here it is another place to explore, another place to ride to. I am sure many of you knows about this place but there are bound to be some who dont. I tried looking up info about this place, but cant really find much about it. And there is no info on it in SBF too. That is why i am sharing it with all of our fellow riders.
Hopefully you guys find it useful and interesting. Who knows, it MIGHT becomes a STICKY.
It is located in the south of Thailand. Very near to the border of Thailand and Malaysia.
Why Betong?
Although Betong is only a small town, there are a few reasons which I find it worth riding there at least once.
- It is nearer to Singapore than Hatyai
- The World Largest Mailbox is there
- The ONLY vehicle tunnel in the kingdom is in Betong
- There are many nice waterfalls
- There is a natural Hotspring.
- There is this historical tunnel dug up by the communist 1km long through the
mountain which is worth a visit.
- It is located in the mountain area so you will get nice scenery while riding to all the
interesting places.
- In order to get there, you will need to go on the "Gerik Highway" in Malaysia which
you will get good scenery too.
Most importantly
- Since it is located very near to the borders of Thailand and Malaysia, You get the best of both countries. For example,
- There are many Malays and Chinese locals. Indians too, although not alot.
- You will find both Chinese and Muslim food there besides the Thai food.
- Believe it or not Most of the Thai can either speak Malay & Thai or they can speak
chinese, cantonese and Thai. Of course, some of them can speak English.
- If you are a Chinese, the local be it Chinese or Thai will most of the time speak
cantonese to you as they will think that you are from Malaysia.
- If you are a Malay, the local be it Chinese or Thai will most of the time speak Malay
to you, as they will also think you are from Malaysia.
Overall map of Betong, Yala Province, South Thailand
Important Phone Numbers of Yala Province
Note: These are on the boards between the immigration of Malaysia and Thailand. So dont worry about not having them. Just reach there, take out ur digicam and snap it down. There you have it.
Betong town map 1
Accommdation
6. Cathay Hotel
8. Fah un Rung Hotel
11. Sri Betong Hotel
15. Sri Betong hotel (2nd building)
19. Betong Merlin Hotel (underground carpark with security guard)
Note: there are many other hotels around which are not reflected on this map.
Eat and Meet
3. Central market
4. Noodle shops
5. Thai curry restaurant
9. Mee curry shop
10. Seafood Restaurant(evening only)
12. Curry shop
16. Ta Yern Restaurant
17. Karaoke Bars
20. Karaoke Bars
21. Dim sum Restaurant
Note: There are many other Karaoke around and they will be open in the afternoon.
Attractions and Activities
1. Super Giant Mailbox(World biggest)
13. Blue Mosque
23. Clock tower
26. Hilltop sala and shine
Transport
7. Minibus to Hatyai
18. Thai office
24. Taxi to Yala
Vital information
2. Kasikorn bank
14. Post office
22. Tourist Office
Note: There are many ATM arounds, so no worries. You just have to find it. Its all near the market area.
Just hit on to North South Highway and ride all the way till you reach the exit 143. Take this exit towards Kuala Kangsar and go towards Gerik. As you reach nearer to the borders, you will see signs that lead you to Thailand.
After crossing the Thailand Immigration. just follow the road for about 10-15 mins and you be in Betong.
A WORD OF CAUTION. DO NOT TRY TO RIDE TO HAIYAT OR ANY OTHER PARTS OF THAILAND FROM HERE. IT IS DANGEROUS. EVEN THE LOCALS WARN ME THAT. IT IS DUE TO THE ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN THE SOUTH. IF YOU WANT TO RIDE TO HAIYAT OR ANYWHERE ELSE, GO BY SAODAO BORDER.
At the Thai immigration, you will have to park you bike at the side and walk to do the necessary. It is unlike Malaysia immigration where there is a drive through. There is no drive through at the Thai immigration.
You will need to go to this small office where you will show them your bike log card and they will reg your bike to ride in thai. Make sure they sign on this reg paper. Keep this paper well cause you will need to return it to them went you leave Thai. If you lose it, there will be a fine and you will need to make police report( if I am not wrong). You will also need to pay 20baht. Than you will go and fill in the Thai white card. After that, walk to the normal counter, show them you got all these and they will stamp your passport and you can now cross.
Note: you will only need to pay 20baht once. Either at the bike Reg office or at the counter where they stamp your passport.
Remember that I mention you will find Chinese, Muslim and Thai food? Here we have Chinese Wanton Mee, barley with Muslim BBQ meat and Thai Style BBQ.
Note: The MUST try food here is the MEE CURRY(Betong speciality) and THE DIM SUM along Chayachaowalit Rd(Best in Town).
Oh ya... be careful while riding along the road to the Betong town as you will see this sleeping in the middle of the road.
To lessen the transportation problem in Betong, especially from the downtown to Aiyerberjang rd of a new established communtity, the ONLY vehicle tunnel in Thailand then was constructed. 268m long, 9m high, 7m wide. It was open on Jan 2001. Speed limit is 60km/hr. It became a tourist spot as it is the ONLY vehicle tunnel in the kingdom.
The MongKolLit tunnel with the Hilltop Sala and Shrine
Its Pagoda of 39m width and 39.9m height, equally to a 13-story building, was constructed on a hill. Created in the applied art of Srivijaya, the pagoda is the most BEAUTIFUL and LARGEST in the south.
View from the top of the pagoda
The World Largest MailBox
Situated at the zone of the Clock Tower intersection which is the center of Betong. It was coinsrtucted of reinforced-concrete in a red cylinder of which has a base of 240cm at length and a height of 320cm. It is still in service as a normal mailbox till today.
p/s: You can compare the size of my bike to the mailbox.
The communist tunnel, one of the waterfall and the hotspring is located seperately at these 3 chinese village namely "YOU YI CHUN", "ER CHUN" and "SHAN CHUN" respectively.
You will bypass "Shan Chun" first than "Er Chun" and than "You Yi Chun".
Note: Shan Chun, Er Chun and You Yi Chun(friendship village) is sometime known to the local chinese as 3th village, 2nd village and 1st village
I hope you made it to the flower garden......and post some pics here....
The road leading to Yala is what I called 1/3 Mae Hon Song....nice twisties....
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
You will have to walk through the tunnel yourself to feel it. It was really a good experience.
As we know, the chinese in singapore will burn joss stick and the paper when praying to the god. There is a slight different in the practise in betong. They do not burn the paper, instead, they set off firecracker after the joss stick. I tried it too. At the TAU PEY GONG outside the tunnel.
TAU PEY GONG
Thai gas station
You do not need to worry about not being able to find the places of interest as there will be sign like these along the way.
For those interested to ride to betong, you can either choose to ride there yourself (not difficult to find, I rode there alone), or you can join in the aunnal Betong Charity Ride. Where you will ride in a group with backup vehicle in case of anything happen.
Betong Charity Ride also known as Eddy Wong Charity Ride Betong is an annual event held at Betong. It was started by this rider Eddy Wong. Sad to say, he passed away in an accident this year, 2006. But his annual charity ride will still carry on.
Group forming up for the ride to the home. Group consist mostly of Malaysia bikers. A few Singapore bikers and Thai bikers were in it too.
Thai police stopping the traffic blocking up the road for the charity ride.
At the home
The children there
Performance by the children
Speech by the Governor of Betong.
I hope all these info are enough. If i miss out anything, feel free to add in.
btw, me and my grp of friends wld be visiting betong this coming Nov 06, and all the info that u have posted will definately help us alot.
Appreciate u sharing wif us ur experience and knowledge.
__________________ "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that!"
The 0.1% is the eye-candy outlets....there are a few there. The go-go dancers will dance on stage and if u see but no touch..its free entertainment. If you cannot tahan and need to touch & feel and let go...it will cost a Baht100 tip....so keep your hand to yourself.
Beer at such eye-candy outlet is at 'pricey' baht300-400 for 2 big bottles...as opposed to bar's baht110-120 per bottle.
Originally posted by hurricanemax@Aug 29 2006, 12:37 PM hahahhaha...man, u have covered 99.9% of betong.
The 0.1% is the eye-candy outlets....there are a few there. The go-go dancers will dance on stage and if u see but no touch..its free entertainment. If you cannot tahan and need to touch & feel and let go...it will cost a Baht100 tip....so keep your hand to yourself.
Beer at such eye-candy outlet is at 'pricey' baht300-400 for 2 big bottles...as opposed to bar's baht110-120 per bottle.
"It is with great sadness for us to learn about the sudden demise and departure of our great friend, club treasurer, club founding member, council member and superbiker Eddy 'Old Man' Wong Yeng Ho.
He sadly and tragically passed away in Thailand on 15 April 2006.
Our deepest condolences and prayers goes out to his immediate family.
His presence, service and company will deeply missed by all who he has touched."
Originally posted by din37@Aug 29 2006, 03:49 AM Fantastic Information, tips and pictures!
btw, me and my grp of friends wld be visiting betong this coming Nov 06, and all the info that u have posted will definately help us alot.
Appreciate u sharing wif us ur experience and knowledge.
Yap, have to agree that the ride to Betong thru Gerik Highway (Route 76-77) is a very beautiful ride! have been to Betong a couple of times during this past 3 years. i'l also be planning to drop over there in Nov this yr, after that prob going to Hat Yai and then Phuket from Betong. heard that the route from Betong to Hat Yai is nice, would look forward to doing it!!
__________________
'Old ladies in the Midwestern US...now have to pay higher taxes to finance...Wall Street's Maseratis. That's horribly immoral - and bad economics.'
Originally posted by n@kan0@Sep 5 2006, 02:25 PM Yap, have to agree that the ride to Betong thru Gerik Highway (Route 76-77) is a very beautiful ride! have been to Betong a couple of times during this past 3 years. i'l also be planning to drop over there in Nov this yr, after that prob going to Hat Yai and then Phuket from Betong. heard that the route from Betong to Hat Yai is nice, would look forward to doing it!!
do becareful... i was warn by the local that it is not very safe to ride beyond betong to get to hatyai....
Originally posted by Kutrax@Dec 26 2006, 12:14 AM so bro what time is the best timing to move off from GP esso?
night better or day?
how many days needed for this trip? 4 days possible?
4 days is more than enough.... it all depends on u... i would pefer to move out in the day... about 4-5 am off from gp is my fav
Originally posted by YZFx@Sep 10 2006, 11:44 PM do becareful... i was warn by the local that it is not very safe to ride beyond betong to get to hatyai....
I think I saw 4 or 5 FJRs SGP plate did the Betong-Yala-Hatyai route 410 a day before 3-Nation Charity Ride (16th Nov 2006) while me chickened out using Bukit Kayu Hitam from Betong...yes from Betong....muah ha ha...
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
Originally posted by lindavw@Dec 27 2006, 01:49 AM do u need to purchase insurance if u r going to betong???
They never insist like Danok but if you want, you can purchase the insurance at the town NOT at the border post... turn 9 o'clock when you are at the market and about 50 meter you come to small MOT building on your right. You can buy the insurance there or at the vicinity. Hope this helps...
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
Originally posted by Kutrax@December 27, 2006 07:06 pm Razin which hotel reconmended at betong.
Probably with carpark security.
Do we need to book hotel in betong in advance.
btw betong is at which malaysian state border?
1. Merlin is good with underground carpark 24 security and per night rate is <1000B...it's been sooooo long...
2. Sri Betong Hotel also have the same facilities and the room rate range from 450 B to 800 B
3. There are some newer smaller hotels (Garden Home near market, one next to the tunnel, ohh.. I forgot the names) with rate about 600B and open parking with security...very new and very nice...
Advance booking is not neccessary unless super peak weekend.......
Try not to wander too far off the town as you need to ride your bike or hire tuk-tuk to makan etc......
Day One when you arrive, make yourself familiar with the town.....night life begin at 11 pm...
Day Two go to Hot Spring, Waterfall and Flower Garden (Cameron like atmosphere) or head to Yala road for about 50km from Betong then turn back if you like to scrap you knee sliders....do not go beyond that as it will be heavy road blocks etc...very nice experience....later you can turn back and go to above mentioned places....
Day Three go back lah.....
lindavw,
2K Bhat enuf for hotel and makan lah....
Betong is located at Pengkalan Hulu (Kroh) border point off Grik(East West Highway)-Baling road in the state of Perak......
I am beginning to feel like a tourism officer....muah ha ha...
Sorry for late reply as I am not on notification....
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
Originally posted by razin@January 10, 2007 10:59 pm 1. Merlin is good with underground carpark 24 security and per night rate is <1000B...it's been sooooo long...
2. Sri Betong Hotel also have the same facilities and the room rate range from 450 B to 800 B
3. There are some newer smaller hotels (Garden Home near market, one next to the tunnel, ohh.. I forgot the names) with rate about 600B and open parking with security...very new and very nice...
Advance booking is not neccessary unless super peak weekend.......
Try not to wander too far off the town as you need to ride your bike or hire tuk-tuk to makan etc......
Day One when you arrive, make yourself familiar with the town.....night life begin at 11 pm...
Day Two go to Hot Spring, Waterfall and Flower Garden (Cameron like atmosphere) or head to Yala road for about 50km from Betong then turn back if you like to scrap you knee sliders....do not go beyond that as it will be heavy road blocks etc...very nice experience....later you can turn back and go to above mentioned places....
Day Three go back lah.....
lindavw,
2K Bhat enuf for hotel and makan lah....
Betong is located at Pengkalan Hulu (Kroh) border point off Grik(East West Highway)-Baling road in the state of Perak......
I am beginning to feel like a tourism officer....muah ha ha...
Sorry for late reply as I am not on notification....
Originally posted by YZFx@January 11, 2007 12:34 am great info...
forgot to mention the comrade tunnel....a must and as hurricamax mentioned..."the eye candy" also a must....hint: two or more outlet, two different name but all related to fauna...
1.if you ride a horse you might be a..........?
2. a crawling insect aka ana...phobia?
muah ha ha....
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
There will be a ride frm KL-Spg Pulai-Cameron-Gua Musang-Jeli-East West Hiway-Grik-Kroh (Betong) or (if you choose) continue to Gurun-BKH-Hatyai on 1st February and back on 3rd February via NSHW. PM me if interested.
RV: 7am R&R Rawang 01/02/07
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
Just back from Betong, was a nice place and the morning is so chilling. 21-23deg. For info, there is no longer any Malaysia network since this CNY. Tot can use my My Maxis sim but found no coverage. Even no roaming too.......but no worry jus RM10 can buy their sim card but quite a hassle of registering.
If anyone going Betong, there is this new hotel ard 1yr by the name of Hello. It is just situated on the right hand side before entering the tunnel. Cost RM80/nite and its safe to park your bike there too. The manager and manageress r very friendly n they can converse in gd Cantonese or not so fluent Mandarin. U can get any kinda of info from them or if u lazy to walk ard, can ask them to call in room service. In room massage wil b RM30. If u walk to the massage parlor wil b RM24. Best massage parlor is said to be Sri Betong Hotel (main).
Originally posted by adr77@May 22, 2007 02:08 pm Just back from Betong, was a nice place and the morning is so chilling. 21-23deg. For info, there is no longer any Malaysia network since this CNY. Tot can use my My Maxis sim but found no coverage. Even no roaming too.......but no worry jus RM10 can buy their sim card but quite a hassle of registering.
If anyone going Betong, there is this new hotel ard 1yr by the name of Hello. It is just situated on the right hand side before entering the tunnel. Cost RM80/nite and its safe to park your bike there too. The manager and manageress r very friendly n they can converse in gd Cantonese or not so fluent Mandarin. U can get any kinda of info from them or if u lazy to walk ard, can ask them to call in room service. In room massage wil b RM30. If u walk to the massage parlor wil b RM24. Best massage parlor is said to be Sri Betong Hotel (main).
The oni thing i find unsatisfying is their food.
the handphone restriction is due to the bombing happening in the south of thailand....
Originally posted by adr77@May 22, 2007 02:08 pm Just back from Betong, was a nice place and the morning is so chilling. 21-23deg. For info, there is no longer any Malaysia network since this CNY. Tot can use my My Maxis sim but found no coverage. Even no roaming too.......but no worry jus RM10 can buy their sim card but quite a hassle of registering.
If anyone going Betong, there is this new hotel ard 1yr by the name of Hello. It is just situated on the right hand side before entering the tunnel. Cost RM80/nite and its safe to park your bike there too. The manager and manageress r very friendly n they can converse in gd Cantonese or not so fluent Mandarin. U can get any kinda of info from them or if u lazy to walk ard, can ask them to call in room service. In room massage wil b RM30. If u walk to the massage parlor wil b RM24. Best massage parlor is said to be Sri Betong Hotel (main).
The oni thing i find unsatisfying is their food.
yupz..food is expensive due to the blockage of the only road from Yala...I saw a few bike groups last weekend, one at Sri Betong (incl. me ), one at sweet home (near market) and a grp of dual purpose bike, at penthouse I think , are you the one with givi cap?
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
Originally posted by razin@May 22, 2007 09:27 pm yupz..food is expensive due to the blockage of the only road from Yala...I saw a few bike groups last weekend, one at Sri Betong (incl. me ), one at sweet home (near market) and a grp of dual purpose bike, at penthouse I think , are you the one with givi cap?
interesting bro.. u seems to love betong alot... as i can see from ur post, u go there quite often right?
Originally posted by razin@May 22, 2007 09:27 pm yupz..food is expensive due to the blockage of the only road from Yala...I saw a few bike groups last weekend, one at Sri Betong (incl. me ), one at sweet home (near market) and a grp of dual purpose bike, at penthouse I think , are you the one with givi cap?
Nope I came alone. I did c a Malaysia registered Fazer n R1 at the Sri Betong carpark on Sat n Sun. I think I was the one of the 2 Sgp bike there over the wkn. the other was a Super 4. Mayb I should chk with you nxt time when goin to Betong as u look like one who goes there frequently.
Bro, can tell me how is the road condition along Gerik Highway leading to the customs at Pengkalan Hulu? My last ride to Betong 8 years ago the road was still under construction, quite terok....
Can you also enlighten us on the nightlife scene there? Still rows of joints along the 2 main streets?? Happening???
Originally posted by adr77@May 23, 2007 10:17 am Nope I came alone. I did c a Malaysia registered Fazer n R1 at the Sri Betong carpark on Sat n Sun. I think I was the one of the 2 Sgp bike there over the wkn. the other was a Super 4. Mayb I should chk with you nxt time when goin to Betong as u look like one who goes there frequently.
there were four of us at sri betong...one FJR, one VFR, one busa and the R1 you mentioned...no problem bro...just PM me on your next trip..we can have anice chat over cha ron or beer
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
Originally posted by iceangel@May 23, 2007 10:56 am Bro, can tell me how is the road condition along Gerik Highway leading to the customs at Pengkalan Hulu? My last ride to Betong 8 years ago the road was still under construction, quite terok....
Can you also enlighten us on the nightlife scene there? Still rows of joints along the 2 main streets?? Happening???
Now there are 3 road leading to Pengkalan Hulu/Border from Grik:
1. Grik-Pengkalan Hulu-Border (normal national road with some tight and long curves)
2. Grik-(same road as above but turn left at the first signboard to THAILAND)-Nenering-Border (smaller road with more tight curves but 7-8 km shorter)
3. Brand new Grik-Baling Road, beautiful scenery lots of curves, then proceed to Pengkalan Hulu-Border. I would recommend this road but it will set you off > 20km.
Well.. you can also make a loop by using the old road to and new road fro or vice versa
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
i see. thanks bro... can i double confirm: to get to gerik highway i will have to take the kuala kangsar, just after the bridge also, while you were there, was the security tight? is merlin hotel still there? which hotel would you recommend?? thanks
Originally posted by iceangel@May 23, 2007 12:54 pm i see. thanks bro... can i double confirm: to get to gerik highway i will have to take the kuala kangsar, just after the bridge also, while you were there, was the security tight? is merlin hotel still there? which hotel would you recommend?? thanks
kuala kangsar exit..correct...
security wise..betong is safe...
best hotel is the new tallest one but I prefer sri betong as everything is walking distance from there...if you need a tour guide PM me..my next trip will be the 5th of July on my way to Hatyai Bike Week..
__________________
The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said, "Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures - death." In Memory Of Dr Bend......
[Info] Thailand : Betong
), one at sweet home (near market) and a grp of dual purpose bike, at penthouse I think 
Linear Mode
