Golf is the activity du jour in Chiang Mai, especially among the many Western retirees and vacationing Thais. All courses below are open to the public and offer equipment rental. Call ahead to reserve a tee-time.

Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club, located in Mae Rim, 20 minutes north of town on Rte. 107, 183/2 Chotana Rd., (tel. 05329-8249; fax 05327-9386), is in excellent condition with flat greens and fairways that slope toward the Ping River (greens fees: weekdays 1,200B/$29; weekends 2,000B/$49).

Lanna Golf Club, on Chotana Road 2km (1 1/4 miles) north of the Old City (tel. 05322-1911; fax 05322-1743) is a challenging, wooded 27 holes and a local favorite with great views of Doi Suthep Mountain (greens fees: weekdays 600B/$15; weekends 800B/$20).

Chiang Mai-Lamphun Country Club, Baan Thi Road, 10km (6 miles) east of Sankamphaeng (tel. 05324-8397; fax 05324-8937), located in a valley to the east, is a fine 18-hole course (greens fees: weekdays 1,400/$34; weekends 1,800B/$44).