The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pitched northern "highland golf amid valleys and mountain landscapes" to 49 overseas buyer companies at the Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2026 on 16 September in Bangkok. With Chiang Mai's November to February peak season weeks away, golfers should expect more packages that pair Chiang Mai rounds with wellness and culture, and more competition for peak-season tee times.
What happened at the Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2026?
The TAT Newsroom reported on 16 September 2026 that the main trade meet ran at Topgolf Megacity in Bangna. It brought together 49 international buyer companies and 63 Thai sellers. The buyers came from North America, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania and Northeast Asia. The sellers were golf courses, hotels and resorts, destination management companies and other golf tourism businesses.
TAT presented four golf regions and described the North as highland golf among valleys and mountains. It framed golf under its "Healing is the New Luxury" theme and its "Value over Volume" strategy, and urged partners to build longer itineraries across regions that combine golf with Thai massage, wellness, food, culture and shopping. Pattaya Mail covered the same pitch on 18 September 2026, noting TAT's aim of longer stays and wider travel across Thailand's 250+ courses.
The event opened on 14 September with a networking tournament at The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club in Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok.
Why does this matter for a Chiang Mai golf trip?
Trade meets like this one are where overseas golf tour operators source the products they sell. When TAT tells 49 buyers to sell longer stays with highland golf in the North, our read is that more of their clients will look at Chiang Mai this winter. They will want the same top courses, the same hotels and the same morning tee times as you.
Chiang Mai's peak runs from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. It is already the busiest window at courses like Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort, Alpine Golf Resort and Gassan Legacy. A national push to send more golfers north adds to that demand. It does not add tee times.
Which dates should you pick or avoid?
- Book early for: Christmas and New Year, January weekends, and any group of eight or more. These fill first every year.
- Better availability: early November and February weekdays. The weather is still dry and courses are quieter than at the turn of the year.
- Watch the end of February: in our experience, burning-season haze can start to build late in the month and into March. If air quality matters to you, aim for November to mid February.
What does "Value over Volume" mean for cost?
TAT wants longer trips that spread across the country rather than simply more visitors. For you, that points to a market built around multi-night packages with golf, a good hotel and extras like spa and dining, not cheap one-off rounds. TAT did not announce any change to green fees. Peak-season rates at the premium courses are already higher than in the green season, and steady overseas demand gives courses little reason to discount them.
The practical way to control cost is to mix your courses. Pair a premium round with good-value layouts such as Summit Green Valley or Mae Jo Golf Club. Our Northern Value 4-night package is built on that balance.
Which of our packages fit the trip TAT is selling?
The longer, mixed golf and wellness stay TAT described is what our packages already do:
- Golf with culture: the Culture and Golf 5-night package pairs three rounds with temples, the Old City and Lanna food.
- Golf with recovery time: the Lanna Signature 7-night package spreads five rounds over a week, leaving room for spa days and massage between rounds.
- Highland course focus: the Highlands Classic 5-night package is four rounds on Chiang Mai's mountain-backed layouts.
- Two-city north: add Chiang Rai rounds at Santiburi Country Club to a Chiang Mai base.
For a route across regions on your dates, ask about our Elite add-on.
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Frequently asked questions
What was the Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2026?
It is the annual B2B golf tourism marketplace run by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The main trade meet was on 16 September 2026 at Topgolf Megacity in Bangna, Bangkok. It brought together 49 international buyer companies and 63 Thai sellers, including golf courses, hotels and destination management companies. A networking tournament at The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club in Nakhon Pathom opened the event on 14 September.
Should I book my Chiang Mai golf trip earlier because of this?
If you want November to February, yes. TAT is asking overseas golf tour buyers to sell longer stays that cover more of Thailand, and it pitched the North as highland golf. Any extra demand that follows lands on top of the usual winter rush for top tee times and good hotels. Lock in your dates and first-choice courses early, especially for groups, Christmas and New Year, and Saturday morning rounds.
Can I combine Chiang Mai golf with wellness and culture?
Yes, and it is the trip TAT is now selling. Chiang Mai has temples, the Old City and plenty of Thai massage and spa options within easy reach of the main courses. Our Culture and Golf package pairs three rounds with cultural days over five nights, and our longer packages leave rest days for spa visits or food tours.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2026?
It is the annual B2B golf tourism marketplace run by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The main trade meet was on 16 September 2026 at Topgolf Megacity in Bangna, Bangkok. It brought together 49 international buyer companies and 63 Thai sellers, including golf courses, hotels and destination management companies. A networking tournament at The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club in Nakhon Pathom opened the event on 14 September.
Should I book my Chiang Mai golf trip earlier because of this?
If you want November to February, yes. TAT is asking overseas golf tour buyers to sell longer stays that cover more of Thailand, and it pitched the North as highland golf. Any extra demand that follows lands on top of the usual winter rush for top tee times and good hotels. Lock in your dates and first-choice courses early, especially for groups, Christmas and New Year, and Saturday morning rounds.
Can I combine Chiang Mai golf with wellness and culture?
Yes, and it is the trip TAT is now selling. Chiang Mai has temples, the Old City and plenty of Thai massage and spa options within easy reach of the main courses. Our Culture and Golf package pairs three rounds with cultural days over five nights, and our longer packages leave rest days for spa visits or food tours.
