Golf in Chang Rai

On the border between Thailand, Burma and Laos, we find an unexploited Chang Rai and the perfect base for exploring the Golden Triangle; an area full of excitement, culture, history and golf, of course.

After a week in southern Thailand we fly north, and from the time that we land at the airport in Bangkok, it takes just over an hour before we reach our goal - Chiang Rai.
No sweltering heat, but the climate that welcomes us is hot and fresh at the same time. Our ultimate goal is the Anantara Resort & Spa in "The Golden Triangle", on the border with Burma.
The small town of Sop Ruak constitutes the heart of the "triangle". Here Burma’s, Thailand’s and Laos’ borders converge where the Nam Ruak River meets the Mekong River. The area is a gem for anyone who wants to turn back the clock and enjoy an authentic Thailand. It’s perfect to rent a bicycle here to get around.

Opium production in the "Golden Triangle" has been extensive to say the least, but on the Thai side of the area it has been spent for a number of years.
The Thai royal family did a fantastic job of influencing the mountain peoples to diversify into other crops. We often see people wearing mimosa-yellow shirts as an expression of their support for the king. The background to this worship is precisely the enormous effort the royal family made for the Thai people.

One of the pleasures of Thailand is the native cuisine. In the north, the food is both milder and leaner than in the south where they make great use of coconut milk.
A good way to take part of everyday life is to try the restaurants where the locals go. There are rows of street stalls and we eat grilled shellfish and fish on mats on the pavement. We are joined by a French couple who own a bakery in town and it becomes an even more memorable meal.

There are two high quality courses in the area, and we begin with the Waterford, which is beautifully situated in a lush valley. Despite an hour's drive from the hotel we look forward to an unforgettable day of golf.
With five tees the course length varies from 6,365 to 4,679 metres. On most holes you are challenged by water and other hazards, but thanks to the relatively wide fairways and inviting greens, the course suits both beginners and more experienced golfers.
At the Santiburi Country Club the maintenance is first rate. The facility is owned by the family behind the popular beer Singha and it’s obvious that they have invested in the maintenance of the course. Everything from the dressing rooms to the spa is world class. Santiburi Country Club is considered to be one of Asia's best courses - and we don’t disagree.
On the way back to the hotel we stop at a food stall to feed our hungry stomachs.

A stone's throw from our hotel elephants live with their Mahouts, as part of a rehabilitation program for the elephants that have become unemployed since forestry became modernized.
Participating in any of these activities here is one way of getting close to animals, being inspired and amazed by their greatness and intelligence. In just an hour you learn the basic commands and see how Mahout controls and communicates with the animal. There are also opportunities for trekking in the jungle or for sharing a morning swim at dawn in the Mekong River with the elephants. It’s almost a magical experience, and already after a few visits the elephants recognize us again and come forward to say hello.

Text: Catharina Bergelin. Photo: Johan Berg Elin
Editing: Andreas Wadström. Web Editor: Emma Lindén