Things to do in Betong

World's largest mailbox

Quite a strange location for the worlds largest mailbox, as it seems unlikely that the mailmen in Betong could ever get that busy. Nevertheless, the box is there and still functioning. Constructed in 1924, the mailbox has been heightened a few times and will no doubt continue to grow. Luckily a palm tree grows beside it to give scale to your photos.

Betong Hot Springs

Best visited in conjunction with a trip to Piyamit Tunnels, these hot springs can hard-boil an egg in 7 minutes. The springs have been built into a pool structure with a walkway to the centre where some of the springs can be seen, though they have been covered with a wire contraption. Do NOT put your hand in the water under the wire (like a silly researcher) as it is extremely hot. The rest of the pond is very warm and there is a second pond where you can dangle your feet (not your socks though) for some supposed mineral medical miracle. The springs are worth visiting if you have nothing better to do.

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How to get there: The springs are best visited by chartered tuk tuk in conjunction with a visit to the tunnels. Expect to pay around 200-300B for the tuk tuk including waiting time, a visit to the tunnels and Phramahathat Chedi

Piyamit Tunnels

Excavated by Malay communists in 1976 to avoid bombardment, this network of tunnels stretches for over a kilometre and is in a lush jungle setting. While not a scratch on the Cu Chi and Vinh Moc tunnels in Vietnam, these are nevertheless still well worth visiting. Fairly recently problems of collapse required the tunnels to all be enlarged and concrete rendered, so it is easier to wander through them all now. They are also well lit, so you needn't bring a torch. The tunnel complex includes bedrooms, storerooms and a well like structure that was used to ferry goods to the surface. There is also a very interesting museum on site tracing the struggle the communists fought and ultimately lost. Overall very interesting though the gift-shop on site may have a few die-hards rolling over in their graves.

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How to get there: The tunnels are best visited by chartered tuk tuk in conjunction with a visit to the hot springs. Expect to pay around 200-300B for the tuk tuk including waiting time, a visit to the hot springs and Phramahathat Chedi

Phramahathat Chedi

This spectacular chedi sits atop a hill at the eastern edge of town. The chedi has an interior display on the first floor with renditions of many of the most famous chedis in Thailand, while the chedi itself is faced with four sparklingly gold Buddhas in four different poses. At the base of the chedi is a massive 80m tall bronze Buddha -- the largest in Thailand. The views from the top of the chedi over town are splendid.

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How to get there: You can walk to Phramahathat Chedi from town or visit it as a part of a tuk tuk tour to the hot springs and Piyamit Tunnels.