Betong, a district in the
southern border province of Yala, is a major tourist town, with several famous
tourist attractions. As Betong is surrounded by high mountains, the weather is
cool all year round, and it is common to see a mist above the town in the
morning.
Over recent years, a great number
of local residents, as well as Thai and foreign tourists, have traveled to
Aiyoe Weng subdistrict in Betong to appreciate beautiful sunrises over the sea
of clouds. It is said that the sea of clouds in Aiyoe Weng is the most
enchanting mist in southern Thailand.
Aware of the fact that the mist
in Aiyoe Weng has become a new attraction, the Betong District Office has
joined hands with the Than Nam Thip Subdistrict Administrative Organization,
and the Betong Municipality in developing Aiyoe Weng as a new tourist site.
After the pictures of the Aiyoe
Weng mist have been publicized in the media, a great number of tourists from
Malaysia and Singapore have visited this small town, where local officials
facilitate their travel and ensure their safety. Members of the local community
have worked as a team, together with volunteers, in maintaining tourist
confidence.
It is expected that more and more
visitors from neighboring countries will come to the new attraction, which is
only about 15 kilometers from the Betong Municipality and land transport is
convenient. The scenic viewing point, where people see the fantastic sea of
clouds, is only 330 feet above sea level.
About 140 kilometers from the
town of Yala on Highway 410, Betong is located on a mountain range along the
Thai-Malaysian border and connects with the Malaysian states of Perak and
Kedah. The population in this town is about 60,000, and the number of Muslims
equals the number of Buddhists. The Muslim Thais in this town are of Malay
descent. In 1900, the Chinese began to migrate into this area, passing through
Malaysia.
The town of Betong reflects a
harmonious mixture of Buddhist, Muslim, and Chinese cultures, as evident in its
local way of living and cuisine. This has made Betong distinctive, becoming a
place of enchantment. The unique way of life in Betong attracts numerous
Malaysian tourists, who travel by car through the Betong border checkpoint. The
old town of Betong is famous for many delicious dishes, some of which are found
only in this area.
The Thai Government realizes that
Betong has great potential in terms of investment, border trade, and tourism.
However, transportation in this province needs to be further developed,
especially Highway 410, which links the town of Yala to Thanto and Betong
districts. The construction of a commercial airport in Betong is expected to
start in 2016 to facilitate travel to this district and contribute to local
trade, investment, and tourism. It is likely to be completed in 2018.
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