Before heading to lunch (EXPLORING BETONG, THAILAND: HIDDEN GEMS), we decided to make a stop at Namtok Inthason Waterfall. The atmosphere was serene, almost eerily quiet, as we were the only ones there. Though we spent less than 10 minutes, the surrounding nature and the sound of cascading water provided a truly soothing moment of relaxation (MUST-VISIT SIGHTS IN TURKEY).
The Winter Flower Garden is a popular attraction that often draws busloads of tourists. While we found the blooms diverse in shape, size, color, and fragrance, the garden didn’t have a lasting impact on us. After a brief 15-minute stroll, we were ready to move on to lunch.
Navigating Betong’s local dining scene can be challenging since many food outlets display signboards primarily in Thai. Luckily, the eatery we chose had English-translated menus. Set in a charming outdoor garden bordered by a stream, it provided a delightful ambiance. We enjoyed a satisfying home-style meal that included a Pegaga/Pennywort Honey Drink, Egg Soup, Mango Salad, and Sweet Spicy Pork with rice. Though delicious, the meal was a bit pricey, costing around 100-plus.
Betong has an array of temples worth exploring. Along the main road, we spotted a giant monk statue and visited a temple where signs were only in Thai, making it hard to identify. Later, I suspected it might have been the guan yin temple, though I'm not entirely sure. We spent around 20 minutes here, paying our respects.
Experience Central Betong and Local Shopping
After temple hopping, we returned to central Betong. Our Tuk-Tuk driver tried to bargain for a higher fare than agreed, and we gave in, though we had actually planned to tip him even more. Wandering through the shops for the next couple of hours, we mostly killed time without the intention to buy, as many items could easily be found in Malaysia or other Thai bazaars. However, we couldn’t resist packing up some Mango Sticky Rice to go.
For dinner, we opted for a limited-space eatery where we enjoyed grilled cockles, squid, stir-fried oyster mushrooms, and petai sambal with rice. It was a decent meal, slightly more affordable than other places we’d tried. Unfortunately, the Mango Sticky Rice here was disappointing, like it was leftover stock. One word: terrible.
As Day 2 came to a close, we retired to our hotel, preparing to head home the next morning. Reflecting on Betong, I realized the town had more to offer than expected. Highlights included the serene Piyamit Tunnel and a noticeable weekend influx of tourists, mostly male visitors accompanied by Thai companions.
Impressions and Insights from Betong
Betong’s
Tuk-Tuk drivers often request higher fares, and their aggressive driving styles
are something to watch out for. Food prices tend to be on the higher side, and
the currency exchange rates aren’t always favorable. Finding good food is
hit-or-miss, but trial and error helped us find satisfying options.
The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Betong is tiring but doable, especially with a few scenic stops along the way. A two- or three-day getaway in Betong is ideal, but be prepared for crowds on weekends and public holidays, as Malaysians and Chinese tourists frequently visit this charming Thai border town.
Ms. Nava,
A spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant
age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s
Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she
embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction,
coaching, and counseling profits allow her to.
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