[Info] Thailand : Betong

[YZFx]

Hi all,

 

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.

 

Let me introduce to you : BETONG

[YZFx]

Where is Betong?

 

It is located in the south of Thailand. Very near to the border of Thailand and Malaysia.

 

http://www.betongtown.com/images/maps/map-thailand_03.gif

 

 

 

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.

 

- Most of the hotel staffs are as mention above.

 

So there is NO Language Barrier!!

[YZFx]

Overall map of Betong, Yala Province, South Thailand

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3612copy.jpg

 

 

Important Phone Numbers of Yala Province

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3613copy.jpg

 

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

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/betongmap.gif

 

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.

 

other

25. Mongkolrit Tunnel

 

 

Betong town map 2

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3643copy.jpg

[YZFx]

So how do I get there?

 

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.

 

 

Photos Taken along "Gerik Highway"

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3603.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3604copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3607copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3744copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3608copy.jpg

[YZFx]

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.

 

Malaysia Border

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3742copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3743copy.jpg

 

Park your bike at the side at Thai immigration

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3741copy.jpg

 

Some other photos at the Thai Border

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3618copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3633copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3615copy.jpg

 

Road leading to Betong town

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3632copy.jpg

[YZFx]

View of Betong

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3624copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3623copy.jpg

 

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.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3622copy.jpg

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.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3635copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3636copy.jpg

[YZFx]

Places of interest

 

The Blue Mosque

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3627copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3626copy.jpg

 

 

The MongKolLit tunnel

 

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.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3638copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3637copy.jpg

 

The MongKolLit tunnel with the Hilltop Sala and Shrine

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3630copy.jpg

[YZFx]

The Buddha Dhiwas Temple

 

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.

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3641copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3645copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3647copy.jpg

 

View from the top of the pagoda

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3646copy.jpg

 

 

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.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3655copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3651copy.jpg

[YZFx]

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

 

The Hotspring at "Shan Chun"

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3658copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3657copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3656copy.jpg

 

The way to "Er Chun"

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3708copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3710copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3712copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3716copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3719copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3714copy.jpg

[YZFx]

The most interesting is the You Yi Chun where the Piyamit tunnel aka Communist tunnel is located.

 

Note: Both Er Chun and You Yi Chun are located in the mountains.

 

Road up to You Yi Chun & Its surrounding views

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3704copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3703copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3706copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3705copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3701copy.jpg

 

Enterance of You Yi Chun

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3696copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3697copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3700copy.jpg

[YZFx]

Enterance of the Piyamit tunnel. You have to pay a enterance fee. Small amount and its worth it.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3694copy.jpg

 

A little history of the Piyamit Tunnel

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3691.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3692copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3693copy.jpg

 

 

What is the tunnel use for?

 

Safe from bombing

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3672copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3671copy.jpg

 

Digging of tunnel

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3666copy.jpg

 

Look at the way they contain the smoke while cooking. It cant be seen from the top. Very Clever.

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3669copy.jpg

 

Activities in the tunnel and life of the soldiers.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3668copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3688copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3690copy.jpg

[razin]

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....

[YZFx]

To get to the tunnel, you have to climb a long flight of stairs

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3660copy.jpg

 

Along the way

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3661copy.jpg

 

For hanging clothes

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3663copy.jpg

 

Guard Post

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3664copy.jpg

 

Messing Area ( Eating and cooking area)

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3670copy.jpg

 

Actual tunnel enterance

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3674copy.jpg

 

Inside the tunnel

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3676copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3675copy.jpg

 

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3678copy.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3679copy.jpg

[YZFx]

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3680copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3681copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3682copy.jpg

 

Ventilation hole

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3683copy.jpg

 

Steps within the tunnel

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3685copy.jpg

 

One of the exits

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3687copy.jpg

 

outside

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3686copy.jpg

[YZFx]

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

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3665copy.jpg

 

 

Thai gas station

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3720copy.jpg

 

 

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.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3723copy.jpg

[YZFx]

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.

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3736copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3730copy.jpg

 

 

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.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3726copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3725copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3728copy.jpg

 

 

Thai police stopping the traffic blocking up the road for the charity ride.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3727copy.jpg

 

 

At the home

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3731copy.jpg

 

The children there

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3729copy.jpg

 

Performance by the children

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3735copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3734copy.jpg

 

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3732copy.jpg

 

 

Speech by the Governor of Betong.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f118/kw_bike/Betong%2006/DSCN3733copy.jpg

 

 

I hope all these info are enough. If i miss out anything, feel free to add in.

[RicKTM]

boh jio.....

[dean_pedrosa]

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.

[hurricanemax]

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.

 

Massage is also good here...

 

enjoy...

 

hMx

[YZFx]

Originally posted by RicKTM@Aug 29 2006, 02:11 AM

boh jio.....

you say u got no bike... remember??

[YZFx]

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.

Sure... No problem... U guys enjoy yourself.....

[YZFx]

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.

 

Massage is also good here...

 

enjoy...

 

hMx

REALLY??? how come I did not see any????

 

I only see the KTV and the disco.

 

where is it located at???

[YZFx]

A little info on Eddy Wong

 

The below is qouted from Super bikers club malaysia

 

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3160/376/400/EddyBike-2a.jpg

 

Photo of Eddy Wong

 

"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."

 

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3160/376/400/Poster.jpgBetong Charity Ride Poster

[YZFx]

----------------------CLICK HERE TO A LITTLE WEBSITE ON BETONG--------------

[nkan0]

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!!