There's a place where Malaysians like to go to for really reasonable price food and accomodation, Without having to dig deep into the pockets and worry about travel details. If you want to find a place just to rest and relax, walkabout and find some really good Thai, chinese or muslim food then Betong is a good place to consider.
The drive from Kuala Lumpur takes you to Kuala Kangsar NKVE toll exit in 2 to 3 hours. depending on your driving speed. From there head up to Pengkalan Hulu town, driving thru some great roads and scenery. It takes about 2 hours non stop. So I suggest that you may want to break journey at Kuala Kangsar. Have a local dish called laksa and wash it down with ais batu kacang which is called ABC in short.
The border check point is friendly and is on a hill between Malaysia and Thailand. So plenty of fresh air and open spaces. However if your timing is bad, you may run into bus loads of Malaysian tourists mainly "uncles and aunties" going over for a good time to eat, massaged, shop for utensils and fresh fruits like their famous langsat.
The one place not to be missed is the Betong tunnels (ex communist stronghold) which now called the Friendship village after they signed a peace accord both governments in the '80s. It's a great place to indulge in some colorful history and also enjoy the very fresh hill atmosphere. Hike up the paved trail and go into the tunnels which are well ventilated and maintain. You can also ask for a guided tour from any one of the ex soldiers who now works as Tour guides.
Hot spring is only 30 minutes away from the tunnels by road heading back to Betong town, Bring along sandals and sarongs and have a good dip in the natural healing springs. You can hire a Tuk tuk or a taxi for the day trip which we did, quite an adventure by itself seating behind in a coverted motor bike taking in all curves and hilly roads thru the country sides.
Hotels are quite conveniently located in the town center, assess to the shops and stalls. The main landmark is right in the middle of town which is the clock tower. So if you get lost just find out where is it, it will lead you to the center of town. I recommend the new Mandarin hotel which is the best. (rm130 to 180) with swimming pool and great view of Betong from any room. Its situated on the hill that shares the local park and museum not far from the town center.
My own choice is however not a hotel but a cosy inn tucked away from the main town area. It's called the River Inn which provides shades and soothing sights and sounds from the stream running across the complex. Nice for family too and in the evening its so quiet that you can only hear the flow of water and insect calls. Its inviting enough to want to on a little longer. The last time I stayed there I decided to extent another day, only rm80 for a nice room fronting the stream.
to be continued....... for those who are like me looking for some peace on earth ( within a easy budget).
The town has an air of regality especially the old train station and the Sofitel resort with its Edwardian spacious verandahs and overall the town is quite well endowed with impressive resorts like the one we stayed in. 
the beach front that offers a sunrise view second to none and a buffet breakfast that is feast for the eyes and appetite. in the evening the walk to the town center night market is about one km (a nice half hour walk) breezy and proper pedestrian lanes.
the beach front that offers a sunrise view second to none and a buffet breakfast that is feast for the eyes and appetite. in the evening the walk to the town center night market is about one km (a nice half hour walk) breezy and proper pedestrian lanes.
The distance and transfer from Bangkok is about 230km which is 2 & half+ hours drive. It was quite smooth and enjoyable with a food stopover at Phetchaburi.
