Siem Reap is a beautiful city in one of the northern provinces of Cambodia and is not a name that springs to mind when considering a golf holiday but actually it is home to three superb golf courses and it has a lot to offer for tourists and golfing enthusiasts alike. Due to the warm year-round temperatures in Siem Reap golf can be played at any time and although it’s not internationally renowned as a golfing hot spot, the city has no less than three championship level courses.
The combination of modern amenities, local Cambodian life and relaxed atmosphere make playing golf in Siem Reap a real pleasure. Not only do you have a choice of three tremendous golf courses, you also have the additional benefit of being close to some of Cambodia’s greatest temples.
Playing golf in Siem Reap is easy thanks to the Siem Reap International Airport, which is the second largest in Cambodia. There are separate terminals for domestic and international flights and as with many destinations in this part of the world, you are only one stop away from being in Siem Reap. Flights from countries such as the United Kingdom and USA usually stop in China, so why not combine your golf in Siem Reap with a round or two in China?
When planning a trip to play golf in Siem Reap, you must consider the climate. Siem Reap has a tropical climate, meaning the summer has plenty of rainfall while the winter has very little. For optimum golf playing conditions in Siem Reap, you should visit between November and February. This is the dry period and temperatures are also a little cooler than at other times of the year.
The hottest month is April, when temperatures can make playing golf difficult and the rainy season is between May and October, with September being the wettest month. So, if you want a good chance of cool and dry conditions when playing golf in Siem Reap, try and book your trip between October and March.
Siem Reap is home to the best golf course in the whole of Cambodia, the Angkor Golf Resort. Located just 5 kilometres away from the town, this Nick Faldo designed golf course opened for play in 2008 and has received rave reviews ever since.
The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 7,200 yards and was opened by Faldo himself, having received a blessing from local monks. As one would expect from an IMG managed golf course, it is very well maintained throughout the year and the tee boxes, greens and fairways are always in good condition.
There are bunkers and water hazards across the 18 holes but these are easily seen from the tee, so you can plan your shots accordingly. This allows for some good, strategic golf and with undulating greens, approach play can differ depending on the location of the pin. Angkor Golf Resort keeps the best until last and the final three holes are excellent.
The 16th is a mammoth 588-yard par-5, with water on the left side of the green making anything other than three shots to the hole very demanding. The 17th hole is a par-3 but again, this is quite long and plays to a green protected by water on the right side. The final hole is very good par-4, featuring a slight dogleg left, with water running down the left side of the fairway. If you want to have a good line into the green, you must risk seeing your ball travel close to the water.
Following an exhilarating finish to the round, why not head to the clubhouse and enjoy some refreshments? Angkor Golf Resort should be at the top of your list when planning a golf holiday in Siem Reap.
From one top golf course to another and Phokeethra Country Club has played host to both the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic and 2010 Cambodian Open. Managed by Sofitel, this golf club opened in 2007 and is just 15 minutes away from Siem Reap International Airport.
The 18-hole par-72 course plays to 7,150 yards and provides some great examples of Cambodian culture. For example, located between the 9th and 10th holes is the Roluh Bridge, which has been faithfully restored and dates to the 11th century Khmer empire.
Always in great condition throughout the year, Phokeethra Country Club comes complete with large greens and fairways, making it a great place to play for those who like to hit the ball long. However, beware the lagoons and bunkers which are consistent throughout the 18 holes. In fact, there is only one hole which does not feature water and the 18th hole requires a double water carry, with an island green. It makes for a challenging and spectacular finish.
The practice facilities are good, with a pitch and putt area to get players in the groove before heading on to the course. The Angkor Wat restaurant serves Western, Khmer and Asian cuisine and combined with the spa facilities offer an excellent way to relax after a round of golf.
A trip to play golf in Siem Reap would not be complete without a round at Phokeethra Country Club but you should also take time to visit the third international standard golf course in the area, Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club.
The course is only 6 kilometres from Siem Reap town and was designed by Kentaro Sato, a well-known Japanese golf course designer. The course has played host to some big local tournaments and even the Cambodian Prime Minister has paid a visit, underlining its reputation as a great place to play golf in Siem Reap.
With five tees to choose from and generous fairways, Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club is suitable for players of all abilities. Several of the holes include split fairways, giving golfers a choice of how to approach the hole. With creeks crossing the fairways and significant greenside bunkering, good distance control is a must to score low on this course.
With lovely showers and saunas, plus a main restaurant serving a choice of international and Korean dishes, a round at Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club is a great way end a trip playing golf in Siem Reap.
If you are intendind to visit the temples as well as playing golf in Siem Reap then you will need several days and it probably best to stay near th centre of town. The main entertainment area is Pub Street so if you can stay near here that would be ideal.
We can book tee times at any of the golf courses in Siem Reap and we have the best green fee offers and deals no matter what time of the year your play and you can book online via our website.