The first travelogue with README.ME captures a memorable past trip.

"Betong," Thailand's southernmost city. This trip took place from September 22-24, 2016.

• Why do we want to go?

- Despite three consecutive years of booking tickets and not being able to travel, they remain undeterred.

- Why not believe the many people who warned you not to go? It's dangerous.

- Why We Fell in Love with "Betong"

September 22, 2016

This trip was booked a year in advance, as usual. We used AirAsia's service from Don Mueang at 6:40 AM, but it was delayed because there were many early morning flights and none of the airlines were able to use the jet bridge. Once we were seated, we started to get restless.

An action camera was used to capture footage from above.

Upon arrival at Hat Yai Airport, the Virakorn van driver immediately called. He informed me that "the boss has been waiting for a long time." Wow, the boss came to pick me up! The van driver informed me that the airport pick-up fee was 200 baht, and the fare to Betong was 230 baht.

We arrived at Hat Yai Bus Terminal at 8:50 am, giving us time to explore the area before our 10:00 am departure.

After completing a loop around the city, we stopped for some rice and curry, as the price of the minced pork with basil from Mom Noi's recipe at Hang Daeng had increased to the same price as a round-trip ticket to Hat Yai. Moreover, there was no omelet included. Our breakfast with iced coffee cost us 70 baht.

The restrooms at the bus station are divided into two sections: a free section on the left and a paid section on the right. The bus departed on time, and we sat in the front with the driver. He explained the route to us, assuring us that it was not dangerous and that the main road was safe. Upon entering Yala, there were checkpoints every 3 kilometers.

Upon entering Yala province, we encountered speed bumps every 3 kilometers. As a passenger, I attempted to take photos, but they all came out tilted.

The roadside views alone are worth it, so green.

Upon entering Betong, the driver opted for the upper route, which had numerous curves but was shorter in distance. As we emerged from the curves and entered the town, we were greeted with this breathtaking view.

The driver asked where we wanted to go, and we told him to drop us off at the motorbike taxi stand. We hadn't booked a hotel, and he kindly gave us a tour of Betong before dropping us off. He recommended the Modern Thai Hotel, which cost 690 baht per night. We got a room on the 6th floor, but the elevator only went up to the 5th floor, so we had to walk a little further. We stopped to take some photos on the stairs between the 5th and 6th floors.

We stayed in a 604 single bed room. The room looked like this:

The room we stayed in had a view like this. The windows could be opened, but we couldn't go outside.

It's time to embark on a mischievous tour of Betong City, starting from the Betong Clock Tower.

Nearby is the world's largest mailbox, standing at 3.20 meters tall and approximately 80 years old. It served as a means of disseminating news to the people of Betong through a radio embedded in its upper section.

Walk through the Betong Mongkolrit Tunnel, the first mountain tunnel for cars in Thailand. Betong is a wonderful city, very good for the heart. Walking through the city in the valley, it took less than an hour to fall in love with it.

Emerging from the tunnel, you will encounter the sign marking the southernmost point of Siam.

The left side features the Betong chicken, a symbol of the city.

The winding road leads up the mountain, passing through a tunnel, and continues to the Suan Suan Siam park.

Nearby is the Central Valley Sports Center, the highest altitude sports field in Thailand, capable of hosting national-level sporting events.

The Betong City Museum is located on the city side.

Wandering around until reaching the Guan Yin Temple, characterized by its seven-story pagoda.

Descend the slope and follow the road to pay homage to the Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Mongkol Prayurakesa Nananta Suphaphitan, the largest bronze Buddha statue in Thailand. The statue has a lap width of 9.99 meters, a height of 14.29 meters, and weighs approximately 40 tons.

Adjacent to the school is the Jong Fah Foundation, established over 70 years ago by merchants and citizens of Betong. (We were not dressed appropriately, so we only took a picture of the front.)

After returning to the hotel room to freshen up, we ventured out into the city for the evening. From 8 pm to 10 pm, despite the absence of sunlight, Betong was brightly illuminated by spotlights. Military personnel, police officers, and Betong Protection volunteers were stationed at various points, providing a sense of security. Betong is truly a pleasant place to be, and it is not as frightening as we had been led to believe. Our exploration began at the Betong Clock Tower.

As dusk settled, swifts flocked to the wires encircling the clock tower. We cautiously navigated the area, employing techniques to avoid being struck by their droppings. Fortunately, we emerged unscathed.

We then walked to the Betong Central Mosque, which was stunning at night and pleasantly uncrowded.

Walk back to the clock tower and turn right into the Betong Mongkolrit Tunnel again.

The night concludes with the world's largest mailbox.

On the first day, we walked 15,953 steps. We had dinner around the clock tower, which was affordable. There was actually a night market, but it was already closed.

This morning, September 23, 2016, I woke up to a beautiful view of the city. When I opened the curtains, I was greeted by this scene.

Venture out to explore the market in your pajamas! It's already late, and you don't want to miss the fun. Local markets are always a blast, and you'll get to witness the unique way of life in Betong.

I came across a Hong Kee chicken rice stall while walking. The chicken was tender and juicy, the rice was not too oily, and the offal had no odor. This dish costs 40 baht.

After eating, we walked to the stadium again. We enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and cool breeze.

Take a leisurely stroll around the stadium, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.

Ultimately, we opted to rent a motorbike from the hotel. The advantage was a new motorbike without any deposit requirement. The rental fee was 300 baht. We set off wearing Betong OK shirts, riding a Betong-registered motorbike, and exploring Betong town.

The first point is that the second mailbox was built three times higher than the original, at a height of 9 meters.

Riding out of the city, the road was smooth and easy to navigate, with only occasional construction. The scenery along the way was breathtaking.

We set out for the Piyamit Tunnel, riding until we reached the entrance archway.

At the fork in the road, the left path leads to the village, while the right path ascends to the viewpoint. We opted for the right path, which, while not particularly challenging, features some curves.

After finishing the meal, we continued on our journey, stopping to take a picture with the sign before moving on.

Upon entering, you will encounter the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin.

The Piyamit Tunnel, a winding passage carved into the mountain, stretches approximately 1 kilometer in length and plunges 50-60 feet deep. Featuring six exits, the tunnel was constructed within three months to serve as an air raid shelter and a stockpile for provisions. Built by the former Malayan Communist Party, the Piyamit Tunnel now stands as a captivating historical landmark and a popular tourist destination.

After walking around until I was sweating, I continued on to the ancient banyan tree.

Before leaving, take a picture with another door frame.

On the way back, we took a shortcut through the village and arrived at the gatehouse sooner. We continued riding and came across the Intasorn Waterfall, where we stopped for a refreshing dip in the cool water.

After visiting the Betong Hot Springs, we took a dip in the cool water before moving on to the hot springs.

We skipped the flower garden in favor of the Sakai village, a 20-kilometer motorbike ride away. Locals advised against continuing the 50-60 kilometer journey due to the risk of not returning before nightfall. We turned back and visited the Wat Chan Tharat Pracharam temple to pay respects to Luang Pu Thuat, where the temple is currently constructing a new hall and a reclining Buddha statue.

Returning to the city, one encounters the Phra Maha That Chedi, a temple built in the Srivijaya style, measuring 39 meters wide and 39.9 meters high. It houses sacred relics of the Buddha.

City view from the top of the Phra Maha Chedi

Ride down to pay homage to the largest bronze Buddha statue in Thailand again.

Walk to Wat Buddhavas, enter the chapel to pay respects to the principal Buddha image.

We then rode to the Betong Central Mosque again. We liked it because it was beautiful. This time, we arrived during prayer time, so we asked to sit quietly outside and observe the prayers. We asked permission from the people who were already praying.

After finishing, we rode out of the city towards the border, turning left into a village. We started to like the mosque, it was very beautiful.

Returning to the city, it was already dark. I went out for dinner at Da Ye Yin, a famous restaurant here. It was very crowded. As I was alone, I only ordered chopped chicken and stir-fried Betong noodles.

After eating, I went to buy a shirt commemorating the 111th anniversary of Betong City in 2017.

Before entering the room, I stopped by the clock tower again. I had to pass by it on my way to my destination.

Back in the room, I turned on the TV and saw the movie "OK Betong." No matter where I watch it, it's never as moving as it is here.

September 24, 2016. Today I have to go back, but I still feel unsatisfied. On the way back, I want to try going to Malaysia. I have already booked a car for 400 baht. It is a 4-seater car.

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This morning, I woke up late and opened the curtains to see the fog.

Washed face, brushed teeth, grabbed the car keys, and immediately sped off to the stadium.

Ride around to the other side at the health park.

The best view is from the Betong Museum.

As the sun grew stronger, we descended to eat dim sum at the clock tower intersection. This meal cost 95 baht.

Returned to the storage room, took a shower, and went out for food again at 11 am. This time, I had chicken rice at the shop next to the world's largest mailbox. The dish cost 40 baht.

The car arrived before noon. It was time to go back. While waiting for the others at the Betong checkpoint, I took some photos.

We do not need to get off at the Malaysian border, both entry and exit. But for Thailand, both exit and entry must be done by ourselves. Along the way, we saw the building on the Malaysian side, Bank Islam Baling. The car was driving fast, so we got this picture.

A one-hour drive will take you to Pedu Lake in Kuala Nerang, Kedar. The water level is currently low.

We crossed the border back into Thailand at the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla and arrived in Hat Yai by 3:30 PM, much earlier than expected. Our driver gave us a tour of Hat Yai, making it a truly memorable trip.

Three-day, two-night summary

- This has made us fall in love with Betong.

- No need to worry. The people of Betong are looking out for each other, with the help of soldiers, police, and local officials, as well as volunteers spread throughout the town.

- No danger, both traveling from Hat Yai to Betong on domestic roads and riding a motorbike in Betong. However, be careful of accidents.

- The people of Betong are very friendly and kind. There is a wide variety of food to choose from, so you can find something to suit your taste. The tourist attractions are well-managed, and the weather is excellent.

- Traveling to other places may be expensive, but it is worth it for the invaluable experience you gain. When traveling, don't be too frugal; it's not fun.

"Let's go on a trip to Betong."

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