Modern Coastal Course Beside the Andaman Sea, North of Phuket
Aquella Golf and Country Club sits beside the Andaman Sea at Thai Muang Beach in Phang Nga province, about 40 minutes north of Phuket International Airport. Formerly known as Thai Muang Golf Club, the course was completely redesigned by Pacific Coast Design in 2020, with very little of the original Andy Dye layout remaining. The result is a modern, open course with ocean views, good drainage, and a feel that’s quite different from Phuket’s tighter mountain and valley courses. The club is being redeveloped as an integrated resort with private residences, a hotel, and a marina.
| Aquella Golf and Country Club Quick Info | |
|---|---|
| Par / Yards | 72 / ~7,100 yards |
| Difficulty | Medium. Open fairways, coastal breezes add challenge |
| Green Fee | ~2,500-3,500 Baht |
| Cart | Available |
| Caddie | Mandatory. Fee ~300-400 Baht + tip 300-400 Baht |
| Designers | Pacific Coast Design (2020 rebuild). Original: Andy Dye |
| Signature Hole | Par-3 11th (186 yards, Andaman Sea behind the green) |
| Standout Feature | Coastal location, modern drainage, ocean views |
| Location | Thai Muang, Phang Nga. ~40 min north of Phuket airport |
| Development | Being built as integrated resort (residences, hotel, marina) |
What Makes Aquella Special
Aquella feels different from every other course near Phuket. Where Red Mountain gives you jungle ravines and Blue Canyon gives you tree-lined fairways, Aquella is open, spacious, and coastal. The 2020 rebuild by Pacific Coast Design used the latest construction technology, so the drainage is excellent. After heavy rain, the course plays well while some other Phuket courses are waterlogged. The putting surfaces are consistently good.
The layout is gently undulating rather than dramatic. Fairways are wide, which gives you room off the tee, but coastal breezes add a variable that the inland courses don’t have. On calm days, the course plays straightforward. When the wind picks up, club selection changes on every hole and the open fairways that looked inviting from the tee suddenly feel exposed.
Some holes run close to the mature casuarina trees that line Thai Muang Beach, and the ocean is visible from multiple points on the course. The course is still maturing. The trees planted during the rebuild need time to grow, so the layout feels more open than it will in a few years. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Right now, you get unobstructed views and a sense of space that the older, tree-lined Phuket courses don’t offer.
The Holes You’ll Remember
Hole 11 (Par 3, 186 yards): The signature hole. From the tee, the Andaman Sea fills the background behind the green. The hole is well landscaped with ground cover and planting around the putting surface, and it’s one of the most photogenic par 3s in the Phuket area. At 186 yards, it’s a proper mid-iron shot, and the wind off the ocean can make club selection tricky. Hit the green and you’ll want to pause before putting just to take in the view.
Coastal Holes: Several holes run close to the beach, bordered by mature casuarina trees. These are the holes where Aquella’s unique coastal character comes through most clearly. The combination of ocean breeze, sea views, and links-like turf underfoot is something no other Phuket-area course offers, apart from Mission Hills.
Opening Holes: The course starts gently, giving you a chance to find your rhythm and get a feel for the wind before the layout becomes more demanding. A good start is possible here if you keep the ball in play off the tee.
What to Expect on the Day
Getting there: About 40 minutes by car from Phuket airport, or 75 minutes from Patong. The drive takes you north through Phang Nga province along the coast. Some golf agents include transfers.
Check-in: The clubhouse is modern and top-class, with a restaurant overlooking both the course and the sea. Facilities are excellent and match what you’d expect from a new resort development.
On the course: The course is quieter than the main Phuket courses. Pace of play is usually good. The modern drainage means you won’t face waterlogged fairways after rain, which is a real advantage during the wet season.
Note on hours: Check current opening days before booking. The club has had limited operating hours (closed weekends at times) during the resort development phase. This may change as the wider development progresses. Always confirm availability with the pro shop or your golf agent.
Who Should Play Here
Aquella is the right choice if you’ve played the main Phuket courses and want something different. The coastal setting, modern design, and open layout give it a distinct identity. It’s also a good option during the rainy season because the drainage handles heavy rain better than most courses in the area.
The wide fairways suit mid to high handicappers, and the wind factor adds interest for better players. Low handicappers looking for a tight, technical test will find Red Mountain and Blue Canyon Canyon Course more demanding. But as a change of pace from the jungle and mountain courses, Aquella offers a refreshing contrast.
The main consideration is the drive. At 40 minutes from the airport, it’s closer than Katathong but still a commitment compared to the Kathu courses. If you’re staying in northern Phuket (Mai Khao, Nai Yang), the drive is shorter and more practical.
Insider Tips
Aquella is the newest and most modern course near Phuket. The infrastructure and turf technology are a step ahead of the older courses, and the coastal setting gives it a character that the inland courses can’t replicate.
Check wind conditions before you play. On calm days, the course is moderate in difficulty and very enjoyable. When the sea breeze picks up, especially during the afternoon, the open layout means every shot is affected. Morning tee times are generally calmer.
The course drains better than any other in the Phuket area. If you’re visiting during rainy season (May to October) and other courses are struggling with waterlogged fairways, Aquella is the safest bet for playable conditions.
Confirm opening days before booking. The club’s operating schedule has been affected by the ongoing resort development. Calling ahead or checking with a golf agent avoids a wasted drive.
The clubhouse restaurant is worth staying for after your round. Good food, ocean views, and a modern setting that rivals any resort course clubhouse in Phuket.
Aquella Through the Years
The course started life as Thai Muang Golf Club, designed by Andy Dye and built on the Phang Nga coast overlooking the Andaman Sea. The original layout served golfers for years, but as Phuket’s golf scene developed with courses like Red Mountain and the Blue Canyon renovation, Thai Muang fell behind in quality and reputation.
The transformation came in 2020 when Pacific Coast Design was brought in for a complete rebuild. Very little of the original Dye design remains. The new course uses modern construction methods, including advanced drainage systems that keep the course playable in conditions that would shut down older layouts. The greens were built to a high standard and are consistently among the best-conditioned in the area.
The rebrand from Thai Muang to Aquella came with the broader redevelopment plan: an integrated resort with the golf course as the centrepiece, surrounded by private residences, a hotel, and a marina. The development is ongoing, which means some facilities are still being built and operating hours may be limited. As the resort takes shape, Aquella is positioned to become one of the more complete golf resort experiences near Phuket.
Aquella Golf and Country Club Info
Location: Phang Nga province (Thai Muang Beach)
Address: 157/12 Moo 9, Limdul Road, Thai Mueang District, Phang-nga 82120
Open: 9 am – 5 pm (check current days, may be closed weekends during development)
Phone: 02 150 0575
Green Fee: ~2,500-3,500 Baht. Caddie ~300-400 Baht + tip
Distance from Phuket International Airport: 44 km (~40 min drive)
Distance to Patong: 76 km
Distance to Phuket Town: 70.5 km
