Is a Thailand Golf Vacation Actually Cheaper Than a Weekend in the Hamptons?

The long-standing argument for golfers on the East Coast is often a decision between the familiar comfort of a Long Island weekend and the exotic experience of Southeast Asia. We tend to believe that staying local is the cost-effective option, but when we calculate the figures for 2025 and 2026, we are in for a surprise.

Is a golf vacation in Thailand cheaper than a Long Island weekend getaway? Let’s dive into the logistics of fairways, flights, and five-star stays to find out.

The Cost of Stepping onto the Grass

When you talk about golf in the Hamptons, exclusivity is the name of the game. Sure, places like Montauk Downs offer stunning views, but getting a tee time can be an exercise in futility. Green fees for non-residents can quickly escalate, and that’s before you start talking about cart fees or weekend play. Unless you know someone who’s a member at Shinnecock or Maidstone, you’re talking about shelling out some serious cash just to stand on the first tee.

On the other hand, Thailand uses the concept of a “luxury for all” model. In fact, even the most exclusive championship courses, such as the Thai Country Club or the Alpine Golf Club, offer green fees that vary between $130 and $180. In order to play the course effectively, golf enthusiasts can use Sawadee Golf to check the weather conditions at over 200 different venues so that they do not get rained out in the tropical weather. When you factor in the cost of a dedicated caddie and cart, which would cost hundreds of dollars extra in New York, you can start to appreciate the cost gap.

Accommodation: Mansions vs. Resorts

A weekend in the Hamptons during peak summer season is notoriously pricey. A decent hotel in East Hampton or Southampton rarely goes below $600 to $900 a night. If you are looking to stay in a luxury resort-type environment, it can get out of hand very quickly.

In Thailand, your money can take on a life of its own. You can stay in a five-star pool villa in Phuket or a high-rise luxury suite in Bangkok for $150 to $250 a night. For what it might cost to stay in a run-of-the-mill hotel in the Hamptons, you can literally live like royalty in Chiang Mai, including breakfast spreads that put American continental spreads to shame.

The Hidden Expenses: Dining and Transportation

This is where the Hamptons weekend becomes a financial marathon. A lobster roll and a couple of drinks at a hip bar in Montauk can run $100 per person. Add in valet parking, Uber surges, and the Hamptons tax on all services, and it’s a case of constant heavy spending during a three-day weekend.

In Thailand, the cost of living remains very low. A world-class dinner can be had for $30, or world-class street food can be had for $5. Private transportation in VIP vans for a group of four golfers can be had for a fraction of a single long-distance Uber ride from JFK to Southampton. Even when caddie fees are factored in, 400-600 Baht ($12-$18) per caddie per round, the daily expenses are lower in Thailand.

The Elephant in the Room: The Flight

The best argument for the Hamptons is the cost of a flight. If you are traveling from the Northeast, it is a tank of gas or a $40 train ride. A flight to Bangkok or Phuket is an 18-24 hour commitment and usually runs between $900 and $1,400 for an economy seat.

However, the math begins to work in favor of Thailand when you plan a longer vacation. A 3-day weekend in the Hamptons will set you back a total of $3,500 when you factor in lodging, golf, and high-end food. A 7-day luxury golf vacation in Thailand, complete with 5 golf games, 5-star lodging, and all transfers, can be had for a mere $1,800 to $2,200.

Even after factoring in a $1,200 flight, the total cost for a full week in paradise is virtually the same as a mere 72 hours in the Hamptons.

Which is Actually Better?

If you only have 48 hours to spare, then New York is the way to go. The travel time to Asia would consume most of your precious time off. But if you can afford 5 to 7 days of time off, then the Thailand golf vacation not only costs you less per day, but you get a level of service that the Hamptons can only dream of.

You’re not just a tourist in Thailand; you’re a VIP from the time you touch down in the country. From the well-manicured greens of Black Mountain to the post-round massage that costs you pennies compared to a sleeve of Pro V1s, Thailand gives you a championship experience that makes the Hamptons look like an overpriced compromise.

The choice, of course, would depend on the time budget you can afford. But for those willing to make the long haul, the experience would be well worth the time spent in the air.