While a handful of resorts and tour operators are thinking outside of the standard-sized box, the island of Phuket remains largely inaccessible to physically challenged travellers.
Navigating urban areas in Phuket can be extremely challenging for wheelchair-bound tourists. Pavements are uneven and often obstructed by large advertising boards. Few buildings provide ramps or handrails, and many doorways are too narrow to allow wheelchairs to pass through.
Disabled visitors are limited to touring the island by taxi and while many taxi drivers are often helpful, they are not trained to assist disabled passengers.
As one of Thailand’s premier holiday destinations, Phuket doesn’t fulfil its unwritten duty to accommodate all types of traveller. Fortunately, there are some wheelchair-friendly destinations within easy reach of Phuket.
Thanks to an informative blog published by disabled residents, Hanneke and Jan van der Line, the beach resort of Hua Hin is emerging as a shiny new pin on the disabled traveller’s wall map.
Hua Hin is best known as a royal retreat and popular weekend escape for wealthy Bangkokians; however, international tourists are also well catered for, including those with physical disabilities.
Thanks to its Royal presence, Hua Hin remains unblemished by the rash of girly bars and jet skis commonly associated with tourism; the Kingdom’s oldest beach resort retains its quaint charm and is a blissfully peaceful retreat.
The grandeur of Old Siam echoes from the town’s quaint streets and colonial mansions, including Thailand’s oldest hotel which was originally built as a venue for royal parties thrown by the Queen.
Jan, who is wheelchair bound, and his wife Hanneke, enjoy life in Hua Hin, and recommend the town as a holiday destination for disabled travellers. The couple have designed and built two holiday homes which are fully adapted for wheelchair users.
Visitors can choose from a spacious pool villa close to the beach, or a modern downtown apartment. Both include features such as electrically adjustable beds, roll-in showers and manual pool hoists.
The downtown location suits travellers who enjoy easy access to markets and restaurants, while pool villa guests are only a quick roll from the beach, massage salons and bars.
Their travel blog (wheelchairthailand.blogspot.com) provides useful information for disabled visitors, such as details of accessible temples, markets and bars for viewing live sports action.
Hanneke explains, “We believe Hua Hin is a good destination for wheelchair users as an array of attractions such as the teak wood palace, the beach, temple grounds and shopping malls are relatively easy to access, as well as many cultural shows, bars and restaurants.”
Other wheelchair-friendly destinations within easy reach from Phuket include Singapore. Four airlines operate regular flights from Phuket International Airport and the journey time is just under two hours.
Singapore may be Southeast Asia’s smallest country, but in terms of mobility impaired access, the city-state is miles ahead of its neighbours.
Disabled travellers can get around the city with ease as the subway (Mass Rapid Transit – MRT) has lifts and specially adapted wide gates, and many bus routes are served by wheelchair accessible buses.
The airport shuttle service has wheelchair access and there are two taxi companies offering facilities for disabled passengers. The Handicaps Welfare Association is just one such organisation that provides transport services in the form of vans fitted with hydraulic lifts.
Based on transportation alone, Singapore is in a different league of accessibility from Phuket.
Judy Wee, Principal Consultant at Levelfields Consultants explains, “Singapore is a fantastic and accessible holiday destination for travellers with physical disabilities. Tourist attractions, shopping malls and restaurants are all easy to access. There are many places to visit including Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Sentosa Island and Marina Barrage.”
Singapore Zoo allows visitors to experience a world of fascinating nature at close range. The site is sectioned into geographical locations, such as the Australian Outback and Wild Africa and visitors can experience wildlife from every corner of the globe.
Approximately 90 percent of Singapore Zoo is accessible to wheelchair users and buildings housing the various exhibitions and animal shows can be entered by ramp. Visitors will find similar facilities attractions throughout Singapore.
Judy, who understands the anxiety of travellers with disabilities, recommends that in-bound visitors contact travel agents who specialise in making arrangements for tourists with special needs.
Patrick Ang, Manager of Asia Travel Group Pte Ltd, who is a paraplegic and an avid traveller, fully understands the needs of wheelchair-bound visitors. Patrick customises packages to suit the interests of visitors. A recent customer, Julie Chong, describes the service provided by Asia Travel Group Pte Ltd, “Meticulous staff helped us find the best value for our budget and advised us on accessible hotels close to sights, as well as accessible transport.”
Singapore is certainly rolling ahead of Phuket regarding catering to disabled travellers needs. An accessible destination needs to offer more than a disabled toilet and parking space; every aspect of travel needs to be considered.
Phuket’s accessibility needs a complete overhaul in order to become a destination physically challenged travellers can thoroughly enjoy, starting with public transportation. After all, without transport, travel is impossible.
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