Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course is a great choice for golfers who want to experience a quieter and more natural side of golf in northern Thailand. Located in Chom Thong, south-west of Chiang Mai, the course sits amongst tropical fruit orchards with the mountains surrounding Doi Inthanon providing an impressive backdrop throughout the round. It feels noticeably removed from the busier courses closer to the city, which is a big part of its appeal.

Designed by Thai golf architect Supachai Silamom and opened in 2009, the 18-hole, par-72 course measures 7,268 yards from the back tees. That makes it one of the longer tests around Chiang Mai, although five sets of tees allow you to choose a much more manageable distance if you would rather concentrate on enjoying the layout and scenery.

The course makes good use of gently undulating natural terrain rather than relying on huge elevation changes. Creeks weave through the property, bunkers regularly influence the ideal line from the tee and water comes into play on a large number of holes. We would definitely put good course management ahead of simply reaching for the driver on every tee.

There is still plenty of space to hit the ball, particularly for confident drivers, but finding the correct section of the fairway can make a big difference to your approach. The combination of water and longer holes also means you will probably use most of the clubs in your bag during the round.

The closing stretch is particularly enjoyable. The 15th plays uphill and asks plenty of your longer clubs, while the downhill 16th changes the challenge completely and makes judging distance especially important. The signature 17th is one of the holes we would look forward to most, with a carry across water to an elevated green creating a memorable late-round test before you head towards the clubhouse.

Another reason we like Chiang Mai Inthanon is the feeling of space around the course. With orchards, open countryside and views towards Thailand's highest mountain, there are plenty of moments where the surroundings become just as memorable as the golf itself.

The contemporary clubhouse sits above the course and is a good place to finish your round, particularly from the outdoor areas overlooking the fairways and mountain scenery.

Its location also makes Chiang Mai Inthanon easy to combine with a visit to Doi Inthanon National Park, while golfers staying longer can pair it with the other leading courses around Chiang Mai.

For golfers looking for scenic championship golf away from the busiest parts of the region, Chiang Mai Inthanon is well worth adding to the itinerary. Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include it within a tailor-made northern Thailand golf holiday.