Day 14, Sunday, 17th March - Betong

Betong Second Day....... So it's a second full day in Betong and I'm searching around for potential site visits. Breakfast is again easily arranged as I can just walk over to 7-Eleven and add free coffee in reception. Then for once I'm relieved to get out and about earlier. We still haven't really concentrated on the town itself as I try to cover the rest of the area in the huge district of Betong. As we set off heading south almost immediately I get distracted by a signboard directing me to quite where I don't know.
Betong Old Town Study Centre....... With the signboard pointing to an ancient wall I'm suspecting there is an ancient town nearby but all I can find is a cultural centre which just happens to be closed today. Oh! well. I tried.
Landmarks....... We continue towards the border where we were yesterday and turn east into the mountains taking us along the border with Malaysia. This is a long shot as we get deeper into the forested hills. I first locate the Siam-Perak Landmark which is a boundary post with nothing else to see. I stop for photographs then we continue along the ridge. I then find what I'm looking for but again there is nothing much to see. Landmark 54A consists of an area marker representing the southernmost point of Betong District. From this point, you can see Khao Nom Sao in Malaysia, overseeing the city in the distance and being the point of the border between Thailand and Malaysia. One would think that this marker which represents the most southerly point in Thailand would prove popular but I guess the remote location goes against it with nothing around but forest. It isn't actually the most southerly point but the area is so mountainous that no road reaches further. We must head back towards Betong and find the best way to the next attraction on my list which lies to the east.
Chulabhorn Development Village 10....... Such is the difficulty of the terrain that it takes nearly an hour to reach the next site to visit. While I know very little about this attraction before we arrive, the name suggests a connection with the Malay Communists which once controlled this area. Various numbered locations receive the name of one of King Rama IX's daughters, Princess Chulabhorn who came to visit this area after peace was restored. In the village the first thing I do is ask around and the first sign of Communist presence is a memorial obelisk to what they regard as martyrs. I'm then put in contact with an old man who would have been a youngster during this troubled period. He turns out to be the key holder of the Chulabhorn Development Village 10 Museum. While there are no tunnels in the village, there are some distance way but difficult to reach. I have to be content with visiting the museum which turns out to be the most informative so far with many exhibits.
Today we are making thing difficult for ourselves by choosing harder to reach attractions. With nothing else in the area we need to swing around to the north in the direction of our exist tomorrow. Whatever we can do will save a bit for tomorrow's touring. We eventually connect with the Road 410 and after a while reach a roadside attraction.
Tae Pu Su Bridge....... The Tae Pu Su Bridge is not too easy to spot requiring a walk between buildings but at the rear of these is the Pattani River which needs a substantial suspension bridge to cross it. The bridge though is for pedestrians and the odd motorbike. I would like to know what it feels like on a bike with the sway of the bridge though. One thing is clear: It's a lovely bridge seemingly disappearing into the forest on the other side of the river.
There are a few other attractions here but the one that should be on everyone's list is diffinately on ours.
Skywalk Ayerweng....... The Skywalk Ayerweng is located on a mountain top and requires a drive uphill about 10 km from the main road still in Betong District. It only opened a couple of years ago and is now the longest skywalk in Southeast Asia. The new facility offers a panoramic view of the mountains to the north and east and from here the impressive Bang Lang Reservoir. It's amazing to be here at an altitude of 2,038 metres and takes in magical views but many would choose to come here early in the morning to enjoy the talay mog (sea of mist) when the skywalk is above the clouds.
Those arriving here will need to park up and take local transport the last kilometre. For groups there are songtheaws (pickup trucks) but for just a couple there are motorbikes for 50 baht. So what is my impression of this skywalk? Well, I'm impressed by the amazing viewing tower which supports the skywalk but as regards the experience, I can't tell you. Even though it's not yet 3.00 pm they are in the process of closing due to lack of customers. It's not an issue for me due to my acrophobia, then there's the entry fee of 200 baht. Despite this being a new build, there was a viewpoint here anyway which as far as I'm concerned is well good enough. I'm most happy to make it here.
There are now these other attractions which we need to find out more about. Two are waterfalls and one is a hot spring. On collecting information and having reached the most important attraction in the area we now decide to kick the can down the road and head back to Betong early for a change. These minor attraction we can have a go at tomorrow on the way to Yala. We reach the town and have time to visit one of its major attractions.
Wat Phuttha Thiwat....... Wat Phuttha Thiwat is located to the east of town and its golden chedi stands out above the city on a hill. Construction of this temple started in the 1990s after the Communist surrender. Princess Sirindhorn visited the temple in the early days of construction in 1992 and planted a white champaca tree in commemoration. The Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phuttha Thamma Prakat here which houses a Buddha Footprint as well as other treasures is still having its golden tower painted.
When we reach Betong Hill Residence Katoon is off to do some washing while I take a break and start writing my notes. Rather later than I intended we decide to take the 20-minute walk down past the clock tower and into the tourist streets. Katoon is on the hunt for poultry.
Betong Chicken....... Betong chicken is a culinary delight from the southern region of Thailand, renowned for its tenderness and rich, flavorful meat. The cooking style here in Betong originates from Hainan and is considered to be a delicacy that is known throughout Thailand. Obviously then it's 'chicken tonight' at one of the Chinese restaurants. Served with tender vegetables, this dish is remarkably tasty. What isn't so tasty is the price. I've never paid 500 bahts for chicken in Thailand before. I just goes to show that when you have a good product it will sell itself by word of mouth and go viral. You can then do big business which is what the Chinese are good at. Walking out to dinner has given us a great opportunity to appreciate the glamour of Betong with its famous Betong Mongkolrit Tunnel, night markets and street art before we head back to the hotel.
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