some.mile x invites you to travel across regions.
Bangkok's children accept the challenge!
Behold, "One Day" atop a high-rise in Bangkok.
"One Day" at the southernmost point of Betong.
Which spins faster?
Escape the smog of the capital and head to the misty mountains of Yala!
Pack your bags and say goodbye to the fading smoke. Let's prove it.
Are you a doctor or smoke?
Read the super short version, easy to copy!
[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden textDay 1
• Depart from Don Mueang to Hat Yai Airport on the earliest flight to avoid wasting time.
• From Hat Yai Airport, budget-conscious travelers can take a songthaew (shared taxi) in front of the airport for 40 baht per person. Inform the driver that you want to go to Hat Yai Transportation Center, the van terminal for Betong.
• Minivans are operated by various companies. We used Betong Tour (074-230-905; advance booking recommended). The driver was skilled and did not drive recklessly. The fare was 230 baht per person, and the journey to Betong city took approximately 2-3 hours.
**Passengers who wish to stay in Betong town should get off at the last stop. Passengers who wish to stay in Aiyerweng District should inform the driver to get off at the desired kilometer.**
• After arriving at Ayutthaya, they rested, ate, and settled into their accommodation.
Day 2
• Wake up at 4 am to watch the sea of fog at Aiyerweng (Those who sleep in Betong city may need to leave some time, otherwise you will not see the sunrise in the morning)
• The sea of mist has a total of 3 points. Below, there are tea, coffee, roti, and food for sale.
• Whitewater rafting on the Pattani River (floating on rubber rings/kayaking/rubber boats) and the highlight is the "Guay Jub" with dipping feet in the water.
• Capture the shaky legs pose at the Tapuz Bridge.
• If you're still feeling adventurous, continue on to the Rama IX Waterfall (for those who prefer a less thrilling experience, it's recommended to walk from the entrance).
• Stop by to buy snacks for the Sakai tribe.
• Piyamit Tunnel: Admission fee is 40 baht. It is similar to a historical trail. Inside, there are thousand-year-old trees, tunnels, and many forest-like photo spots.
• Next, head to Betong Hot Springs, where you can buy eggs to boil in the hot spring water. After enjoying your snack, you can soak your feet or even take a full bath.
• Capture a picture at the southernmost point of Siam, the Thai-Malaysian border, before the light fades.
• This evening's highlights will be the Betong City viewpoint and the Mongkolrit Tunnel.
• If you come to Betong, you must visit the Betong Clock Tower Intersection and the largest mailbox!! With a bird's-eye view on top.
• Don't miss Betong food!
Stay tuned for more exciting updates! (:
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This is a snack. Mang said to eat it as a joke first. (Hmm, wait a minute.)
In Ayerweng, there are only a few established accommodations.
We opted for a more immersive experience by choosing a homestay with local villagers.
Tonight, the two of us will be sleeping in a house on the hillside, renting the whole place to ourselves (it can accommodate up to 10 people!).
Food is plentiful, served in large, elaborate sets.
I love turmeric-fried fish so much.
The Journey to Aierweng's Sea of Mist
The day began at 4:00 AM, the designated meeting time. Our destination: the mesmerizing Sea of Mist at Aierweng.
As we ascended the mountain in the pre-dawn darkness, the steep and winding roads demanded caution. Thankfully, we had opted for a ride with Mang, our driver, as navigating those treacherous curves in the dark would have been a recipe for disaster.
Aierweng boasts a year-round sea of mist, varying only in its density. On days with rainfall followed by a break before 2:00 AM, a spectacular display of mist is guaranteed.
However, our visit coincided with a period of unexpected rain, even extending into the morning. This "fog-piercing rain," as they call it, resulted in a thinner than usual sea of mist. Nevertheless, the wispy mist clinging to the mountain peaks offered a unique and ethereal beauty.
Exciting news awaits Aierweng: the approval of a project to construct a skywalk with a glass floor, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea of mist. Imagine, in a year or two, experiencing the sensation of floating amidst the clouds!
As the sun began to rise, we moved down to continue our whitewater rafting adventure!
Kayaking on the rapids here is a must-do activity, and it's incredibly popular.
There are multiple starting points to choose from, with varying difficulty levels.
The end of the course is a challenging section for professional kayakers only!
Alternatively, you can relax and float down the Pattani River on an inner tube, taking in the lush forest scenery.
Prices range from 100 to 300 baht, depending on the distance you choose.
Along the riverbank, you'll find the "Gkuay Jub Chae Kha" restaurant.
This is a popular spot for rafters to stop and enjoy a bowl of gkuay jub while soaking their feet in the cool water.
However, during periods of high water or heavy rain, kayaking activities are suspended.
As we experienced! (Mang insisted, "It hasn't rained here lately!")
T-T
Can't play T-T
Unable to swim, I took a walk on the Tapuz Bridge instead.
Embracing the thrill of getting soaked, we ventured further into the depths of the forest, aiming for the majestic "King Rama IX Waterfall." The path leading to the waterfall from the main road presented a narrow bridge accessible only by motorcycles. Those less comfortable with two wheels could opt for a scenic walk. Having grown up in the bustling streets of Bang Na-Trat, where Friday nights were spent revving engines at traffic lights, I confidently chose to ride my motorcycle. However, a word of caution: navigating the bridge requires a certain level of riding expertise. Its narrowness, combined with a steep incline and sharp curves, tested my skills. Even a seasoned rider like myself felt the pressure, as if attempting an emergency landing. Despite the initial challenge, the adventure was well worth the effort. The waterfall's cascading waters, plummeting from a height of over 30 meters, created a refreshing mist that enveloped the surrounding area. The air was thick with the invigorating scent of nature, promising a rejuvenating experience. For the adventurous souls, a dip in the cool waters beneath the waterfall is a must. The sensation of standing under the cascading torrent is exhilarating, leaving one feeling refreshed and revitalized.
As we were returning, a group of Sakai people happened to be in town.
The Sakai typically live in the forest and move their homes frequently.
So we stopped to buy some snacks for the children.
Weekend market
Betong Yำm Rice Salad
We set off from Aiyerweng towards Betong town in the late afternoon. Our destination was the Piyamit Tunnel, the hot springs, and Betong town itself. Along the way, we encountered security checkpoints at regular intervals. It's safe to say that Betong is a secure and pleasant place to live. The only precaution to take is to be aware of motion sickness! The route is mountainous and winding. If you're prone to car sickness, it's best to sleep through the journey.
The Piyamit Tunnel is a tunnel that was dug by the Malayan Communist Party approximately 50 years ago.
The surrounding area is a dense forest with many large trees (of course, it's a hidden base).
Admission fee 40 baht.
Throughout the tunnel, there are historical information signs at regular intervals.
We stumbled upon a stove called "Kongming Stove," which means "using your brain."
The absence of smoke from cooking stoves prevents detection by Thai soldiers.
Smokeless stove...how did you do it? So clever!
How many people can wrap their arms around this ancient tree?!
"Betong Hot Springs"
A place to relax after work or school.
From children to grandparents, everyone comes to soak in the hot springs and chat with friends.
The yolk is cooked before the egg white, making it softer than when boiled at home.
Another must-visit spot in Betong is the Mongkolrit Tunnel, the first mountain tunnel in Thailand. At night, the entire tunnel is illuminated with twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
"To visit Betong without getting bird droppings on you is like not visiting Betong at all."
The world's largest mailbox
Betong chicken!! Delicious as its reputation suggests.
The meat is tender, the skin is crispy, not mushy or greasy like other places.
You must try it, I'm telling you!!!
I'm impressed by the food here, every dish is delicious.
I'm completely smitten.
some.mile
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:17 PM