For many years, Hua Hin has been regarded as one of the best golfing locations in Thailand. You will be spoilt for choice here as there are 8 top quality courses all within a 30 minute drive of the town centre. More are located slightly further afield, but are still reachable easily enough for a day's play. Black Mountain and Banyan are the latest courses to open in the Hua Hin area.

So, if you need a break from the hectic pace of life on the beach, then there are enough courses to keep you occupied and happy during your stay. All are in good condition and will present challenges for both the novice and experienced golfer. The courses tend to get busy at weekends and national holidays when the Bangkok crowd visit the area and during the high season (December - March), play can sometimes be slow. Even if it occasionally takes 5 hours to play a round, there's no need to get frustrated. The scenery and regular watering holes will take your mind off those small delays. At other times of year, you can often not see another soul on the course except your playing partners and caddies.

Although technically you can carry your own clubs, it is expected that you hire a caddie and you should respect this. They are not expensive and generally are good fun to have with you during your game. It is also customary to tip your caddie at the end of the round. The amount is up to you, but 300 Baht will always be received with a smile and thanks. Do bear in mind that the vast majority of caddies are women, half your size, who carry your clubs all the way round (if you're walking the course) in the blistering heat. No mean feat for anyone.

As an annual event, Hua Hin will host Golf festival 2010 during the months of August and September. Many golf courses in the area are offering a special green fees and accommodations.

Originally publish by http://www.tourismhuahin.com