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Asian Golf Travel Nation - November 2012

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Dear Golf Travelers,

Golf in AsiaWelcome to the latest issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia.

It's time to welcome the cool breezes that signal the dry winter season. The change of seasons also means that it's the perfect time for you to experience stunning destinations and ideal golf conditions across the region.

In tandem with the high season we have expanded our product range to all destinations. For example, Thailand has new golf courses in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai and our 2013 series of Amateur golf tournaments have been announced. Vietnam has new golf courses in Nha Trang, Saigon, and Danang. Myanmar and Laos are completely new and undiscovered golf destination for 2013.

Meanwhile, Golfasian is on the move again with the appointment of new personnel, procurement of additional luxury vehicles, and establishment a new corporate golf travel division. All are our efforts to raise the bar in Asian golf travel and insure your complete satisfaction.

That being said, the demand for our golf tours for the high season is already very strong. Therefore, book early to avoid disappointment.

There are only 2 months left in 2012. As always there are many golf 'happenings' around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.

 Visit Golfasian Today!

Golf news from around the region:

Thailand
*Thai Country Club, BangkokBangkok: Bangkok has for the third time in as many years been named the World's Best City 2012 by the globally travel magazine Travel & Leisure. Factors taken into account in the survey included location, culture, food, shopping, service and value-for-money. Now if only golf were factored in, then the contest would be that much more lopsided. With 60 courses including Thai CC, Suwan G&CC, and the new Riverdale GC among the world-class and value-for-money courses open for visitor play, golf in Bangkok is hard to beat. Moreover, Thais are committed to preserve the city as a lively place and extend a warm welcome to golf tourists. With this combination I expect that Bangkok will continue to receive the World's Best City award for years to come.

Vietnam
*Saigon GolfSaigon: There is yet another new golf course to be in Saigon. Designed by Schmidt-Curley the CT Sphinx Golf Club (Yes this is the real name and No I did not make it up) is now selling memberships and planning to open the first 9 holes in June 2013. Though, I personally think there will be a delay, at least the golf course pedigree should be good as the designer is the same as who designed Amata Spring Bangkok, Chiang Mai Highlands, and Siam Country Club Pattaya.

Cambodia
*Siem Reap Golf CoursesSiem Reap: Despite being far behind more developed countries, people are often surprised at how high-tech some aspects of Asia are. Indeed, when one thinks of Cambodia, you don't usually think of high-tech solutions to travel, but guess what? You can now apply for, pay for and print your client's Cambodian visa online! It's a good time-saver and they don't have to waste a page in their passport with the page-sized Cambodian visa-on-arrival. The best part is that now you can easily play all 3 visitor-friendly golf courses in Siem Reap, combine Siem Reap with non-stop flights to/from other golf destinations like Bangkok and Danang, and experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat.

With that I would like to once again thank those of you who have golfed with us recently, it was nice seeing you and I hope your trip was memorable one.

Remember, while the offerings are many, the choice is yours, and golf in Asia is beckoning.

Whatever your budget and preferred style of travel, our Asian golf travel experts are glad to work with you and suggest a golf package that meets all of your needs.

Until the next newsletter, happy golfing and I hope to see YOU in the area very soon!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

 

- Golf in Siem Reap - A Destination Review by Mark Siegel

Angkor Wat Golf Siem ReapSiem Reap is a small former French colonial town that has been visited by foreigners mainly to see the 1000 year old cradle of Khmer civilization and the Temples of Angkor Wat.

Up until 10 years ago, golf was unheard of in Cambodia, but it was only a matter of time until golf took off. Now Siem Reap is home to three international standard 18-hole golf courses each with their own variety and challenges for everyone from amateurs to professionals. In addition, the temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to be a sight to behold for all visitors.

Present day Siem Reap is a peaceful town that has retained the style of its former French colony heritage and mixed it with indigenous cultural charm to completely redevelop itself and regain its proud title as The Pearl of Asia. Be one of the first to golf in Cambodia while visiting Angkor Wat. In between sightseeing, you will have time to relax and play at the three golf courses in Seam Reap.

[Read the entire Siem Reap Golf Review]

 
- Featured Golf Course - Angkor Golf Resort

Angkor Golf ResortAngkor Golf Resort opened in 2007 to accolades and since then the praise has only increased. Many believe it is not only the finest course in Cambodia, but also the crowing achievement in course design throughout the entire region. That is saying something when you look at the superb caliber of golf in SE Asian countries. Designer and legendary tour icon, Nick Faldo, has expressed an affinity for Cambodia and the Kingdom seems to admire Sir Nick as well, if his current golf development work in progress in Cambodia is any indication.

[Read more about one of Cambodia's Best Golf Courses]

- Featured Hotel - Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and SpaSet in landscaped gardens on Charles de Gaulle Avenue, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort is the closest Siem Reap hotel to the ruins of Angkor Wat. This unique Siem Reap Cambodia hotel is situated near traditional markets, tourist attractions and the airport.

Enjoy the many features of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, including 238 rooms, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, five restaurants and the Phokeethra Country Club; a world class 18 hole golf course. This hotel provides world-class accommodations, featuring a unique convergence of French and Khmer architecture. Explore the closest Siem Reap hotel to the magnificent Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage Site and golf courses!

[Read more about one of Cambodia's Best Hotels & Resorts]

- Golf Trip Idea: Vietnam & Cambodia Golf Tour

Vietnam & Cambodia Golf Tour Now is the time to golf and explore two of Asian's fastest growing golf destinations. Golf at the top golf courses in Saigon and Siem Reap and learn about the ancient Vietnamese and Khmer cultures.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's largest metropolis and its undisputed capital of commerce. In Siem Reap you will find one of the wonders of the world. The temple complex of Angkor spans four centuries, tens of kilometers and has endured for a millennium. Siem Reap also hosts championship golf courses, of which you will golf at the two best.

[Vietnam & Cambodia Golf Tour Detailed Itinerary...]

Thailand Amateur Golf Weeks 2013
- Golf Travel Testimonials

Hi Jim and Team,

Jim, just letting you know we are home now all safe.  Everything went great.  Hua Hin was great and Black Mountain was great and Banyan also.  

This is my 4th trip to Hua Hin and Hilton.  Every thing went well.  Thank all your staff for us as there were no problems at all.  All pick-ups and greetings were great.  I have done this before but I had a lot of 1st timers with me and they couldn't believe how easy everything works. I think that plays well for them for future visits.  

I love the place you can't keep me away.  

Thanks Jim and Staff
Kind Regards  

Trevor McL.
Australia October 2012

[Read more golf travel testimonials]

- Golfasian Received the Top Production Local Agent Award 2012

Ian Morgan - Phuket General ManagerGolfasian's Phuket General Manager, Ian Morgan, received 'The Top Local Agent Production Award 2012' from the Kee Resorts General Manager Mr. Somchai Pantong.

The Kee Resort has become one of Golfasian's top selling 4 star properties in Phuket. Located in the heart of Patong, this Thai owned property comprises of 244 guest rooms & spa along with several dining outlets including the Sky Lounge on the 7th Floor where you can sip cocktails watching one of the memorable sunsets over the bay of Patong.

Thailand Golf Special Offers
- Golf Tournaments

Thailand Golf TournamentsHua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2013
Date: March 03 - 09, 2013 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2013
Date: March 10 - 16, 2013 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

- Best of the Blog thailandgolfzone.com

Best accommodation for your golf holiday

Best accommodation for your golf holidayIt's not always easy to recommend the right accommodation for your golf holiday. There are some very good value properties in Phuket that can make your golf holiday more affordable, as well as some 6 star properties that are pure luxury. Often groups and families prefer to stick together, so villas can be a great option if you like space and flexibility.

I recently visited some new villas near the Blue Canyon complex where the owner is on site, cooking breakfast, taking orders from the fresh market to cook the evening meal after golf. It really came across as a very relaxing way to enjoy your golfing break and the lovely country side Phuket has to offer away from the main tourist areas.

[Read the entire article]

Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone and Phuket Golf Zone where there are over 600 other original articles dealing exclusively with golf in Asia and golf travel.

I would love to hear about any golf tips that any of you may have developed for getting the maximum enjoyment from your golf trips, and can incorporate some in future articles. Therefore if you have any golf tips or suggestions you would like to share, please let me know by dropping me an email.

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- Golfing Tips by Ian Morgan - Rate of Play

There is a lack of understanding about the pace of play in Thailand, but that shouldn't be allowed to spoil your game.

Don't expect to play the round in three and half hours as the game here is played at a much slower pace. Some courses allow 5 balls, which can be frustrating and something we are not used to.

Allowing for three or four drink stops per round, the normal time for a round of golf is nearer four and half hours. So relax, be patient, especially at weekends when the courses are heavily played.

[Read more Golf Tips Articles]

If you have any other questions regarding golf tips to help you with your game email us at [email protected] and we will reply in upcoming newsletters

For more golf tips visit www.golfthink.com

- Meet Golfasian at these Trade/Roadshows/Fam-Trips

-Golfasian has a full schedule of tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

  • November 5 - 8, 2012 - World Travel Market (London, UK)
  • November 12 - 15, 2012 - International Golf Travel Mart (IGTM) 2012 (Algarve, Portugal)
  • January 23 - 26, 2013 - PGA Merchandise Show (Orlando, Florida)
  • April 29 - May 02, 2013 - IAGTO Asia Golf Tourism Convention (Pattaya, Thailand)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

- About Us & Contacts
GolfasianIf any reader would like to suggest a topic to be covered or better yet contribute materials, photos, or even commissions an article please contact us by e-mail, we welcome the help.

 

  • Licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), License No: 14/00515
  • Recommended by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
  • Member of Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)
Golfasian Co., Ltd.
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Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit 63 Road
Klongtan Nua, Wattana
Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 714 8470
Fax: +66 (0) 2 714 8471
Golfasian Vietnam Co., Ltd
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District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Tel: +84 (0) 8 3838 6510
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E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.golfasian.com

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