A Quirky and Expansive Foot-Hills Sanctuary

Sprawling across 1,200 rai in the Northern Thailand foothills near Chiang Rai, Happy City Golf Resort stands out as the world’s only 29-hole golf facility. This Korean-owned property features three main 9-hole loops designed by local Thai professionals—Lakeside, Mountain Breeze, and River—complemented by two extra maintenance holes that allow for course upkeep without impacting daily play. Since opening in 2012, the course has undergone several upgrades, including extensive tree planting in 2013 and a complete fairways re-turfing to hardy Bermuda grass in 2014. This turf allows the course to handle the region's cooler, dry winter months relatively well, though overall maintenance standards can vary.

Distinct Layouts for Varied Strategies Most holes at Happy City utilize elevated tee boxes playing down to winding fairways, demanding precise approach shots over water.

• Lakeside Course: This 10-hole loop is heavily guarded by water hazards and unique, pebble-infused bunkers. Conservative play is the key to a good scorecard here, and right-handed slicers can breathe easy as the main hazards lean to the left.

• Mountain Breeze Course: Spanning the next ten holes, this loop flips the danger to the right side. It features a more open layout with wide fairways that welcome aggressive driving, particularly for players who hit a draw.

• River Course: The final 9-hole loop is a punishing, target-golf layout where length takes a backseat to extreme precision. With numerous peninsula and island greens, high-handicappers may want to skip this loop entirely, and everyone else should pack extra balls.

Novelty Architecture and Unique Design Touches Happy City is packed with eccentric features, including a punishing pineapple grove and the massive, 232-yard par-3 13th "Texas" hole, which features a cactus-filled, U-shaped bunker. Additionally, the par-3 7th green is a 60-yard surface shaped like the Korean peninsula, while the 178-yard par-3 16th green mirrors the map of Thailand.

Clubhouse and Amenities The well-equipped clubhouse overlooks the closing greens of the Lakeside and Mountain Breeze courses. On-site facilities include an Asian spa and sauna, a driving range, a golf academy, and comprehensive short-game areas. Even the on-course snack shacks have a whimsical touch, styled after a Dutch windmill, Disneyland, and the Flintstones’ home. While service, conditioning, and English language communication have room for improvement, Happy City remains a unique and highly viable option for a round in Chiang Rai.