Betong, Thailand - Your Next Hidden Gem Adventure by the Border!

Welcome to Betong – Thailand’s Best-Kept Border Secret 🌿🌏

Picture this: you’re crossing the Malaysia–Thailand border at Pengkalan Hulu, passport in hand, heart racing with excitement. On the other side? Betong – a charming town in Thailand’s Yala Province where lush green hills, bubbling hot springs, and cultural treasures are waiting for you.

Betong isn’t just a pit stop – it’s the kind of place where you can sip Thai coffee in the morning, soak in hot springs by afternoon, and shop for colorful sarongs in the evening. The mix of Thai and Malaysian influences gives this town its unique flavor – literally and culturally.

If you’re coming from Malaysia via Pengkalan Hulu, bring:

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity

2. Car registration & Thai-valid insurance (get it beforehand if you can)

3. An adventurous spirit (non-negotiable)
   

I've posted these requirements into a long post here.

Since we arrived Betong quite late evening around 4pm, we straight to the hotel to check-in. We were lost due to Waze and car's GPS not working. Found out later that our mobile operator doesn't accept roaming in Southern Thailand (yaiksss). We have to ask the local to point us direction to the hotel. And yessss, they were very helpful. Thanks to the school kids. They disappeared after we arrived at the hotel, I yet to thank them.

Day 2 – History Beneath Your Feet at Piyamit Tunnel 🕳️📜

The next day, after our Dim-sum Halal breakfast at Tahoo DimSum Halal Betong, our Betong adventure kicks off with a deep dive (literally) into history at Piyamit Tunnel. Built in the 1970s by communist guerillas, this 1-kilometer-long hideout is like a time capsule of resilience.

Join a guided tour and listen to fascinating stories about life underground where cooking, sleeping, and strategizing all happened away from enemy eyes. Get your ticket here. Outside, the lush forest is perfect for short treks and dreamy photo ops.

I wasnt expecting the Tunnel trip was longggg approx 2+hrs of walking (ahaks), so we drive out and took a lunch break at a alal eatery about 15minutes drive to D Dapo.

With full belly, we drove to Betong Hot Springs. The journey was smooth with country side views. We took a walk at the Betong Hot Springs – steaming mineral pools nestled in the hills. Locals swear by their healing powers, but even if you’re not here for health reasons, soaking in warm water while surrounded by nature is pure bliss.

Day 3 – Aiyerweng Skywalk ♨️🌉

It is not complete if you not watch sunrise at Aiyerweng Skywalk, a glass-floored marvel that lets you stroll above the clouds. Yes, really! On clear days, you’ll see endless mountain ranges and tiny villages far below. It’s equal parts peaceful and thrilling.

But noooo... the kids not waking up even though I woke them like thousand times. Sadly I did not experience this Aiyerweng. Probably next time? Please go and experience this sunset and let me know okay. Tour guides here.

After short breakfast at the hotel, we went to Betong town for shopping. There are list of shops that mostly Googled recommended, but managed to go to BM Super Center Betong and Betong Route 410.

We bought mostly groceries items like cooking pes (authentic Thai wooo), crackers, biscuits, instant noodles (for the sake of trying) and some toiletries which we found cheaper than Malaysia. Not much difference. Since our beloved daughter who is staying at a boarding school has to shop for her munchie-munchie, so we bought just enough for her and our home.

Where to Stay – Grand View Landmark Hotel 🏨🌇

Located right in the heart of town, Grand View Landmark Hotel is your comfy home base in Betong. There is parking lots in front of hotel with safe-guard. Actually when I searched for Betong hotel, the first criteria I choose was secured parking lots facility at the heart of Bentong. Yes, this hotel met our criteria. Hotel was very clean, staffs were attentive and our triple room was spacious. Recomended! Book here.

Final Word – Why Betong Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List 🎯

Betong is proof that small towns can pack big adventures. Whether you’re here for history, hot springs, high-altitude skywalks, or markets bursting with flavor – you’ll leave with a camera full of memories and a heart full of stories.

So, grab your passport, round up your travel buddies, and make Betong your next short getaway.