A relaxing summer getaway to Betong

This summer, I visited Betong, a city on the Thailand-Malaysia border known as Thailand's southernmost city. Far from a bustling metropolis, it feels more like a cozy, laid-back town. Not long ago, it was little-known, but in recent years, more Malaysian tourists have been coming, giving it a new lease of life.

The heart of the town centers around a clock tower that becomes a lively gathering spot for both locals and tourists every night. This scene reminded me of West Street in Quanzhou, Fujian, where a clock tower also stands as a local landmark. The town provides all the essential amenities one might need — from chain convenience stores, KTV rooms, and Thai massage parlors to seafood restaurants and guesthouses. The local market, with its affordable prices, is a wonderful place to experience everyday life and local culture.

As you move through Betong, motorcycles stand out as the primary mode of transportation for locals. Interestingly, with the growing number of Malaysian tourists in recent years, Malaysian vehicles have become a common sight, blending seamlessly into the town’s landscape. At times, the similarities in the surroundings can even make you wonder which country you’re in.

We chose to drive there, and it was my first time entering another country by land. I found the relatively relaxed customs inspection quite fascinating. It was also my first trip to Thailand in six years. Fortunately, many local vendors speak Malay or Chinese, so communication was never a problem.

Betong is home to a historic cave that once served as a shelter for people expelled by the Malayan government. While history textbooks only mention their expulsion to the Thai border, seeing their former residence in person truly brought the past to life. The town is also known for its glass corridor bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea of clouds. Unfortunately, on the day we visited, there weren’t many clouds, and it even rained heavily. The low temperature and strong winds atop the mountain made it feel as if autumn had arrived in an instant.

We dined at a local restaurant that requires advance booking, where every dish was rich in local flavor, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and reasonably priced.

Though the trip lasted only three days, it left me feeling completely relaxed, both physically and mentally. Betong is truly an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. With its affordable prices and distinctive local culture, it’s a place that shouldn’t be missed.