Rancho Charnvee Golf Club is a great choice for golfers looking to combine championship golf with the beautiful countryside of Khao Yai. Set near Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima, the course sits amongst open countryside with rolling hills and mountains in the distance, creating a much more relaxed atmosphere than you will find around Bangkok. For us, it is an excellent course to include in a dedicated Khao Yai golf holiday or as part of a wider Thailand itinerary.

Designed by Bob McFarland and opened in 2010, Rancho Charnvee is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring 7,131 yards from the back tees. Although there is plenty of length available for stronger golfers, the course is generally quite generous from the tee, with wide fairways and receptive greens helping to make it enjoyable for a broad range of handicaps.

That does not mean it is straightforward. Strategic bunkering and water hazards regularly influence the best route towards the green, so golfers who position their drives carefully will normally have the advantage. The opening hole introduces the challenge immediately, with water creating an intimidating first tee shot before the fairway works uphill towards the green.

The long par-3 fourth is another hole that stands out. It requires a properly struck long iron or hybrid from the back tees and gives you an early reminder that Rancho Charnvee can still test good golfers despite its welcoming appearance.

What we particularly like is the balance between challenge and enjoyment. The fairways give you enough room to confidently use the driver, but the course still rewards golfers who think about angles and avoid attacking every flag. Larger greens can make them easier to hit, although their size also means finding the wrong section can leave you with a surprisingly long first putt.

The Khao Yai setting adds a lot to the experience. Wide-open views towards the surrounding hills give the course a peaceful feel, while the landscape is noticeably greener and quieter than Thailand's major cities.

Practice facilities have recently been enhanced with the Swing Society Driving Range, featuring TrackMan technology, open hitting bays and private practice spaces. The clubhouse also provides spacious locker rooms, a Pro Shop and refreshment facilities around the course.

Golfers wanting to stay on site can combine their rounds with accommodation at Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, creating an easy stay-and-play experience with restaurants, a swimming pool and plenty of activities away from golf.

For golfers looking to discover Khao Yai, Rancho Charnvee offers enjoyable resort golf in a beautiful setting. Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include Rancho Charnvee Golf Club within a tailor-made Thailand golf holiday.