Betong, Thailand

Went to Betong for a very special mission. We drove from Kuala Lumpur to Betong, Thailand which took us for about 5 to 6 hours. Betong is actually a very small quiet town located in the province of Yala. Despite the bombings going on in Southern Thailand, Betong is still considered a safe town. Not many army being seen on the streets compared to other border towns like Sungai Kolok or Tak Bai.

The border of Pengkalan Hulu on the Malaysian side seems to be a little bit quiet. Unlike the famous one in Bukit Kayu Hitam. The immigration clearance were smooth. Same goes to the Thai side.

From the Custom House (that's what they called it) we drove again for about few kilometers and finally we entered the town area. It isn't as big as Hatyai but it was crowded that day. There were many Malaysian cars as it was Sunday.

Betong is famous for it's Piyamit Communist Tunnel, Hot Spring etc. but we didn't managed to visit them as we were on our special mission.

Walked around the town and learned that most of the locals here speak few Chinese dialects other than Thai. Well, that's quite normal for a border town like this as most of the travelers who come to this town are Chinese Malaysians.

In my own view, I don't quite like Betong as I don't feel as I'm in Thailand because the locals spoke either Chinese or Malay to me. It might be easier or comfortable for others but not for me. I'm in Thailand to feel the Thai-ness of Thailand.

And we drove back the next day. I will be back to this town soon to finish up my tours on Piyamit Tunnel...