Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Yala – Wildlife Safaris, Temples & Coastal Gems

1.Talay Mok Aiyoeweng

Talay Mok Aiyoeweng is a must-visit if you are close to Betong. Take just 50 minutes from town and you’ll find this mountaintop view offers one of the most stunning sights in southern Thailand, with a ceiling of mist rolling under you.

We reached the destination before the sun came up and the views were simply wonderful. When the first light appeared, the valley became engulfed in soft mist, forming a happy cloud cover beneath the mountain. It looked as though nature was painting the sky as I watched its colors shift from deep blue to gold.

Talay Mok is located high in the mountains, yet it is simple to visit by car or motorbike, since the roads there are well-taken care of. You can easily see and photograph the waterfall from the platforms and enjoy relaxed and refreshing mountain air.

• It takes about 50 minutes to go from Betong town to Yala Province.

2.Piyamit Tunnels

The region’s hidden past can be viewed in the tunnels of Piyamit Tunnels which are located in the hills of Betong. Under the Thai-Malaysian border, groups of Malaysian Communist fighters had built the tunnels as their secret shelter.

A Hidden World of History
Dug in the late 1970s, the tunnels were manually created for the guerrillas to use as homes, storage areas, places to cook and hideaways from the enemy. Now, people can journey in sections of the original tunnels which occasionally go over a kilometer deep into the jungle.

The swing is found in a lovely area surrounded by forests.
Getting to the Piyamit Tunnels involves a quick walk through the forest, making it more enjoyable. During the trip, you will notice various bunkers, old military objects and signs that explain this time in history.

Nature and History Combined
Besides the tunnels, the site also includes a museum to help visitors understand what life was like for Soviet soldiers who lived here. It mixes the past and present, inspiring curiosity and deep thoughts.

• The coolest and shaded time to see the forest is either early morning or late afternoon.

• About thirty minutes north of Betong town, Yala Province

• 💰 You pay a small ticket price (it is worth it for maintaining the set and the interesting information)

3.Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phuttha Thamma Prakat

Located in a peaceful spot near Betong, the Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phuttha Thamma Prakat represents both faith and beautiful architecture. Regardless of your beliefs or preferences, going to this site allows you to leave the busy town behind and enjoy peace and beauty.

Standing in its golden splendor, the chedi links Thai architecture and design from various time periods. Because of its sharp features and detailed artwork, it looks breathtakingly beautiful from a distance or up close.

A calming atmosphere and peaceful spirit.
While on the land, the sense of tranquility is very impressive. You can see that everything is perfectly taken care of and the wind from the hilltop just makes it a nicer experience. You will encounter a precious Buddha statue and areas for prayer or meditation in the chedi.

There are clear views over Betong from this station.
The outstanding view of Betong and the distant mountains is one of the main reasons to visit. You can spend time here reflecting in silence or simply enjoy the beautiful nature around the temple.

• It’s a good idea to allocate 1 to 2 hours to view the chedi, stroll across the grounds and gaze at the vistas

• The landmass is located near Betong town in the Yala Province.

4.Winter Flower Garden

In the pleasant hills of Thailand’s chillier regions, the Winter Flower Garden blooms in all its glory every winter. People who love flowers, landscapes or simply need some peace will enjoy this garden for its lovely beauty and sense of calm.

A magic spot on Earth
In the Thai winter, between November and February, the garden is open and displays tulips, petunias, marigolds, cosmos and many other types of flowers that flourish in the cold air. It has a fairytale atmosphere, with themed paths that lead through flowers and plants.

It is a great device for taking photos.
No corner of the Winter Flower Garden goes unnoticed by a photographer. The mix of colorful flowers, clear blue skies and fresh mountain air attracts many people who want to take portraits, photos of flowers and Instagram shots.

🌿 Not Every Plant Is a Flower
Depending where you decide to visit, the garden can come with well-manicured gardens, local food stands, coffee shops and at times include trade markets or exhibit local crafts.

• The best time to be there is early in the morning, when the light is great and the crowds are less numerous.

5.Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary

After driving many miles on a peaceful asphalt road, we got to the wildlife sanctuary which is just beyond the Thai-Malaysian border. Naturalists and nature lovers from all over the globe come to this “Amazon of ASEAN” to discover the many rare species found in the Thai deep south.

At the research center, we discovered the amazing flora of tropical regions. Some of the most striking sights were the Mak Daeng trees (of the palm family) and the bold Dala flowers (from the ginger family) which brightened the area filled with greenery. It was more than enough to make me want to see the plant life.

We didn’t see any hornbills at the sanctuary, unlike their fellow residents. Since they are active in the early mornings, both luck and timing matter a lot. However, the sound of the rainforest and the pristine location more than compensated for the problem.

Soon, we were at the Sirindhorn Waterfall which was a lovely sight, with water flowing over smooth rocks in crystal-clear streams. The water had powerful waves, the breeze was cool and the place was very calm. Because there were just a few tourists, it looked and felt like only we were there.

• 🕑 Best Time to Go: Early morning or an hour or two after rain to see the beautiful forestagain

• Issues affecting this community are found in Narathiwat Province, Thailand.

6.Wat Kuan Im

Not far from Thailand’s southern border, Wat Kuan Im welcomes many Malaysian Chinese tourists. The temple’s attraction comes from its uncommon exterior and the atmosphere that makes it easy for photos.

You’ll find many colorful statues, beautiful gates and typical Chinese decorations among the temple’s gardens. For this reason, photographers heading on travel adventures choose trav isolated lenses. Different colors and guards seem to pop up everywhere, making for a pleasant discovery in every regard.

The temple demonstrates the close relationships between the south of Thailand and Malaysia’s Chinese group. Often, individuals at the park pray, light incense sticks or stroll to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

You won’t find many places to see here; instead, take this chance to cross the border, rest briefly, take some photos and see how American and Thai cultures mix in this region.

• It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• The conservation area is located near Betong in the Yala Province.

7.Betong Mongkollit Tunnel

Besides bringing people to Betong, the Betong Mongkollit Tunnel is also a unique spot for visitors to take photos.

Takes beautiful photos.
Widely known for its incredible combination of green hills and a new tunnel, this place has made a name for itself as a favorite among photographers. Travelers often get right into the middle of the road to get their best photographs, as there aren’t many cars and everyone is very friendly!

🚶‍♂️ Friendly and Comfortable
The energy in this place is cozy and friendly. Generally, the locals are not bothered by tourists taking pictures and tend to be courteous. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, enjoy the fresh air and get innovative with your photography.

A night market is easily accessible in the area.
As soon as you drive out of the tunnel, you’ll uncover a night market filled with popular domestic dishes and snacks. It’s a good spot to stop by for a meal after taking your photos. Wherever your taste buds lead, you’ll find a delicious dish to please them.

• The most suitable time to come is late afternoon for beautiful lighting and be sure to enjoy the night market as well.

• This site is located at the gateway to Betong, Yala Province.

8.Piyamit Millennium Tree

Not far from the Piyamit Tunnels, tucked away deep in the peaceful jungle of Betong, is the famous Piyamit Millennium Tree. This ancient giant is an excellent reason to visit Thailand’s southernmost lands.

A Tree That Has Taken Part in Many Generations
Many believe that the Millennium Tree existed before the Roman Empire and that its strong trunk and wide roots are deeply planted into the ground of the forest. By its side, you begin to understand the power of nature and feel a bond with the world nearby—as if you’ve found the caretaker of the forest.

The place is well known for being a good spot to take pictures.
Due to its impressive size and attractive looks, many tourists and photographers like visiting the Millennium Tree. The museum gets busy over the weekend or on holidays, yet everyone continues to observe a calm and polite environment. Taking stunning photos in the giant canopy will come easy if you can take your time.

A Nice Extra for All Visitors
People usually include visiting the Millennium Tree when they visit the Piyamit Tunnels. A quick and peaceful walk through the forest is an interesting addition to the experience at the tunnels.

• The best time to explore Ko Phi Phi is early in the morning, as there are fewer visitors and the light is nicer.

• Location: This tomb is situated next to the Piyamit Tunnels in Betong, Yala province.

9.World’s largest mailbox

Surprisingly, among the sights in Betong is a colossal red mailbox, the biggest one in the world. While you won’t stay here for hours, you should make it a point to stop here at least once in the city.

👀 It’s Fun to Take a Quick Photo
Not many activities here except to gaze at it, photograph it and enjoy its lively appearance. In reality, this is one of the reasons people love it. Quirkiness and something different make this market unforgettable, only if you decide to visit it during your walk around Betong’s city center.

🚶‍♀️ Accessible from All Directions
Since the mailbox was very near Sud Siam Park and exactly by our hotel door, we could get there quickly on foot. If you’re looking for a relaxing hike, the neighborhood is nice and you’ll find several places to sit and observe the passers-by.

• The temple is found in Betong Town, Yala Province, not far from Sud Siam Park.

• It takes about 10 to 20 minutes to visit.

10.Betong Hot Springs

Although Betong Hot Springs was under construction, we still found the place peaceful and beautiful enough to merit a visit.

Take a Foot Soak and Boil Eggs
Soaking my feet in the mineral-rich hot waters was the highlight of my day. Remember to prepare some eggs for whatever you decide to cook. Boiling eggs in the springs is a favorite pastime here and the result is a delectable item to remember your trip by.

Photograph opportunities are abundant here.
The area also includes several statues and traditional Japanese gates which make enjoying and photographing the place more fun.

The OTOP Store has plenty of products on display.
Adjacent to the hot springs is an OTOP store, considered the best souvenir shop you can find in Betong. Here, you can easily find handicrafts, snacks and memorable souvenirs from the area.

• Betong is located in Yala Province.

• It should take you between 1 and 2 hours to see everything.

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