Betong, Thailand: Weekend Trip of Discoveries

Betong? I wondered, Where is Betong? What’s there to see in Betong? These were my questions when a couple, a husband and wife, invited me to join them on a trip there. It didn’t really matter where Betong was or what it offered, as I'm always ready to explore new places (BERGEN SIGHTSEEING & DENMARK-NORWAY REFLECTIONS). I also love road trips - the free and easy, no-pressure kind where you go with the flow and discover something new. I soon found out that Betong is a town in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border.

With bags packed for a weekend trip, we set off on Friday morning for a three-day adventure. By 9:00 AM, we hit the road, and the drive through Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, on narrow, winding roads was breathtaking. Towering trees and untouched virgin jungle lined both sides of the road, offering us a scenic, mind-soothing view until we reached the border.

At the border, we encountered the immigration checkpoint where we had to complete the necessary paperwork. It was quite confusing, especially for first-timers like us. We fumbled through the process, surrounded by others equally unsure of what to do. Among them were groups of Indian men who found me amusing and gave me Tamil movie star stares. I remained cool, even chatting with a few who eagerly shared their hotel plans and suggested we meet up in Betong. It’s always interesting to see the types of people you meet while traveling (PERTH, AUSTRALIA: CRUISES, PARKS AND CULINARY ADVENTURES).

With all the necessary forms sorted out and our passports stamped, we were officially in Betong. Next came the question of where to spend the next two nights, as we hadn't booked any hotels in advance. After checking out a few options, we settled into a decent hotel, followed by exploring Betong. We walked down the slope from the hotel toward the main road. Betong, reminiscent of a cowboy town with a vibe similar to Hat Yai. It was clearly a favorite spot for Malaysians.

What came next? We took a tea break at one of the local cafes. After that, we decided to explore further and walked until we reached the Betong Mongkollit Tunnel, supposedly one of Betong's attractions. Really? I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the significance of the tunnel, or perhaps it's just a hype that people buy into for no apparent reason. Regardless, we joined the rest in staring at the Betong Mongkollit Tunnel.

Following that, we visited the nearby Wat Kuan Im Buddhist Temple, just a five-minute walk away. It was impressive and clearly a pride of Betong. The temple, with its serene atmosphere, prompted us to reflect on the importance of respect, blessings, and gratitude - especially considering how fortunate we were to travel, unlike others who might yearn for it but can't.

After spending about half an hour at the Wat Kuan Im Buddhist Temple, we turned our attention to the rows of shops lining the streets. It became evident to me that Betong holds significant appeal for men, including the groups of Indian men we had encountered at the border, whose smiles and grins persisted.

Betong has garnered a reputation as a haven of sorts, catering to both young and old, single and married men alike, with its offerings not necessarily aligned with conventional tourism. Witnessing men of various ages tightly holding hands with Thai women revealed much about the town's underlying attractions.

 

Following an hour-long foot massage at one of the many establishments, which proved less impressive but served as a respite for my legs, our early dinner cravings set in. Instead of choosing the bustling eateries at the junction, we opted for Kontai Restaurant located on the corner lot across the street.

Our meal featured White Tom Yam, Salted Egg Kerabu salad, Pucuk Paku shoots, and Steamed Lemon Chili Fish, accompanied by rice - a satisfying spread that brought smiles to our faces.

However, when the bill arrived, we were taken aback. RM130.00 for this meal in a coffee shop-style restaurant? We were incredulous. Did we voice our concerns? Absolutely. The rationale offered for the steep bill? The depreciation of the Malaysian ringgit, or perhaps we were perceived as easy marks due to our skin color? Could it be exploitation of tourists? Whoever claimed that food in Betong is cheap must surely be misinformed - people can exaggerate beyond measure.

 

We settled the bill and proceeded to explore more of Betong town on our way back to the hotel. At the lobby, we arranged for transportation for the following day's sightseeing. Within moments, the staff had secured a tuk-tuk to pick us up at 10 AM sharp, and we agreed on the fare.

 

To be continued.