As the global trail running community turns its sights toward Southern Thailand this May for the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB, thousands of athletes and supporters are preparing to tackle the grueling rainforest trails. But running the jungle is only half the experience.

Nestled at the southernmost tip of Thailand, bordering Malaysia, the district of Betong is a vibrant, mountainous enclave affectionately known as the “City in the Mist.” Betong is a beautiful collision of deep-rooted Hakka Chinese, Thai, and Malay heritage.

Whether you are here to conquer the formidable 100M, tackle the fast-paced Mist 20K, or simply cheer on your loved ones, your trip isn’t complete without diving into the local culture. Here is your definitive guide on where to explore, recover, and feast during the UTMB Amazean Jungle race week.

📍 The “Must-See” Landmarks

Aiyerweng Skywalk (Talay Mok Aiyerweng)

• The Vibe: Ethereal, breathtaking, and worth the early alarm.
• Why You Should Go: Set at an elevation of over 600 meters, this spectacular 45-meter-high glass-floored suspension tower is one of the longest skywalks in Asia. To get the quintessential Betong experience, you’ll need to beat the sun. Arriving between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view of the “Sea of Mist” (Talay Mok). It feels as though you are floating above the thick, fluffy clouds that blanket the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary below. It’s the perfect, serene start to a day of intense racing or spectating.

Betong Mongkolrit Tunnel

• The Vibe: Engineering marvel meets sleek photo-op.
• Why You Should Go: Thailand’s first and longest mountain-through vehicular tunnel (stretching roughly 273 meters) is a rite of passage for visitors. Originally built to bridge the city center with new neighborhoods, it serves as a central hub during UTMB race week, acting as the iconic starting line for the 20K categories and a prime spot for Race Pack Collection. As evening falls, the municipality lights up the curved tunnel, providing a chic, cinematic backdrop.

Betong Clock Tower

• The Vibe: The multicultural heartbeat of the city.
• Why You Should Go: Built over 150 years ago using white marble from Yala province, this historic roundabout structure is the soul of Betong. It was historically used as a radio broadcasting point for town announcements. Today, it’s the ultimate symbol that “you have arrived.” During UTMB weekend, expect this area to be buzzing with the Elite Athlete Presentations. Come nightfall, the illuminated tower is surrounded by swifts swooping in the air and the vibrant energy of locals and international runners mingling.

Betong Street Art

• The Vibe: An open-air cultural gallery.
• Why You Should Go: Take a recovery walk through the alleyways of Betong to witness the town’s history painted on its walls. Driven by a push to boost local tourism, national and local artists have adorned the city with vibrant murals. The art showcases Betong’s unique way of life—from the famous local chickens and wandering alley cats to depictions of its diverse Thai-Chinese-Malay roots. It’s a wonderful, low-impact way to keep your legs moving post-race while snapping fantastic photos.

🧖‍♂️ The Athlete’s Sanctuary

Betong Hot Springs

The Vibe: The ultimate post-race recovery zone.

Why You Should Go: Located in Tano Maero village just 10 kilometers from the town center, this natural geothermal phenomenon is a godsend for tired UTMB runners. The mineral-rich water emerges from the earth at around 80°C (176°F). Packed with sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, soaking in the cooler designated zones (40°C–60°C) is scientifically renowned for alleviating muscle pain, speeding up recovery, and improving blood circulation. And for a bit of fun? Don’t forget to buy a basket of quail or chicken eggs to boil in the hottest pools!

🍽️ A Halal Culinary Journey
Betong’s food scene is legendary in the south, characterized by a fusion of Southern Thai fire, Malay richness, and Chinese technique. For athletes and travelers looking for strict Halal options without compromising on authentic local flavor, Betong delivers flawlessly.

@ridhwanakib Breakfast best Betong 🇹🇭..dimsum & nasi itik halal..Tahoo Dim Sum Betong #breakfastbestbetong#bestbetong🇹🇭#breakfasthalalbetong ♬ suara asli – Anggadermawan

Breakfast: Tahoo Dim Sum
Morning dim sum is a massive cultural staple in Southern Thailand, heavily influenced by historical Chinese migration. Tahoo Dim Sum brings this lively morning tea-house experience to the Muslim community. Famous for its long queues, this highly-rated spot serves up fresh, steaming bamboo baskets of Halal dumplings, fluffy buns, and bite-sized delicacies.

Lunch: KN Chicken Rice
You cannot visit Betong without eating “Betong Chicken.” Reared locally, this specific breed of chicken is prized across Thailand for its firm, bouncy texture and incredibly soft, thin skin with virtually no excess fat. KN Chicken Rice is a celebrated Halal vendor specializing in Khao Mun Gai Betong. The chicken is served over fragrant, garlic-infused rice with a side of peppery herbal broth and a spicy ginger dipping sauce. It is pure, protein-packed comfort food.

Dinner: Big Tree Restaurant-Muslim
When it’s time for a grand celebratory dinner, Big Tree is the name to know. Their “Muslim” branch caters specifically to strict Halal standards while unleashing the explosive, unapologetic flavors of Southern Thai cuisine. Expect highly aromatic and fiery dishes like authentic Tom Yum seafood, Khua Kling (Stir-Fried Seafood with Yellow Curry Paste), and Pad Kra Pao.

Coffee & Chill: Hantana Cafe
If you need a cozy retreat after a long day in the jungle, Hantana Cafe bridges the gap between traditional Thai food and modern cafe culture. Featuring a clean, aesthetic environment, the friendly Muslim owners serve up fantastic deep-flavored Tom Yum alongside an excellent beverage menu of iced mochas and artisanal teas. It’s the perfect place to sit back, edit your race photos, and reflect on the adventure.

Ready to Run?
The Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB is more than just a trail race; it is an invitation to explore one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. From the misty peaks of Aiyerweng to the comforting warmth of a bowl of Betong Chicken Rice, the “City in the Mist” is ready to welcome you this May.