🎾 Pickleball in Thailand 2026: Complete Guide to Courts, Clubs & Communities
If you're a pickleball lover, like my buddy Sam, and planning a trip to Thailand—or already living in the Land of Smiles—you'll be happy to know this: pickleball is lowkey booming here, and 2026 is shaping up to be the sport's biggest year yet in the Kingdom. So, I did a bit more digging.
Once a niche hobby among expats, pickleball has carved out a real spot in Thailand's sports culture. You can now find dedicated courts, active clubs, open-play sessions, beginner classes, friendly tournaments, and even competitive leagues across the country. I may have to dabble in it myself!
In this guide, you'll learn:
The best places to play (with specific venues and costs)
How to join local communities and find other players
What serious players should know about leagues and tournaments
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Let's dive in na khrup!
📍 Quick Reference: Where to Play at a Glance
Where to Play & Find Your Community: City-by-City Snapshot
🏙️ Bangkok
Best For: Drop-in play & variety
Top Venue: Asoke Sports Club (Sukhumvit 16)
Typical Cost: 100–300 THB / session
Climate Tip: Indoor courts beat the heat & rainy season
Vibe: Fast-paced, international, lots of daily games
🌿 Chiang Mai
Best For: Social community & long stays
Top Venue: Chiang Mai Pickleball Club (Hai Ya)
Typical Cost: 20–200 THB (often donation/open play)
Climate Tip: Best weather Nov–Feb (cool & dry)
Vibe: Friendly, relaxed, beginner-welcoming
🌴 Phuket
Best For: Resort life + competitive play
Top Venue: Pickleball Phuket Club (Kathu)
Typical Cost: 200–400 THB / session
Climate Tip: Play early morning or late afternoon
Vibe: Vacation meets fitness, strong expat mix
🌊 Hua Hin
Best For: Expat retirees & families
Top Venue: Arena Hua Hin
Typical Cost: 100–250 THB+ / hour
Climate Tip: Consistent play year-round, many morning sessions
Vibe: Social, community-driven, retirees, families
🌊 Pattaya
Best For: Expat retirees & active 50+ players
Top Venue: Lakeland Pattaya / PR Pickleball Pattaya
Typical Cost: 150–300 THB+ / hour
Climate Tip: Consistent play year-round, recommend morning sessions
Vibe: Social, community-driven, retirement-friendly
✨ Why Thailand for Pickleball?
✔️ Welcoming expat & local communities
✔️ Affordable play costs
✔️ Great weather (especially Nov–Feb)
✔️ Easy to combine travel, wellness & sport
Perfect for travelers, digital nomads, retirees & fitness lovers
🎯 Quick Tips for Players
🏓 Paddle rentals available at most clubs
📱 Join LINE or Facebook Pickleball groups to find games fast
🌦️ Choose indoor courts during hot & rainy seasons
🤝 Drop-in play is common — no partner needed (Make new friends)
🏓 Is Pickleball Popular in Thailand in 2026?
Short answer: Yes—pickleball is booming, especially in major cities with active expat communities.
While it hasn't surpassed badminton or tennis, pickleball has quickly grown from a few informal groups into a nationwide hobby supported by clubs, resorts, schools, and local sports centers. The growth has been remarkable over the past few years.
Why the boom? It comes from Thailand's large expat communities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya, wellness-focused resorts adding courts as part of travel-friendly fitness programs, and the sport's easy learning curve that appeals to Thai families and retirees alike. International schools are introducing it to students, and the social, welcoming community makes it perfect for travelers and digital nomads.
You'll rarely have trouble finding people to play with. In fact, most clubs have open sessions almost daily, and the community is genuinely excited to welcome newcomers—even if you've never held a paddle before. Let’s go, please!
🗺️ Where to Play Pickleball in Thailand (Top Cities Breakdown)
Below is my curated list designed specifically for travelers and newcomers. I've included the practical details you actually need.
⭐ 1. Bangkok — Thailand's Most Active Pickleball Scene
Bangkok's cosmopolitan vibe makes it the center of pickleball life in Thailand. If you want drop-in play, social mixers, or coaching, Bangkok is your best bet.
Asoke Sports Club (48 Soi Sukhumvit 16, Khlong Toei)
What you'll find: 4 indoor + 2 outdoor hard courts (check for updates with venue)
Why it's great: Perfect for drop-in play, tourist-friendly location
Access: Easy walk from MRT Sukhumvit / BTS Asoke stations (11th floor of Foodland building)
Services: Paddle rentals (around 100-150 THB), beginner classes, very active expat community
Cost: Drop-in court around 100-200 THB per session; private indoor courts 600 THB/hour
Language: English-speaking staff available
Best times: Morning sessions 6-9am, evening 5-8pm (book ahead for evenings)
Website: www.asokesports.club
This is hands-down the most convenient spot for tourists staying in central Bangkok. The air-conditioned indoor courts are a lifesaver during hot season.
Benjakitti Forest Park (North side of park, near Asok)
What you'll find: 10 covered indoor courts (free!)
Cost: Completely free to play
Hours: 5am-9pm daily
Best for: Budget-conscious players, drop-in sessions
Booking: Walk up to see if court is available or book using the CSTD app (small fee)
Bangkok Pickleball Meetup Group
There's also a thriving Meetup and LINE community that organizes daily open-play, skill-based sessions, weekend mixers, competitive ladders, and friendly mini-tournaments. This is a fantastic option if you're traveling solo and want to meet locals and expats quickly. Most sessions are free or low-cost if you're already part of the community.
Pro tip: Join the Bangkok Pickleball Facebook group before you arrive—players often post last-minute games and you can introduce yourself.
Pickleball players at BYC Pickleball & More in Chiang Mai. PHOTO: https://www.bycpickleball.com/home
⭐ 2. Chiang Mai — Social, Friendly, and Perfect for Long-Stay Visitors
From Bangkok's lively scene, let's head north to Thailand's coolest laid-back city. Chiang Mai is known for wellness, nature, and slower-paced living—and pickleball fits right in. The community here is extremely welcoming and less rushed than Bangkok.
Chiang Mai Pickleball Club (Corner of Thipanet Road and Hai Ya Road)
What you'll find: 3 outdoor asphalt courts in excellent condition
Why it's great: Drop-ins welcome (no need to bring a partner), super-friendly atmosphere
Schedule: Open play Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7:00-7:30 AM until 1 PM
Cost: First time free, then only 20 THB per day (about 60 cents USD!)
Vibe: Digital nomads, snowbirds, and long-term visitors & expats
Contact: Search "Chiang Mai Pickleball Club" on Facebook or Google Maps
This is a favorite among the Chiang Mai expat community. The November-January weather here is absolutely perfect for outdoor play. *Note: Check air quality during ‘burning season” during February- April months — may not be healthy for outdoor play.
BYC Pickleball & More (39, 4 Soi Mu Ban Wiang Phing Villa, Doi Saket)
What you'll find: Indoor courts with professional ITF-certified surface
Location: About 10 minutes from Central Festival Mall in Doi Saket area
Cost: 140 THB per hour
Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Contact: +66 96 906 1725 (LINE/WhatsApp)
Website: www.bycpickleball.com
If you're outside the city center or prefer quieter surroundings with top-quality indoor courts, this is an excellent choice. They offer coaching and have excellent Google reviews from visitors.
Pickleball players at BYC Pickleball & More in Chiang Mai. PHOTO: https://www.bycpickleball.com/home
⭐ 3. Phuket — Resort Vibes Meet Serious Pickleball
Heading south to the islands, Phuket offers one of the best experiences in Thailand for combining vacation with community sports. You can literally play pickleball in the morning and hit the beach by afternoon.
Pickleball Phuket Club (58/3 Moo 1, Kathu)
What you'll find: 4 quality outdoor acrylic courts
Options: Both membership and open-play available
Services: Lessons, paddle rentals (around 200 THB), regular social events
Location: 5 minutes from Central Festival shopping mall, 15 minutes to Patong Beach
Cost: Open play varies; memberships available
Hours: Daily 8am-9pm (some sources say 7am-11pm)
Community: Mix of locals, digital nomads, retirees, and holidaymakers - Fun!
Website: pickleballphuket.com
This club attracts players of all levels and hosts regular weekend tournaments that visitors can join. It's considered one of the best pickleball facilities in Asia.
TIp: After a good workout, grab some affordable & delicious food with a stunning cliff-view of Patong Bay at AB ZAB Restaurant - Thai family-owned. You’ll thank me for this recommendation.
Resort Courts
Many resorts in Rawai, Kata, and Bang Tao now offer pickleball courts and weekly social play. If you're staying at a resort with courts, this is the ultimate convenience—your sport and vacation in one place. Ask your hotel concierge about court availability and local player groups.
⭐ 4. Pattaya / Chon Buri — Expats & Active Retirement Community
Pattaya has one of the fastest-growing pickleball communities in Thailand, particularly popular among the 50+ expat retirement crowd.
Lakeland Pattaya (New venue with 18 courts!)
What you'll find: 18 courts open every day (as of January 2025)
Why it's great: Largest facility in Pattaya area
Services: Pickleball store on-site, equipment available
Website: www.lakeland-pattaya.com
PR Pickleball Pattaya (Pratumnak area)
What you'll find: 2 outdoor hard courts
Vibe: Friendly local and expat mix, relaxed atmosphere
Play style: Good for drop-in, very social
Cost: Typical session fees apply
Pattaya Sports Club (Multiple locations)
Services: Coaching available, equipment shop
Contact: 081-408-8804 or 081-209-5589 (LINE ID: 257914rin)
Various venues around Pattaya offering pickleball
Bonus: The Pattaya scene organizes regular senior tournaments and social leagues—perfect if you're looking for competitive play with peers in your age bracket.
⭐ 5. Hua Hin — Another Popular Expats & Active Retirement Community
Pickleball is also rapidly growing in this retirement-friendly community. Plus, with the recent trend of families from western countries moving into the area, pickleball will continue to see strong growth.
T Rex Sports Club
What you'll find: 4 indoor courts (Hard courts with permanent lines and portable nets)
Services: On-site restaurant, fitness center, equipment available for pickleball & badminton
Facebook: T Rex Sports Club
Arena Hua Hin
What you'll find: Very large sports complex that includes pickleball courts
Vibe: Friendly local and expat mix of all ages
Play style: Good for both casual and more serious athletes
Cost: Typical session fees apply
Website: https://arenahuahin.com/en/
🧑🤝🧑 How to Join Pickleball Communities in Thailand
Here's the good news: you won't be playing alone. Players in Thailand are welcoming, and there are several easy ways to plug into local groups.
✔️ 1. LINE Groups (Most Popular in Thailand)
Most Thai clubs use LINE messenger to post game schedules, drop-in times, tournament announcements, player matching, and coaching availability. Even short-term visitors can join—just ask the manager at the court for the group QR code.
✔️ 2. Facebook Groups
Common active groups include:
Bangkok Pickleball
Chiang Mai Pickle Ball Club
Phuket Pickleball Club Community
Hua Hin Pickleball Players
Pattaya Pickleball Players
These are great for meeting partners, finding games, checking last-minute updates, and introducing yourself before you arrive.
✔️ 3. Meetup.com
Bangkok's Meetup community is also active, making it ideal for solo travelers or those new to the city.
✔️ 4. Word of Mouth
Once you join ONE session, people will quickly invite you to social mixers, ladder leagues, skill-development nights, and weekend round-robins. The culture is extremely inclusive—I've watched players welcome complete beginners and patiently teach them the basics mid-game.
Language barrier? Most clubs have English-speaking staff, and pickleball's simple rules translate easily. You'll pick up basic Thai court terms quickly: "mai pen rai" (no worries) and "kop khun" (thank you) go a long way. Also, here’s your free resource to learning basic Thai.
🏆 For Serious Players: Leagues, Ladders & Tournaments
Thailand isn't just for casual players. If you want competitive play, you'll find plenty of opportunities in 2026.
Bangkok Pickleball League (BPL)
A structured league attracting intermediate and advanced players. Runs seasonal competitions with skill-based divisions.
Thailand Open Pickleball Championships
Held annually (typically in January-February in Hua Hin during dry season), this tournament attracts athletes from across Southeast Asia — popular with both Thai nationals and expats.
Thailand Senior Pickleball Events
Especially big in Pattaya and Phuket, these are popular among 50+ expats. Age brackets ensure fair competition.
Phuket & Chiang Mai Tournaments
Smaller but well-organized local tournaments, great for couples, families, and mixed-level duos. Many offer "visitor slots" for travelers.
Even if you're visiting short-term, check club LINE groups or Facebook pages—many tournaments welcome drop-in participants with advance registration.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to play pickleball in Thailand?
Expect to pay 20-400 THB per session depending on location and facilities. Chiang Mai Hai Ya courts are only 20 THB after your first free session. Bangkok ranges from free (Benjakitti Park) to 100-300 THB for private facilities. Phuket typically runs 200-400 THB. Paddle rentals add 100-200 THB if needed.
Do I need to bring my own paddle to Thailand?
No, most clubs offer paddle rentals for 100-200 THB. However, serious players often prefer bringing their own for consistency and comfort. If you're traveling light, like I do, rentals work fine.
What's the best city for pickleball in Thailand?
Bangkok has the most courts and variety, Chiang Mai has the friendliest community vibe and lowest prices, Phuket offers the best resort-style experience, and Hua Hin & Pattaya are ideal for retiree-focused play. Choose based on your travel style.
Can beginners play in Thailand?
Absolutely! All clubs welcome beginners and most offer lessons or intro sessions. The community is patient and encouraging—I've seen complete novices warmly welcomed into games. Chiang Mai's first-time-free policy is perfect for trying it out.
Is pickleball year-round in Thailand?
Yes, but weather matters. November-February is ideal outdoor weather. March-May favors indoor courts due to heat. May-October requires flexibility due to afternoon rain, so indoor/covered courts are best. Also, check for air quality issues in Northern Thailand during February - April months — ‘burning season’ may be an issue.
Do I need to speak Thai to play?
No, English is widely spoken at most clubs, especially in expat-heavy areas. Basic Thai phrases help but aren't required.
Are there tournaments for visitors?
Yes! Many tournaments welcome visitors with advance registration. Check Facebook groups and club websites for upcoming events, especially during dry season (Nov-Feb).
🎾 Final Thoughts: Your Next Pickleball Adventure Awaits
Are you ready for some pickleball action? I am! In Thailand, you'll find friendly communities, abundant open-play opportunities, beginner-friendly clubs, competitive leagues, beautiful courts, and an easy way to stay active while traveling or living abroad.
Kob khun khrub for getting this far—see you on the court! 🎾
Note: Prices and details may vary from year to year. Contact venues directly for the most current information.
MORE RESOURCES:
Thailand Visa Exemption Crackdown November 2025: New Rules Explained
How to Use the Rabbit Card in Bangkok: Your Complete 2025 Guide HERE.
Enjoy stunning view of Patong Bay in Phuket and delicious Thai food all at once: Check out Ab Zab Restaurant Phuket
Best Time to Visit Thailand?: What I Tell My Friends
Complete Guide to Working in Thailand as a Foreigner (2025): Visas, Work Permits & Legal Requirements
Retiring in Thailand in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Living the Dream (Without Breaking the Bank)
For the Top 8 most popular Bangkok transportation options, please go HERE.
Looking for Bangkok’s best second-hand markets? Check it out HERE.
Explore Bangkok’s suburban neighborhoods in Nonthaburi using the MRT Purple Line
Need a VISA for retirement, work, education, other reasons? Go HERE for step-by-step instructions to apply online!
Was this content useful? For the latest Thailand visa tips, travel hacks, and perhaps retirement blog updates, pop your email the box below. Let’s explore Thailand together!And, if you’re ready to explore Thailand for the first time and need my help with your trip itinerary, hit me up HERE. I’m a Certified Travel Advisor with Fora Travel.
Cheers! - Monchai
