Legend has it that 250 years ago Thai general Phraya Taksin rested his troops in Chonburi province before mounting the final conclusive push to retake the ancient capital of Ayutthaya from the hands of the Burmese invaders.

Today a growing number of tourists - weary from sightseeing exploits in the capital, and locals in need of a break from the stresses and strains of the city, are making a beeline to Chonburi for a similar dose of rest and recuperation. 

That Chonburi lies within a two-hour drive of Bangkok makes it an ideal destination for golfers seeking a short 'get-away-from-it-all' break.

There are enough challenges within the boundaries of Thailand's only peninsular province to satisfy the cravings of even the most serious of golf addicts.

And quality abounds, with most of the courses having been designed by some of the world's foremost exponents in golf course architecture. 

Nicklaus, Trent Jones, Thomson, Faldo, Player have all embarked upon projects in Chonburi and the results are there for all to see and enjoy. And don't expect to have to pay the earth for the pleasure.

The cost is one of the many attractions of playing golf in Thailand, and as long as the Baht remains weak and the courses quiet, the Kingdom will remain one of the most economical golfing destinations for the discerning traveling golfer.

Chonburi was made more accessible with the construction of the elevated Bang Na-Trat Highway, a six-lane link road that allows stress-free travel from Bangkok to the province's unofficial capital of the Pattaya in less than 3 hours.

Pattaya offers the ideal base for a golfing excursion in Chonburi.

The once small fishing village is now a major resort with an excellent range of accommodation. 

Located directly on the Pattaya beachfront, the Dusit Resort offers a wonderful combination of Thai style and hospitality, with top class comforts and facilities.

It lies within a short drive of no less than 15 international standard golf courses.

High on the list for most golfers are the Eastern Star and Laem Chabang layouts that provide some of the most beautiful, most demanding and most rewarding of golf to be found anyway in the state.

Away from the links, the city and its accompanying beach area of Jomtien offer a plethora of marine based activities for the more adventurous golfers.

Swimming, windsurfing, paragliding, jet-skiing, sailing (out of Varuna Yacht Club and Ocean Marina) are merely a small selection of activities to keep you occupied.

Pattaya comes alive at night, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from seafood by the beach to fine French and Italian cuisine.

Add in the heartwarming charm and hospitality of the locals and you are left with a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.