The 7000-yard course at Royal Chiang Mai was designed by architect Michael Wolveridge with five-time Open champion Peter Thomson consulting. and uses many of the elements from a British links style course; including bumpy gently rolling fairways, numerous pot bunkers and closely mowed areas around the greens. A shorter course requiring more accuracy of placing the ball rather than long shots ensures a challenging game for both beginner and pro.

There are strategic positioning of fairway and greenside bunkers. Moreover, on some holes, the distances to the greens are deceptive and there is a tendency to under club. Lakes, streams and waterfalls come into play on most holes. All 18 holes on the entire course blend well together to offer a unique challenge.