BKK tours for disabled
 

Fascinating reading on the Asia board - wish I had a trip of my own to look forward to....

My parents are stopping in BKK and have the possibility of touring for 2 days during their layover. They are cruising with Princess and this will be the end of their journey from Australia. Dad had some surgery in the fall and the recovery has been longer than expected. He is using a walker now so that in itself changes the way they expected to see Bangkok . They are,of course, still hopeful about his continued progress aboard the ship but need some contingency plans. I think those long promenades on the ship will keep him busy.

The question is what they should try to see:

1. if they arrange a taxi and want to spend a half day, touring on each of the 2 days

2. if Mom decides to take a formal tour bus and leave Dad back at the hotel pool, if he is unwell or regresses. Imagine she would only leave him for half day there alone.

3. if Dad is really coming along well and feels up to a full day tour, then a half day

I see that the Palace is accessible. Any other favorites? Mom would love to take a canal tour but it would seem that Dad would have trouble getting in the boat. By the sounds of the Bangkok traffic, it doesn't look like a half day at a time gets you much in the way of sights.

Years ago in Bangkok, I went to the Jim Thompson House and A Red Cross snake event, but don't think those excursions are for my folks.

Thanks all.

Also, if anyone is familiar with the Courtyard, is there any interesting sights or markets nearby ?

jim thompson house would be difficult, i agree...

long tail boat might be hard to get into and out of but maybe if your hotel is on the river the hotel staff would help him in and out..

rides on the river are possible on the regular express boats and certainly on the hotel boats..

staying at the hotel would be no problem really

taxis are easy especially if he sat in the front seat... most are toyota corollas..

wat arun would be a good take if they arrived and left by taxi...

grand palace walk through would work...

many sidewalks would be out of the question, i should think

hiring someone like rat would be a good idea: www.ratservice.com

This srikes me as an occasion when hiring a good driver (like Rat) would be a fine idea. A place not yet mentioned that I believe would be accessable for someone with a walker would be the Prasart Museum. It's a gorgeous collection of SE Asian art, most in an garden setting. Take a look at our photos
http://www.marlandc.com/Bangkok2005/...sart/index.htm
and see if it is of interest.

The Prasart Museum requires reservations, and it is one party at a time, so they can go as slowly as they want.

great suggestion kathie... perfect for walker and very lovely---a res is necessary..

Yes, thank you both. Have been in touch with Rat and she responded promptly and plan on showing my folks Kathie's Prasart Museum pics tomorrow. I'm certain they would enjoy it. So glad you mentioned the reservation.

Also reconsidering the Marriott Resort again, as opposed to the present booking at the Courtyard. Marriott has a special rate till the end of April. Three nights for the price of two.

the only thing about marriott is there are a couple of stairs to the pool area but there is a hand rail and an easier access from the waterfront..

ask not to be in the south building however

where can i find the deal on the marriott??

Go into the Marriott site, search BKK, and the hotel.

For the Resort and Spa, it was the 3rd choice .....book 2 nights, get the 3rd FREE. Must pay with visa. Think it was good till April 18. Quote promotional rate RR2.

The promotion is not available for hotels in the US.

I'm not sure I understand how the Marriott Resort works - do you have to take a boat to the property? Or is it more interesting to do so or take less time? Are the boats like a small ferry and how often do they run? Is there a ramp for wheelchairs/walkers or wheelchairs available? How does it work for an early air departure? What time would you arrange pickup for a 7:15 am departure?

Would staying at this property add considerable angst or pleasure?