000:Betong (Thai: เบตง; Chinese: 勿洞) is a small border town, located in the southernmost district of Yala Province in Thailand bordering Pengkalan Hulu, northern most Perak state in Malaysia which makes a popular tourists destination. The town frequented by a lot of tourists from Malaysia due to its close proximity. Tourism is the main driver of the economy of Betong, especially sex tourism. Academic Surang Artnarong has estimated that the town is home to 3,000 to 5,000 sex workers, who primarily service the tourists. The Betong city centre is surrounded by mountain ranges, resulting in a cool climate and high rainfall with frequent thick mist in the morning. It is therefore dubbed "the city in the fog". Betong is known for food, especially Betong-Chinese food which is mostly cooked by Hakka-Chinese. Betong is also known for Thai traditional food and Muslim food. Many mouth-watering restaurants are around Betong Market and close to Betong clock tower. Tourists get to enjoy a wide variety of Betong specialties namely chopped Betong chicken, prepared with local chicken and ladled with Betong soy sauce; steamed Chinese carp in plum sauce - the fish is raised only in Betong and can be prepared for several dishes; khao yok (เคาหยก) is made from fatty pork roasted with taro; phak nam (ผักน้ำ) is a vegetable that grows in flowing streams found only in Betong, and is prepared for a soup or stir-fried. In this Ultimate Betong Walkabout series, we covered many places by foot and share some of the footages here for your reference: - Grand Mandarin Betong Hotel (勿洞文华大酒店) The Mandarin Betong Hotel is the biggest hotel strategically situated in the heart of Betong town, which is located in the Yala Province of southern Thailand. It is a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers visiting the area. - Phra Mahathat Chadi Phra Phutthammaprakat This is the most important local Buddhist temple is located on a hilltop in Betong town center, on the ground of Wat Phutthathiwat, Thanon Rattanakit. This chedi is built in the modern Sivijaya style, covered in gold color. It is 39.9 meters high, built to commemorate the 69th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen. From the chedi, the visitor can see the entire temple ground and part of Betong town center. - World's Largest Mailbox, Betong (世界上最大的邮箱) Used to be located at the Bell Tower intersection of Betong, where there is a small replica for tourists to use as a photo spot. It was built in 1924 before World War II as the communication post for the townspeople, through the radio implanted on top of the box, and the mail slot below it. A new box has been built in a larger size (nine meters tall), and is located at the City Convention Hall (Sala Prachakhom). - Betong Clock Tower (勿洞钟楼) The clock tower is located in the most central area of town, opposite to the world's biggest mail box and also a stone's throw away from the Mongkollit Tunnel. This clock tower is the most popular landmark of Betong and it is worth a picture especially at late evening when it is illuminated with lightings with glowing sky hue resulting from the sunset rays. - Wat Kuan Im Temple (勿洞观音寺) This temple is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of compassion, Kuan Yin. It features a large Kuan Yin Bodhisattva statue and is a popular place of worship for both locals and visitors. - Betong Mongkollit Tunnel (勿洞旺格立隧道) A tunnel that has decorative lanterns and lights at night that is popular for the short drive that passes below the Suan Sut Sayam Betong Municipality Park. - Betong Night Market (勿洞夜市) The Betong Night Market offers a wide variety of food, drinks, clothing, accessories, and other merchandise. Visitors can explore numerous stalls and vendors selling traditional Thai dishes, street food, fresh fruits, snacks, and beverages. You can find delicacies such as Pad Thai, grilled seafood, satay, mango sticky rice, and much more. - Betong Chicken Statue Park (勿洞鸡雕像公园) The city mascot. A large chicken that is a popular tourist photo spot, at the southern entrance of the Betong Mongkollit Tunnel. - Kasong Wholesale (泰国周甲松商行批发) Kasong Wholesale is a prominent wholesale center in the town, offering a wide range of products at wholesale prices. It is known for selling various food stuff and household items such as junk foods, household goods, electronics, toys, and more. ULTIMATE WALKING TOUR Explore Southernmost Thailand Betong Town Centre From Day Till Dusk 泰国勿洞镇一日步行游 00:00 Intro & Geographical Location (简介及地理位置) 00:44 Start From Grand Mandarin Betong Hotel (从勿洞文华大酒店出发) 00:57 Betong Mongkollit Tunnel (勿洞旺格立隧道) 02:05 Betong Chicken Statue Park (勿洞鸡雕像公园) 02:30 Betong Night Market (勿洞夜市) 03:40 Betong Canal Walk (勿洞运河步行道) 04:08 Wat Kuan Im Temple (勿洞观音寺) 06:18 Betong Clock Tower (勿洞钟楼) 07:25 Lunch @ Baan Kun Chay Restaurant (吃泰式午餐) 07:46 Kasong Wholesale (泰国周甲松商行批发) 08:30 Dinner @ Ta Yern Cantonese Restaurant (晚餐于勿洞大人饭店) 10:43 Night View of Betong Town (勿洞镇夜景)