you’ll also have to be careful of the traffic, the road conditions, and the law enforcement. You’ll also need a helmet, an international driving permit, and a valid driver’s license.

Depending on your budget, preference, and itinerary, you can choose the best transportation option for your golf trip. You can also use Bings travel planner tool to find the best routes and directions between your accommodation and the golf courses.

Golf Course Selection: Research the golf courses available in the area.

Banyan Tree Phuket is a luxury resort that features an award-winning 18-hole golf course, Laguna Golf Phuket, which is located within Laguna Phuket, a complex of hotels, villas, and golf courses that covers 1,000 acres of land along Bang Tao Bay¹.

Laguna Golf Phuket is one of the best golf courses in Phuket because it reflects the natural beauty and tropical surroundings of the island. It was re-designed in 2014 by Paul Jansen and now offers a more challenging and memorable golf experience. The course is undulating with excellent playing surfaces and conditions. Fairway tiers, depressions, and mounds dominate play. Wide fairways are seemingly straightforward, but golfers still need to position their balls to have good scoring opportunities. Many holes on the front nine define the existing naturally landscaped water bodies, while the back nine meanders through mature stands of trees. Both nines take advantage of large overhanging trees that influence play and frame most holes².

The difficulty level of Laguna Golf Phuket is moderate to high, depending on the tee box you choose. The course has four sets of tees: black (6,756 yards), blue (6,308 yards), white (5,829 yards), and red (5,009 yards). The course rating and slope rating vary from 69.9/125 (red) to 73.5/137 (black). The course par is 71 for all tees³.

Some of the special features of Laguna Golf Phuket are:

• The signature hole is the par-3 9th, which requires a precise tee shot over water to a green surrounded by bunkers and trees. The hole also offers a stunning view of the Andaman Sea and the Bang Tao Beach.

• The finishing two holes are the most challenging; the monster 612 yard 17th, requiring play at least twice over water; and the beautiful par-4 18th hole, where a well-struck shot gives a chance for a finishing birdie².

• The course has extensive facilities, such as a driving range, putting green, chipping green, practice bunkers, pro shop, clubhouse, and restaurant. It also has a golf academy and a golf school that offer lessons and clinics for all levels of golfers².

• The course is part of Laguna Phuket, which means that guests can enjoy access to other amenities and services within the complex, such as spas, pools, restaurants, gyms, kids clubs, and more. They can also use the free shuttle service that runs within Laguna Phuket or between Laguna Phuket and other nearby attractions².

  1. golfasian.com2. thailandnomads.com3. golfsavers.com

However, if you want to try other golf courses in Phuket, you can check out some of these options:

• Blue Canyon Country Club: This is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Asia, with two 18-hole championship courses: the Canyon Course and the Lakes Course. The Canyon Course is famous for hosting several international tournaments, such as the Johnnie Walker Classic. It is a challenging course that requires accuracy and strategy. The Lakes Course is more forgiving but still offers water hazards and stunning views.

• Red Mountain Golf Club: This is one of the most scenic golf courses in Phuket, set on a former tin mine site that features dramatic elevation changes, red rocks, dense jungle, and panoramic vistas. It is an 18-hole par-72 course that spans 6,900 yards. It was designed by Jon Morrow and Al Tikkanen and opened in 2007. It is a challenging course that requires skill and creativity.

• Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa: This is one of the most luxurious golf resorts in Phuket, with an 18-hole par-72 course that spans 6,806 yards. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Banyan Tree Phuket Green Fees

Fees you have to pay to play golf at the Laguna Golf Phuket, which is the golf course within the Banyan Tree Phuket resort. The green fees vary depending on the season, the time of day, and the type of membership you have.

According to the website of Laguna Golf Phuket¹, the green fees for 2023 are as follows:

• High Season (November to April): 4,500 THB for 18 holes, 2,500 THB for 9 holes

• Low Season (May to October): 2,600 THB for 18 holes, 1,500 THB for 9 holes

• Twilight (after 3 pm): 2,000 THB for unlimited holes

• Junior (under 18 years old): 1,500 THB for 18 holes, 900 THB for 9 holes

These prices include caddy fees but exclude golf cart fees, which are optional and cost 700 THB per cart. You can also rent golf clubs, shoes, and umbrellas for an additional fee.

To convert these prices to USD, you can use Bing’s currency converter tool², which shows that 1.00 THB is equal to 0.029 USD. This means that if you have to pay 4,500 THB for 18 holes in high season, you’ll have to pay about 131 USD. You can use this tool to find out how much any amount of THB is worth in USD, or vice versa.

If you are looking for any discounts, package deals, or tee time promotions, you can check out some of these options:

• If you are staying at Banyan Tree Phuket or any other hotel within Laguna Phuket, you can enjoy a special rate of 2,800 THB for 18 holes or 1,600 THB for 9 holes. You can also get a free shuttle service from your hotel to the golf course and back.

• If you are a member of Banyan Tree Private Collection³, you can enjoy complimentary green fees at Laguna Golf Phuket for yourself and your spouse (terms and conditions apply).

• If you book online through the website of Laguna Golf Phuket¹, you can get a 10% discount on the green fees.

• If you book through Expedia⁴, you can get a package deal that includes airfare, accommodation at Banyan Tree Phuket, and green fees at Laguna Golf Phuket.

• If you play more than one round of golf at Laguna Golf Phuket or any other golf course in Phuket, you can get a discount on the green fees. For example, if you play two rounds of golf at Laguna Golf Phuket and one round of golf at Red Mountain Golf Club⁵, you can save up to 20% on the green fees.