TH – Hat Yai to Betong

25.01.2025 – Thailand to Singapore day 17

From Hat Yai to Betong: A Scenic Farewell to Southern Thailand

Every motorbike journey has its moments—some filled with adrenaline, others with tranquility, and a few that remind you why you fell in love with riding in the first place. Our ride from Hat Yai to Betong was one of those days that encapsulated the essence of motorbike travel: a mix of challenges, breathtaking scenery, and the satisfaction of reaching a new destination. As we bid farewell to southern Thailand and prepared to cross into Malaysia, this 270-kilometer ride offered a perfect blend of excitement and reflection.

The Not-So-Fun Start: Hat Yai to Sadao

We kicked off the day at 8 AM, leaving Hat Yai behind and heading toward Sadao on Route 4, the main highway. If there’s one word to describe this stretch of the journey, it’s “tedious.” The road was straight, the traffic was heavy, and it seemed like every traffic light turned red just as we approached. For the first 40 kilometers, the ride was far from enjoyable. It was a reminder that not every part of a motorbike adventure is glamorous—sometimes, you just have to power through the less exciting bits to get to the good stuff.

By the time we reached Sadao, we were ready for a change of scenery. Little did we know, the best part of the ride was just around the corner.

The Joy of Curvy Roads and Fresh Air

As we left Route 4 behind, the landscape began to shift. The straight, congested highway gave way to winding roads that snaked through lush, green countryside. The traffic thinned out, and the air grew fresher, carrying the scent of rain and earth. The temperature hovered around a pleasant 27 degrees, making for ideal riding conditions.

The recent rain had left some parts of the road wet and slippery, but it also added to the beauty of the journey. The landscape was vibrant and alive, with every shade of green imaginable stretching out before us. The mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist, offering stunning views that made us want to stop every few kilometers just to take it all in.

Route 410: A Rider’s Dream

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Route 410, the road that led us to Betong. This stretch is a motorbike enthusiast’s dream—curvy, well-maintained, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The road is known for being slippery at times, thanks to the rubber residue left behind by transport trucks, but today it was in perfect condition. The twists and turns were exhilarating, and the lack of traffic allowed us to fully enjoy the ride.

As we navigated the curves, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. This was the kind of riding that made all the earlier frustrations worth it. The combination of fresh air, stunning views, and the thrill of the road reminded us why we love motorbike travel so much.

Arriving in Betong: A Border Town with a Unique Vibe

By 2:30 PM, we rolled into Betong, a bustling border town that feels more like Malaysia than Thailand. The streets were filled with motorbikes, many of them bearing Malaysian license plates. The town has a unique energy, a blend of Thai and Malaysian cultures that makes it feel like a world of its own. It was a fitting place to end our journey through southern Thailand and prepare for the next chapter in Malaysia.

We checked into the G-Hotel, a relatively new establishment that offered roof-covered parking with security cameras—a welcome feature for motorbike travelers. At 1,200 baht per night, the price was reasonable, though the room showed signs of wear and tear despite the hotel’s newness. Still, it was a comfortable place to rest after a long day on the road.

Exploring Betong: A Walk Through the Rain

After settling in, we decided to stretch our legs with a walk around town. Betong is a lively place, with shops, markets, and restaurants catering to both locals and visitors. We exchanged some money, picked up a few new t-shirts, and enjoyed a late lunch at a local eatery.

The food was simple but satisfying, a reminder of the culinary delights that make travel in this region so enjoyable.

As we wandered through the streets, the sky began to darken, and soon the rain started to fall. We made our way back to the hotel, grateful for the roof-covered parking that kept our bike safe and dry. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing, reflecting on the day’s ride, and preparing for the adventures ahead.

A Day to Remember

All in all, the ride from Hat Yai to Betong was a day to remember. While the start was less than ideal, the journey quickly transformed into a motorbike enthusiast’s dream. The curvy roads, fresh air, and stunning scenery made it a ride we’ll cherish for years to come. Betong, with its unique blend of cultures and lively atmosphere, was the perfect place to end our time in southern Thailand.

As we looked ahead to the next leg of our journey into Malaysia, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The weather forecast predicted rain in the coming days, but we knew that whatever the road threw at us, we were ready. After all, that’s what motorbike travel is all about—embracing the unexpected, finding beauty in the journey, and savoring every moment along the way.

The ride from Hat Yai to Betong was more than just a transition from one place to another; it was a celebration of the freedom, joy, and connection that comes with life on two wheels. And as we prepared to cross the border, we knew that the best was yet to come.

Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!

#dustysocks