Anyone been to the deep south recently

[zzzzz]

am planning a road trip down from Phuket to songkla, than down to Betong taking in the new sky walk, hot springs, Piyamit tunnels an such

suggestions for stops???

Always loved the Yala-Betong road an found it one of the most scenic in the country but its been at least 10 years since last drive it

[Harrisfan]

Just now, zzzzz said:

am planning a road trip down from Phuket to songkla, than down to Betong taking in the new sky walk, hot springs, Piyamit tunnels an such

suggestions for stops???

Always loved the Yala-Betong road an found it one of the most scenic in the country but its been at least 10 years since last drive it

Phattalung was my favourite spot. Stunning scenary, free caves and a bird lake. The town has lots of donut shops and steak restaurants.

 

Hat Yai is ok, Songkhla old town really nice plus there's an island there.

 

 

[unblocktheplanet]

Betong hotsprings are awesome! Don't eat steak...or donuts!

[zzzzz]

been to Phattalung a few times as well as all over and around  Hat Yai & Songkla
 

[zzzzz]

update

the  Aiterwebg;s sea of Mist this morning was absolutely stunning,  Fantastic views 
we did NOT do the skywalk ( 40 baht Thai, 200 for Farang + 30 baht each for special socks) ) as the viewing point was much better an free
worth the whole trip down

next stop was the  Piyamit Tunnel "

Quote

is a historical site nestled deep within the lush forests of southern Thailand’s Yala province. Built in the late 1970s by communist insurgents, the tunnel stretches for over 1 kilometer with 9 narrow entrances/exits paths was used as a hideout and operational base during the Malaysian Communist insurgency. Surrounded by dense greenery, the tunnel complex is camouflaged by nature, blending seamlessly with the forested hillsides."

again , great 

Than the flower gardens , nice as gf loves flowers

 Betong hot springs which was fairly disappointing, dirty water, most of the pools were closed but it was free

if you have the time , makes a great get away 

The drive down is also amazing

[MarcelV]

Caucasian farangs generally do NOT visit the deep south. And that's a good thing, or we'd be hearing about whiteys being chopped up and done all the time. I suggest you visit Patters instead.

[Stocky]

On 4/22/2025 at 2:22 PM, zzzzz said:

if you have the time , makes a great get away 

The drive down is also amazing

Glad you enjoyed your trip to the deep south.

[zzzzz]

12 hours ago, MarcelV said:

Caucasian farangs generally do NOT visit the deep south. And that's a good thing, or we'd be hearing about whiteys being chopped up and done all the time. I suggest you visit Patters instead.

the south is great,  good food, accommodations inexpensive, friendly people, spent lots of  time down there over the years  an NOT seeing white faces is a +
PS ;the night market in Trang had the most varied, cheapest street food i have seen anywhere in Thailand 

[novacova]

12 hours ago, MarcelV said:

Caucasian farangs generally do NOT visit the deep south. And that's a good thing, or we'd be hearing about whiteys being chopped up and done all the time.

I just apply shoe polish on my face, that way I don’t look white.

[stupidfarang]

On 4/19/2025 at 3:51 PM, zzzzz said:

am planning a road trip down from Phuket to songkla, than down to Betong taking in the new sky walk, hot springs, Piyamit tunnels an such

suggestions for stops???

Always loved the Yala-Betong road an found it one of the most scenic in the country but its been at least 10 years since last drive it

Can you review your trip, give a few ideas on what to see and do? Thanks in advance

[zzzzz]

will come after i edit photos 🙂

FYI  1,500 kms 5 days-- 4 nights.  it was a wonderful trip and affirms the south is a great place for tourism.

[zzzzz]

OK:

Headed out from Phuket to Songkla, stayed at the old, but still best, BP Samila resort with great views.  I think there were like 20 rooms occupied in the whole place , great views and had a great seafood meal next door, ( the only ones there eating)

next day headed south to Betong.

Stopped along the  way at Bang Lang lake> decided to stay near the Sea of mist rather than drive another 30 KMs to Betong  and glad we did as got to sleep another 30 minutes ( we were still on the road at 5:30 ) but it was only a 8 minute drive in the dark>
The Views are amazing and photos dont capture the scene>
Did not do the sky walk as it was 200 baht for foreigners ( 40 for thai) and it is fenced in so cant take photos clearly but walked to the view point above>
spent about an hour watching the sunrise and had a cup of coffee as well before heading back to the hotel an on to Betong>
Onn the way to Betong stopped at the Piyamit Tunnels ( used by the Malay Communist up till 1975) , Nice museum and a 1.8 km walk truth the tunnels in the hillside.  Next stop was the Flower gardens where u take a small shuttle and have 2 stops to view the flowers>
Than had a dip in the Betong hot springs ( free) not so hot nor was the water very clean.  its to bad they dont do upkeep on the place.

Stayed at the Princess Butterfly hotel ( a biker's hotel) corner room on hte 4th floor for 800 baht,
Betong is a tourist town for Malaysian, Lots of hotels, Massage parlors, Karaoke's and even a few bars, had a good cheap local meal of curries

Next day headed up to Trang, been there many times but never spent much time there, this time we did as visited the excellent central night market for dinner, the largest selection of food i have seen anywhere an cheapest by 30%-40 over Phuket. The Trang train station and walked around a bit .Stayed at a boutique hotel ( Raiwin Place only 580 baht) , highly recommended 

Overall the roads were nice, the trip between Yalla and Betong ( went down one way, back the other side of the lake) was great as always>   love having Amazon coffee at every rest room stop  🙂

I love the south, few tourist's, lots to see & fantastic scenery.

More photos here:  ...   https://phuket.zenfolio.com/p485859523

 

[grumpyoldman]

Really great, thanks for sharing.

 

Have done the night market in Trang, great fun and you are right, some excellent inexpensive food.

 

I then took the overnight train from Trang to BKK, super experience, funny stories there, drinking bier Leo with a Hungarian biking team.