Accessible holidays Thailand for disabled

Holiday wishes to all "disabled" people in the world.

2011-12-23T15:46:00.003+07:00

To beloved family, dear friends, sweet neighbors and appreciated customers a Merry Christmas. Wheelchair Thailand wish you and your family a New Year in excellent health, with wonderfull accessible holidays, loving and tender care and family and friends nearby.

Beach Resort Hua Hin, Thailand, 22 December 2011, Jan and Hanneke van der Linde

Wheelchair Thailand takes care in resort town Hua Hin.

2011-12-18T08:38:00.001+07:00

Hua Hin
Yamaha dealer

In resort town Hua Hin Wheelchair Thailand lets two beautiful wheelchair accessible holiday accommodations.

Pool villa Coconut Grove is located just outside the center of Hua Hin and Apartment Tira Tiraa is located in the center of Hua Hin.

Housekeeper Kan takes care of the household in Coconut Grove spoiling our guest with her good service. Helping out wherever she can and drving around to get te groceries our guests want. For this she needed a new motorbike. The old motorbike was worn off.

Wheelchair Thailand can provide guests with a private care taker. The first steady care taker can take care of our disabled guests in both our accommodations. She can relocate herself by motorbike. A second caregiver works on call. She steps in when the demand of professional, polite and attentive care taking gets too high for one caretaker or just when our steady care giver has a day off.

Gehandicapten.com will extend their services in the future. Keep following this Blog for more information. Or email to info@gehandicapten.com with your request of a specific service.

Birthday celebration King of Thailand in Hua Hin

2011-12-07T09:45:00.000+07:00

Ice carvers in Hua Hin, King's 84th birthday.

Last Monday 5 December 2011 the King of Thailand celebrated his 84th birthday. It is a national holiday. People have a day off. All day traffic is very quiet because the people are looking television. They watch the celebration in Bangkok and listen to the King's speech. They watch ceremonies to honor the King all over Thailand.

In Hua Hin it is business as usual. Only public officials have a day off. But in the evening people are coming out of their houses and start to celebrate. Everything is well decorated with flowers, lights, candles, pictures of the King and Queen and arches to announce the King's birthday. Near the Hua Hin Municipality ice carvers are making statues with pictures of the King in it. Many people are walking on the square and looking at the statues. They walk along the food stalls and buy some food and drinks.

At 20.45 hr. decorative lights and streetslights are turned off. Cars are stopped by the police and have to turn of their engine and lights. People and police lit candles and start to sing a song wich is ending with the Phrase: "Long live the King". The celebration was ended with fireworks.

A beautiful day for the King, the King's family, people of Thailand and tourists. Wheelchair Thailand / Gehandicapten.com liked this celebration in Hua Hin very much.

Book now. Accessible holiday home in Hua Hin.

2011-11-24T16:57:00.001+07:00

Our wheelchair accessible rental home is available for holiday from Febuary 2, 2012 till April 10, 2012.

The pool villa has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. One bathroom has a roll in shower, drop down shower seat and drop down grips next to toilet.
One accessible bedroom has a electrical adjustable bed and a monkey pole.
Medical equipment like a shower wheelchair / commode are available on request and usage is free of charge.
Pool and whirlpool are accessible by pool hoist. Floats and life jackets are available.
A housekeeper maintains the house, garden and pool, washes the linen and clothes of our guests, prepares breakfast, shops for groceries and assists with planning trips.

Wheelchair accessible airport transfer on request. See here a YouTube movie Wheelchair accessible van with Q-straint wheelchair and passenger restraint system.
And in case you like you can have the same care takers to accompany you during daytrips and assist you with day to day life.

Every booking of 14 nights or more gets a free airport transfer from Bangkok to Hua Hin in this wheelchair accessible van.

Email for offer to Wheelchair Thailand Hua Hin.

Care taker or nurse in beach resort Hua Hin, Thailand

2011-11-13T19:36:00.001+07:00

Since 2005 my wife and I travel to Hua Hin, Thailand frequently. And as many of you already know we rent out several accommodations in this lovely beach resort.
My wife and I like to travel independently. Our driver drives us around in our wheelchair accessible van. And I like to take some Thai care givers with me.
In this movie you can watch me and my wife with two care takers. We travel around in Hua Hin and Cha-am. We drive to Plearnwan, FN Outlet shopping mall, Teakwood Palace and Cha-am Beach. These care takers like to work for you too. These women are very friendly, service minded and generous professionals. They assist you with day to day life in the way you like. Do you like to meet them? Do you like to travel around in this van? Come and stay with us in Hua Hin and meet them in person.

Thailand flood, road map updated every day.

2011-10-30T17:44:00.001+07:00

ดู แผนที่น้ำท่วมทางหลวง โดย กรมทางหลวง ในแผนที่ขนาดใหญ่กว่า

For those people looking for info about the highways in Thailand which are effected by the flood here is a map which will be updated every day.
Thai speaking people can call for more information about the highways. The phone numbers are 1586 and 1784.

According to this map the highway from International Airport Subvrnabhumi in Bangkok to Hua Hin is still open. Just a small part of this road, 3-6 km, is flooded with 20 cm of water.
Volunteers are helping out filling and piling up sandbags to protect the airport. It's not easy for disabled travel in Thailand at this moment.

Update Floods Hua Hin, Thailand

2011-10-28T20:11:00.000+07:00

Hua Hin Station
Hua Hin, Thailand

Every day we hear news about the flooding in Thailand on our national broadcasting channels. We hear that the situation in Bangkok is very critical. But the International Airport Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok and the roads to Hua Hin are still open. Japanese experts are monitoring Suvarnabhumi Airport daily.
Protection of the airport has the same priority as Siriraj Hospital where the King resides at this moment.

Many people have left Bangkok and moved to Hua Hin and other towns. They have rented a house, live in a hotel or guesthouse or live in their own condo or apartment. Tourists and local people are safe in Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pranburi.

All these people have to eat while they are here. As results there is a shortage of beer and Coca Cola. Malaysia helps out and is sending supplies to Thailand.

More information about the floods can be found on the website of the Bangkok Post, a news paper in English.

We keep you updated.

Thailand Floods, Road travel Bangkok / Hua Hin

2011-10-23T18:19:00.000+07:00

Here is a road map of Bangkok which shows the flooded areas. Travelling can be difficult due to high water levels. Flooded areas disabled local people to drive to work and travel to family.
Arrival by plane is still possible because there is a dam around the international airport Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok. Travel towards the popular tourist destination like Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is also possible.

More information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign affairs The Netherlands. Or an English version of the Tourist Authority Thailand.

And the weather forcast for the Province Prachuap Khiri Kan where Hua Hin is located can be found on the website of the Thai Meterological Department.

We keep you updated.

Festivals Hua Hin, Loi Kratong

2011-10-18T21:29:00.000+07:00

November 10, 2011
Loi Krathong festival

Thailand knows many festivals and one of these is the Loi Krathong festival. Loi Krathong is the festival of light. It is celebrated on the evening of the twelve lunar month, on November 10, 2011.

When the moon rises people gather along lakes, rivers and canals toput their self made Krathongs into the water. A Kratong is made of banana leaves, with a candle, myrte and Thai coins. Sometines it contains lotus flowers and carved fruit and vegetables.

The Krathong is an offer to the "Mother of the water" and when it floats away it tkaes sins and bad luck with it. The further it flats away the more happiness and prosparity it will bring in the future.

When you are in Hua Hin you can watch the parades coming from the Hua Hin train station onto the Petchkasem Road to the Queen's Park, where opening ceremonies with music are held. Around midnight local people will put their Krathongs into the water.

Many tourist and temporary residents watch this event. In case you need a nap due to your handicap take this in the afternoon and be part of this festival later that day. Find yourself a nice spot comfortable sitting in your wheelchair and make some colourfull pictures to remember this special event during your disabled holiday in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Design for all, Society for accessible travel and hospitality

2011-09-29T18:22:00.001+07:00

SATH, Society of Accessibility
for Travel and Hospitality, USA

September 2011
Design for all, India

A few months ago Mrs. Jani Nayar invited us to write an article about accessibility for the disabled traveller in Thailand. Mrs. Nayar is executive coordinator of SATH (Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality) in New York and was guest editor of the September newsletter from Design for all in India. We were very honoured with her request and happy about the possibility to promote accessible travel in Thailand.

In our article we wrote about accessible (public) transport, accessible accommodations and accessibility of tourist sights in whole Thailand, but mainly in Bangkok and Hua Hin.

Go here to read the article, page 55 to 64.

Review of Australian guest in Accessible Holidays Apartment

2011-09-08T20:02:00.009+07:00

A review of our Australian guest in wheelchair accessible Apartment. He travelled with his Thai wife and daughter. We like to thank him for this review and hope to meet him again in Hua Hin.

Travel! Just do it!

If you have a disability, especially one requiring a wheelchair, the trepidation and anxiety that can fill your mind can be enough to put you off going anywhere.

Even when you do commit it’s hard to muster that natural excitement you should be allowed when going abroad. On the flipside the rewards for ‘just doing it!’ can be well worth it and to get some peace of mind before setting off- Research!

My recent trip to Hua Hin in Thailand was wonderful and it came down to the homework I did. You are not the only one in the world with a disability who wants to enjoy their life. Duh! I found a couple from Holland who have a villa and an apartment in Hua Hin that I could rest assured was wheelchair accessible as he needs it to be as he has muscular atrophy. And they have thought of everything from roll-in showers, electric beds, private pool hoist, air-con, beach wheelchairs, portable ramps, airport transfers and transport in an accessible van right through to recommending a competent nursing agency that can assist anyone who requires it.

Hua Hin itself is a quite laid back and mellow town when compared to Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket. It is where the King lives and where many Thai people themselves choose to holiday. Thai hospitality in my opinion is unsurpassed and Hua Hin is a non-threatening place not so renowned for sex tourism as other places. The healthy fresh seafood and Thai offerings are a sumptuous delight and combined with swimming and massages I left with more vitality than I arrived with no doubt.

Not all the shops are accessible and the curbs can be high but if cautious you can just use the roads and find the places you can get into, like wonderful restaurants on stilts where the water is lapping under you and the seafood is still alive in brine tanks nearby. That’s fresh! Go onto the jetty and watch the boats come in or right near the apartment you have the night market for shopping and more eateries. Don’t be afraid to get a real cheap feed from the street vendors either- satay sticks, dried and rolled flat squid and banana roti’s or corn on the cob with spiced sugar, Thai grapefruit with a sugar/chili blend. Yum!

I write this for anyone who thinks of travelling but lets the perceived difficulties get in their way. Yes things can go wrong and awkward moments may arise but that goes for anybody disabled or not. The comforts of home are great but so are the experiences to be had away from your own doorstep.

Hanneke and Jan van der Linde

Website: Wheelchair accessible holiday homes

Email: info@gehandicapten.com

Blog Gehandicapten op vakantie

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Tel: +31 36 5376677 / +31 6 44 034 024

Almere, The Netherlands

Food for winners, survivors of the fittest.

2011-09-07T11:15:00.000+07:00

Elephant Polo Tournament
King's Cup Hua Hin
5 September 2011

Last Monday a great spectacle began and Gehandicapten.com was present with a few guests of their wheelchair accessible accommodations to witness the ceremonial opening of the King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Hua Hin. We saw the Parade and the Elephant buffet and were amazed how well trained these elephants were and how close we could get to make some pictures.

Twelve international teams will compete for the King's Cup. From Tuesday till Sunday matches will be held with the semi-finals on Saturday and the finals on Sunday. A Royal Representative will handover the King's Cup to the winner. More information about the matches and the rules can be found in this booklet.

The tournament is held on the Somdej Phra 16th Infantry Division Suriyothai Camp in Hua Hin opposite Suan Son Beach. Just follow the road signs after the flyover and you will get their. The entrance is free and it is wheelchair accessible. Only keep in mind that the tournament is held on grass grounds and although it is fairly smooth it can be a bit bumpy to you and your wheelchair. And in case you use a manual wheelchair you might need some assistance.

A few tips. It is an open area fully exposed to the sun and rain. So take at least a hat, sun screen, drinking water and a umbrella with you to see these giant suvivors of the fittest.

Have fun.

Company clothes for Wheelchair Thailand employees.

2011-08-19T16:14:00.000+07:00

August 3, 2011.
Wheelchair Thailand
Wheelchair accessible Pool villa Coconut Grove, Hua Hin.
Adapted apartment Tira Tiraa with wheelchair access Hua Hin Centre.

Company Cap Wheelchair Thailand http://www.gehandicapten.com

Since four years our employees are very proud to work for our company. They enjoy welcoming you as our disabled guests. They are a blessing to our guests in wheelchairs and can almost fulfill every wish. We are very happy they work for our company and together we make your holiday one you never will forget.

Do you like to work for Wheelchair Thailand? Are you looking for a job as driver in our company car or care taker / second housekeeper in pool villa Coconut Grove in Hua Hin? Write your job application letter and resume in English to info@gehandicapten.com .

Review Accessible apartment in Canet Plage, France

2011-08-05T00:00:00.004+07:00

View to Canigou from Canet en Roussillon.

Just a review in Dutch from one our our customers in our wheelchair accessible apartment in Canet en Roussillon, South of France. Their story can be translated woth Google translate from Dutch into English.

Beste Jan en Hanneke,

Nu alle spullen van onze vakantie weer zijn opgeruimd heb ik gelegenheid om jullie een emailtje te sturen.

Allereerst willen we jullie bedanken voor de geweldige verrassing die ons te wachten stond ter gelegenheid van het 10 jarig bestaan van jullie activiteiten. Theo en Johanna hadden een leuk voorstel namelijk een etentje bij een thuisrestaurant in de buurt van de Canigou. Op woensdag in de tweede vakantieweek zijn we naar Prades gereden, waar Theo en Johanna ons hebben meegenomen naar een thuisrestaurant in klein dorp in de buurt waar gastvrouw Isabel een heerlijke maaltijd had gemaakt. Naast de indrukwekkende omgeving van de Canigou en de huiselijke sfeer van het restaurant hebben we allen genoten van de heerlijke voor- hoofd- en nagerechten, afgesloten met een lekker kopje koffie en een stevig drankje.

Hierna zijn we nog naar een ommuurd stadje geweest waar we op een terrasje nog wat hebben nagepraat, kortom een dag om niet te vergeten.

We hadden dit jaar wat minder weer dan de andere jaren, er was vrij veel wind en de avonden waren wat kil. Alleen de laatste avond was het aangenaam weer. Maar als je het weer in Canet met het weer in Nederland vergelijkt dan hadden we nog veel geluk.

We hebben dit jaar wat meer tochtjes gemaakt en dat ging goed.

Tot ziens, J en D.

Do you like to have more info about this apartment then take a look at our homepage here. Or just write an email.

We already take reservations for next years high season and school holidays.

Accessible restaurants in Hua Hin Thailand

2011-08-02T11:08:00.001+07:00

August 1, 2011
Hua Hin, Thailand

After searching and visiting many restaurants we have found another restaurant with wheelchair access. Or better you can sit outside underneath a roof protected from the rain and the sun with tables where your wheelchair and legs fit under. And this restaurant is worthwhile a visit.

The restaurant called S&S Indian Food is a family business where they prepare fresh food every day. And you can taste this. We have eaten Chicken Tikka Missala and Chicken Do Piyaza together with Naan and Yellow rice, a soda water and a Diet Coke. And this for 270 Baht.
You can find this restaurant on Soi 94 at the left side before the railway crossing.

So when the quality of the food is perfect, the price is right and the place is wheelchair accessible we will visit and tell them how good the food is. So have dinner with them. They deserve it.
And give your review here.

Cultural Thai Dance and dinner show.

2011-08-01T09:46:00.000+07:00

February 5, 2010
Bangkok, Siam Niramit.

A few days ago a friend asked us how the name was of that theater in Bangkok. "It is Niramit" we told her.
This theater close to Makkasan Airlink Station offers a beautiful Thai cultural Dance, Folk and dinner show. Before the show is a lot to see and the food is fine.
The show is really great and the building and surrounding areas are all wheelchair accessible. Restrooms, restaurant, public telephone, all made accessible for wheelchairs. This is the first time we saw this kind of adaptions for disabled in Bangkok. Wheelchair users are seated in the front row and their partners and/or companions are seated behind them on the second row.

Have fun and don't forget to share your experience here where you have found the information.

Vineyards in Thailand with wheelchair accessible restaurant

2011-07-30T08:26:00.000+07:00

July 17, 2011
Hua Hin Hills Vineyards.

Two weeks ago we have visited this vineyard. It has a nice bistro with European food on the menu. And it wouldn't be a vineyard if you couldn't taste wine.

Staff is well trained in handling wine and the wines are fairly good although you might think Thailand is not the country to grow wines. But we like the white Monsoon valley wine very much. It goes well with pasta, fish and Thai food. Perfectly served in a wine cooler on a stand. Staff pouring wine with the label in sight and avoiding to touch the glass. This is how it should be.
This is really a nice place for a lazy Sunday afternoon. No river in sight but the view over the vineyards will make this up. It is gourgeous. On Thai Holidays make reservertions up front. And after your meal or wine taste experience take a walk accross the place. Make some nice pictures or shoot a movie. Have a look at mine and see what you can expect when you visit. You can also take a elephant ride but this is not done in the eyes of Edwin Wiek.
Now the wheelchair access. The restaurant is accessible by wheelchair ramp in 4 parts. In between small platforms to rest. A powered wheelchair can take this. A manual wheelchair needs probably some help. Enough space between tables to sit with your wheelchair. And friendly staff to take out chairs.
The only major thing they have forgotten is to make the restrooms wheelchair accessible. To the toilet you get one step down, one step up, doors are wide enough but you have to stay in the space in front en the door cannot close behind you.
So the only solution you have is to visit Wat Huay Mongkol before you visit Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. Or go before you leave your accessible accommodation.

Gehandicapten.com offers daytrips and this is one of the many possibilities. For more information please email to info@gehandicapten.com

Thai animals, alive, able bodied, around our accommodations

2011-07-27T12:17:00.000+07:00

July 7, 2011
Pool villa Coconut Grove, Hua Hin, Thailand

Sitting on my veranda and just looking around I discover all kind of young, beautiful, adorable and sometimes a little bit creepy animals. And every time when I see a different specie I try to photograph it.

Just like this little fellow / girl? It is a young Zebra dove, Geopelia striata, which flew out of the nest just before. The couple doves were breeding in our Coconut tree and had one offspring. Isn't it cute? It sat on the wire the whole day in the sun during daytime. I didn't see Mam or Dad this day. At evening we saw it again in the Coconut trees of our neighbor with Mam/Dad closeby.
The next day we didn't see it again. So probably left the area together with the parents.

Do you want to see more animals which I have discovered around our house and which I have managed to photograph? Then take a look here. Some animals live somewhere else but can be seen on daytrips with our wheelchair accessible minivan with q-straint wheelchair and occupant restraint system.

Review Canet en Roussillon, France

2011-07-25T08:20:00.003+07:00

July 25, 2011
Canet en Roussillon, France

Another review from one of our customers. He has visited our Apartment in France.In German but you can translate with www.translate.google.com

Erfahrungen von eine Deutsche Kunde mit Behinderung in Süd-Frankreich.
Sehr geehrte Frau von der Linde, sehr geehrter Herr von der Linde,

wir haben die Tage in Canet-en-Roussillion sehr genossen; das Appartement ist in der Tat für unsere Bedürfnisse sehr gut angepasst.
Wir werden uns mit Sicherheit in Zukunft einmal wieder bei Ihnen wegen Ihres Appartements in Südfrankreich melden. Vielleicht auch wegen eines der anderen Appartements. Für die reibungslose Vermietung möchten Frau Wienstroer und ich mich herzlich bei Ihnen bedanken.

Mit besten Grüßen aus Marburg

Do you want more Information then email to Wheelchair Thailand .
Mehr Information über Email: info@gehandicapten.com

Bangkok Pratunam wheelchair accessible shopping

2011-07-22T12:42:00.000+07:00

16 July 2011,
Bangkok, Pratunam district

A week ago I went to Bangkok to have my wheelchair fixed. Of this I made a movie and wrote two Blog messages. For a overnight stay I booked a hotel room for disabled at Baiyoke Sky Hotel and had a look at the Pratunam whole sale market.

For this I had to drive my wheelchair into the small streets of Bangkok, Pratunam district. The small alleys are alive at the afternoon and evening. And when you are looking for cheap clothes by the dozen this is the place to go. But in the area are many shops, shopping malls and big stores where almost everything is for sale. MBK, Siam Paragon, Siam Square, Big C, Pratunam, Panthip and even more coming. And all these are wheelchair accessible. Every shopaholic will find what he or she dies for.

And when you are looking for a accessible accommodation in this area search this Blog for a hotel with wheelchair access or write an email to me.

Accessible hotel, restaurant and look out.

2011-07-19T17:48:00.001+07:00

July 15, 2011
Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Bangkok

Ever wanted to see Bangkok from the Sky? Then visit the Baiyoke Sky Hotel in the center of Bangkok, close to all shopping malls like Siam Paragon (fashion) and Panthip Plaza (computer, electronics, etc.), in the middle of the wholesale market Pratunam, close to the Airlink Station Ratchaprarop with disabled access and at walking distance of Skytrain station Siam Square.

You can visit this Skycraper of 83 floors for lunch, dinner or overnight stay. But what about the accessibility?

You can enter this building at the right side. Here is a ramp, little bit steep but with some support no problem. The rest is a peace of cake. Big elevators to all floors. No thresholds.

We made reservations by Latestays for a room on the 22nd floor. This is a Superior Suite with one bedroom, a bathroom, a walk in closet and a livingroom. Beautiful views two ways. The doors are wide, the bed is of good height and ample space to move around in my wheelchair. The bathroom is okay. No dropdown shower seat, no roll in shower, but grips at every place you will need. The shower has a threshold of 8cm. So when you are in a wheelchair this might be a problem. The toilet and the wash basin are okay. Their is a bath. With a bath seat some will be able to shower here. Or when you are able to stand up and step over a shower chair will do.

Breakfast, dinner, drinks and look out floor can all be reached by disabled people. At the time we stayed here the view was very clear and we could even see Suvarnabhumi airport and the sea. Remember Bangkok is a city were around 11 million people live.

Do you like to know more. Don't hesitate to write and email. In case you are staying in one of our wheelchair accessible accommodations for holidays in Hua Hin you can take a bath seat or a shower chair with you.

In previous posts more wheelchair accessible hotels are described. We all have tried them personally, so we have a lot of pictures and room numbers of these different hotels.

Siam Nissin, wheelchair repair in Bangkok

2011-07-18T08:42:00.000+07:00

July 15, 2011
Siam Nissin, Bangkok

My wheelchair got broken and in my last Blogpost I wrote about my trouble to get it fixed. Parts had to come from Germany.

During the repair of my wheelchair my wife took a few shots with her camcorder. Here is the movie which shows how professional these people can fix your wheelchair. This is the first time they have fixed a Meyra electric powered wheelchair. Imaging how well they do after a few times.

So a big "Thank You" to these guys for their speed, their professionality and corporation to get my wheelchair fixed. A big "Thank You" to Meyra Germany who send the parts over in no time. And a big "Thank You" to DHL who delivered these parts in 4 days.

Wheelchair kadokkadek repair Bangkok

2011-07-16T13:21:00.002+07:00

July 15, 2011
Wheelchair Kadokkadek.

Sometimes "big shit" happens.

Already in Holland I felt my wheelchair had some trouble. I also told Welzorg and the technician who takes care of my wheelchair. He just put some grease in my wheel.

A few days after my arrival my wheelchair broke down and I wasn't able to drive anymore. And still some time left here in Hua Hin before I could go home. Sitting in a manual wheelchair not able to move around is not an option for me. I would go crazy. Everytime asking my wife to move me from the porch to the computer, from the computer to the TV, from the TV to the swimmingpool, to the restaurant, etc. I feel so disabled. I like my independency in my electric wheelchair.

So I phoned my travel insurance Unive, the company Welzorg, Meyra Nederland and SOS service, etc. And it seemed they just didn't want to help me out. They even had the guts to tell me these things happen on a holiday and I had to help myself. How harsh can they be.

Luckily I shipped a very old wheelchair over from Holland 5 years ago. My wife turned two wheelchars into one. So I was able to move around very slow and with square tires. In Thailand they would say Wheelchair kadokkadek.

I contacted the company Siam Nissin in Bangkok and they were able to help me out. They ordered new parts with Meyra Germany and they send these parts over by DHL. Within a week the parts were in Bangkok. Siam Nissin wrote an email and we made an appointment two days later. Still a little bit uncertain if their first repair attempt of an electric wheelchair would be succesfull. But at the moment they started to fix the wheelchair I saw how professional their technician was. Within the hour they were able to change the parts. And just a few minutes later I was in my iron horse again. Feeling free to go wherever I want.

Congratulations Siam Nissin with your first Meyra wheelchair repair. And a very big "Thank you" to Siam Nissin and their staff.

And now to all my disabled followers I you never need but in case you do you know now where to go.

Pool villas Coconut Grove - Thailand

2011-07-11T09:03:00.003+07:00

July 9, 2011
Hua Hin, Thailand
Pool villa Coconut Grove renovation.

Four years on a row we have been letting our wheelchair accessible pool villa to all kinds of disabled people coming from different parts of the world. So it was time to do some renovation and get the house painted.

We have started four weeks ago and last week everything was finished. It has become very beautiful and bright. Somewhat different from the rest of the houses but very recognizable.

We were terrified when we saw the painters climbing on this scaffold. But the Thai people are so slim and limber that for them it is a piece of cake. I'm just glad nothing happened while they were working at our place.

But now as always this wheelchair accessible house is ready again to welcome our guests. We keep continue to let our pool villa to handicapped people in wheelchairs. And together with our English and Thai speaking staff we do our utmost to make your accessible holiday memorable in a good way. And don't forget everyone who books this pool villa for at least 14 nights will get a free transfer in our wheelchair accessible minivan with wheelchair and occupant restraint system from Bangkok airport to Hua Hin.

Do you want more information have a look at our website http://www.wheelchairaccessibleholidayhomesfordisabledpeople.com/Thailand/disabled.htm or just email to info@gehandicapten.com

Hua Hin Nadpob accessible shopping part 3

2011-06-24T11:37:00.001+07:00

June 21, 2011
Nadpob Market,

Dear disabled readers,

In our previous post about Hua Hin Nadpob market we wrote about the accessible restroom in this shopping mall. It wasn't finished by that time and we've promised to get back to you as soon as we knew more.

Last tuesday we've visited Nadpob again. And went to the wheelchair accessible toilet. It was finished. It has a big sliding door with lock and ample space to move around and turn in your wheelchair or scoot. A right hand tranfer is possible. Like you see they have a pilar underneath the wash basin. And the biggest mistake is that there are no drop down grips next to the toilet. The height is 40cm. It is clean. Hopefully they will change this.

Nadpob is open till 9pm. So when you are in the middle of the town, shopping on the night market, or doing whatever you want to do an accessible toilet is within a 5 minutes walk of every location in the center. Thank you so much Hua Hin Nadpob Market.

And here is a promise. I will email the woman with whome I had contact before. I will ask here to install drop down grips on the wall next to the toilet and some grips close to the wash basin. And maybe they can loose the pilar.

In case you like to know where you can find more wheelchair accessible restrooms just take a look at this map.

Hua Hin Markets with wheelchair access

2011-06-05T14:37:00.001+07:00

February 2010, 25
Chatchai Freshmarket Hua Hin

In the middle of Hua Hin just 200 meters from this accessible apartment you will find this fresh market. Shopping for vegetables, fruit, fish and all kinds of preapred food has never been more fun.

See how locals try to earn a living, what kind of food they eat and don't forget try some yourself. We often buy fruit here, drink Coconut juice and eat Thai snacks. And most important we have never ever been sick from the Thai food, the snacks or the drinks.

So visit this market. It is wheelchair accessible. The best time is very early in the morning or around 11am. In between it will be very crowded with local people. Also nice to see but in a wheelchair it can be a little bit difficult to move around.

Have fun. And in case you are in a wheelchair and spot me, tell me that you have read this post and I will treat you on a coconut juice. See you there.

Accessible shopping Hua Hin Nadpob market

2011-05-31T16:58:00.000+07:00

February 24, 2011
Hua Hin Nadpob market

Some people are not amused in place the new shopping mall on Satukarn Square. But wheelchair users like me are happy. The old shops were not wheelchair accessible. High steps into shops, high curbs, no ramps, no adapted toilet, etc.

Last year I already wrote a Blogpost about this market / shoppingmall telling everyone it would be wheelchair accessible. In February during my last stay I have visited this mall and I can confirm the accessibility. An access ramp to overcome the curve close to the entrance of the garage, access ramps into the shopping mall, elevator with ample space for wheelchairs and scooters, accessible restroom for wheelchair users and nice shops.

So they made an effort to make this mall accessible. Let us show them that we appreciate this effort and visit them.

Wheelchair accessible pool villa on Youtube

2011-05-22T19:21:00.002+07:00

May 21, 2011
Our Hungarian wheelchair accessible pool villa.

During our visit in April 2011 I made videoshots of our holiday accommodation in Velence, Hungary. Jan has edit these shots and put them together. The video is accompanied by Hungarian Dance nr. 5 originally compost by Brahms, but now remixed by Adya. So have a look.

This self catering holiday home can accommodate up to 6 people. Bedrooms, bathroom, living room and kitchen are all situated on the ground floor. The floor is completely tiled and level. Medical equipment is available and guests can use these for free.

The holiday house is located 100 meter from Lake Velence. Handicapped can use the foot and bicycle path around the Lake and enjoy the scenery, nature and all kind of actiivities. All facilities are within walking distance. Budapest and the airport is only 45 km ride. Wheelchair accessible transport is available at the international airport Ferihegy.

Free holiday gift in wheelchair accessible holiday accommodation

2011-05-22T18:45:00.000+07:00

May 5, 2011
Velence, Hungary

In 2002 Gehandicapten.com began to let accessible holidays homes to disabled people. At first with one adapted holiday home in Velence, Hungary. At that is why we celebrate our 10th anniversary with gifts for our guests in 2011.

In Hungary we give guests free tickets to the accessible Spa en Wellness center in Velence which was opened last year. It has several swimming pools, termal pools, sauna's, restaurant and kids adventure pool. They offer massage and all kind of beauty treatments.

Outdoors they have a stream and a big swimming pool. The view from the terrace and the lakeside is stunning and very relaxing. They also have sun beds and a childrens play ground.

This center is wheelchair accessible. It has ramp access, parking places for disabled, one dressing room and one restroom with access for people in wheelchairs. They don't have a pool hoist. But they do have elavators to the second floor where more sauna's, steam rooms and termal pools are waiting for you.

And when you are looking for an adapted holiday accommodation within walking distance of this center, shops, restaurants and Lake Velence. Here is my newest video of a wheelchair accessible holiday home.

Bang Pa In Palace and handcraft centre

2011-05-11T17:02:00.000+07:00

March 4, 2011
Bang Pa In, Handcraft centre

It has been a month since we wrote our last post. We have been visiting our wheelchair accessible apartment in France and afterwards our detached bungalow for wheelchair users in Veelence, Hungary. Both accommodations are ready for the new season. so time to write on our Blog about our experiences.

Since we have a wheelchair accessible van for transfers and trips of our guests we have been using it to visit some places. One of these is Bang Pa In Palace and the handcraft center.

The palace is beautiful. It is partly wheelchair accessible but they don't have ramps into the buidlings or an accessible restroom. The staff of the park was so kind to show us the ground floor toilets of the staff, which were accessible with some help. Paths are not always comfortable, but it is worthwhile. Take a look on your way to the temples in Ayutthaya.

Another nice option to visit is the handcraft center in Bang Pa In. A beautiful Thai style building is accommodating a big hand craft shop which sells purses, glassware, fabrics, clothes, furniture, etc., etc. Next this building you will find the workshops where all these items are made. The are open in the front and the artist don't mind you taking a look. On the premises you will also find a aquarium of fresh water fish which can be found in Thai rivers and lakes. And a few big brid cages whith Thai birds. All wheelchair accessible. But don't expect a wheelchair accessible toilet.

In case you depend on a wheelchair accessible toilet you can find one at the exit of the toll way from Bangkok to Bang Pa In and at one of the temples in Ayutthaya. More info about locations of sights on our map.

Waterfestival Songkran

2011-04-11T15:12:00.000+07:00

April 13, 2009
Hua Hin, Apartment Tira Tiraa
Songkran

Every year on April 13 it is Thai New Year. All shops are closed and people are celebrating. A bog procession of monks in cars with music and a lot of happy people drive and walk through the streets.

Originally people splashed a few drops of water on each other. Sometimes with a nice fragrance in it. Presently it became a water throwing festival. The best description of what to expect is: A mixture of South American Carnaval, kids playing with super soakers and chalk solved in water.

Happy people gently wishing you Happy New Year, rub very carefully your face with chalk and then let you go. The more dary ones throw water, sometimes chilled with ice cubes. Sometimes very carefully a little bit and sometimes buckets full. The picture shows the result of one walk through town. So see here the result. Soaking wet, white like ghost and dripping on the terrace of our apartment where people are celebrating just outside the front door of the condominium building.

Come and experience this festival. Stay with us in Tira Tiraa wheelchair accessible apartment in the center of Hua Hin.

And for all the poeple in Thailand who are reading this post. We are wishing you a Happy New Year, a good health and good luck in 2554.

Thailand accessible holidays, hotels in Bangkok

2011-04-04T16:21:00.001+07:00

February 6, 2011
Bangkok, Nana

Another wheelchair accessible hotel from the same chain of hotels as the Riverside described in a previous post. The Ibis Nana hotel is accessible for wheelchairs and scooters.

It has a few adapted rooms. We have stayed in room 305. This room has a roll in shower and grips near toilet, wash basin and shower. Soap, shampoo and towels are present upon arrival. It has ample space to turn your wheelchair around. TV, alarm clock, safe aircon and kettle are the amenities in the room.

The hotel is located in the Nana district. A red light neighbourhood with bars, girls and katoey. Just for a chat or more in case you want. It has a restaurant where a buffet breakfast is served, a coffee/cocktail bar and internet corner. Wireless internet is availale for free.

The hotel is within walking distance of the Nana and Asok BTS station (good wheelchair access) and close to Sukhumvit MRT station with accessibility for wheelchairs.

Our driver can take you to this hotel in our company car with wheelchair and occupant restraint system for a safe trip.

Accessible restaurants Hua Hin Thailand

2011-03-31T17:01:00.003+07:00

February 3, 2011
Hua Hin, Sakura Restaurant

During this holiday we have tried several new restaurants. One of them is the restaurant in the picture, Sakura. The owner is an old employee of the Hyatt Regency hotel and he recognized us immediately and was happy to see us. He could remember in that time we were looking for house. Of course he wanted to know if we succeeded. So we told him that we bought a house on Coconut Grove, Soi 102.

After this chat we ordered our food. Jan ordered Salmon Teriyaki and I ordered a Sushi Roll with shrimp. And for drinks two soda water. The waiters brought the food within a reasonable time and both plates together. The food was delicious and fresh made.
The restaurant has a big terrace which is has level access. In case of rain you can sit inside after taking one step. The restaurants does not have a wheelchair accessible restroom.

Sakura on Soi 94 is convenient located between the center of Hua Hin and Soi 102. The distance from our wheelchair accessible pool villa to this restaurant is 1,7km and from our apartment Tira Tiraa for disabled is 2,2km.

So come and join us and we will drive you to this restaurant in our adapted Toyota Commuter.

Airlink Bangkok Makkasan Station

2011-03-26T18:10:00.000+07:00

Airlink, Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai, Bangkok

February 7, 2011
Bangkok Makkasan

A few months ago we have updated you with information about the Airlink. We wrote about our trip from Suvarabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station. We took pictures to show the accessibility of the Airlink and published these pictures in our Picasa Webalbum.

This time we took a close look at the Makkasan Airlink Station. Here you can take both lines, the city line and the express line to Suvarnabhumi Airport. This station also has check-in facilities for every flight leavig from Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport. We saw just one person checking in. So no lines and no waiting here. And they also have an Oversized luggage counter where you can check-in your powered wheelchair or your golf clubs.
When you take the express train you will arrive within 15 minutes at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Makkasan Station is two stations before the end of the line. It is close to Petchaburi MRT Station. And when you have read our messages in this Blog about the subway you already know that the MRT subway is wheelchair accessible. This gives lot of possibilities. The MRT can bring you from Petchaburi to Sukhumvit where you can change to the Skytrain station Asok. From Asok you can travel to Siam Square.

Like this many hotels and tourist attractions are within reach of disabled people. Even wheelchair users can travel without a minivan in Bangkok. And we like it.

But in case you need a taxi with a ramp to bring you to Hua Hin look at this Youtube video of a taxi with wheelchair and occupant restraint system according to ADA and European disability standards.

Hua Hin Markets, wheelchair accessible?

2011-03-20T14:10:00.000+07:00

February 23, 2011
Hua Hin Floating Market

A few weeks ago we came accross a road sign to the floating market. Not the wellknown floating market Damnoen Saduak near Bangkok but the on on Soi 112 in Hua Hin.

Following the sign we had to drive for about 6 km in our wheelchair accessible minivan along this road. We found the place where they are buidling this market and the sign telling they have a website.
It is in the middle of nowhere, 11 km out of the center of Hua Hin. The only thing what is near the Arrow wood factory and showroom where the furniture of our wheelchair accessible apartment Tira Tiraa in Hua Hin was made.

We still don't know anything about the accessibility. But what we have seen on their website it is not very promising. We keep you updated.

Accessible hotels Bangkok

2011-03-05T12:07:00.000+07:00

March 2, 2011
Accessible Bangkok, Rama Gardens Hotel

Last time we spoke about a hotel situated at the bank of the Chao Praya River and close to a BTS Station. This time we selected a hotel close to the old international airport Don Muang.

Why this hotel? Because it is close to a few nice tourist attractions like Chatuchak weekend market and several big shopping malls. Even Ayutthya is within one hour drive.

The hotel is very good wheelchair accessible. It has ramp access into the hotel and the elavators are wide enough for wheelchairs and scooters. The rooms on the fourth floor are spacious and well adapted with sliding door, roll in shower and grips next to the toilet for a left hand transfer.
The hotel has many facilities and several restaurants where you depend on, because outside the hotel are no food stalls or other restaurants. The quality of the meals is very good for reasonable hotel prices.

The hotel is located near the highway. So easy access by minivan, taxi or car to all directions is garantueed.

For more information contact us by email info@gehandicapten.com

Wheelchair accessible transport in Thailand

2011-02-24T11:12:00.004+07:00

Already a week ago we wrote about our wheelchair accessible Toyota Commuter minivan. In a previous post you could have seen a picture of it. And in Hua Hin you sure cannot miss it while it is driving around.
Now we have made a movie with help of a nice Thai lady who take care of Jan in the morning. She is making some shots while I'm driving the car. So have a look up here and see how (powered) wheelchairs can be restraint with the Q-straint system. Also manual wheelchairs and scooters can be transported in this taxi.

Guests of wheelchair accessible Pool villa Coconut Grove and wheelchair accessible apartment Tira Tiraa get a FREE TRANSFER from Bangkok Airport or a Bangkok Hotel to Hua Hin.*
On request our guests can book this car with driver for trips to Bangkok, Cha-am, Pranburi, Damnoen Saduak Floating market, Kanchanaburi / River Kwai, Tiger temple, Rose Garden, etc.

The handicap van can also take bookings of people who stay in other resorts, hotels and/or individuals who are coming to stay in the Hua Hin area and want safe transfers from Bangkok to Hua Hin visa versa.

For booking and / or more information please contact us by email info@gehandicapten.com

* Conditions apply.

Accessible restaurants Hua Hin Thailand

2011-02-17T09:59:00.001+07:00

February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day in Hua Hin

I alrady wrote a lot of articles about accessible restaurants. This time I am writing about Papa John. In earlier times this restaurant was located opposite the Sofitel Hotel in the center of Hua Hin where we get to know this place. Now it is located opposite Amari serviced apartments on the way to Khao Takiab. You have to pass the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Cicada Art and Deli Market to get there. It is about 5 km from downtown Hua Hin. So you need some kind of transportation to get there. But it is worth it.

When you are looking for superb European Food you have found your restaurant. They have a big choice of beef, pork and chicken. Big T-bone steaks, Chateau Briand, Cordon Blue and more. Some Thai food too to satisfy the mixed couples.

This restaurant is wheelchair accessible with a little bit of help. I expect that paraplegic can manage on their own. You have to enter the restaurant by ramp over the parking lawn. You enter the kitchen where there is a small step of 5 cm. Then you have level access to the first part of the restaurant where you can have a drink or in case you want can have your diner. The second part is already set for diner. To come here you have to vercome a step of 10 cm. I have done it with my powered wheelchair. So it can be done when you have some help. It is a brand new restaurant with a very nice atmosphere. Nice background music, good service and well trained waitresses. The only minor thing is it has no accessible restrooms. But don't miss out on this restaurant when you want a very good steak.

Have a nice dinner.

Markets Hua Hin, Cicada Art and Deli Market

2011-02-16T08:35:00.000+07:00

February11, 2011
Cicada Market, Nongkea, Hua Hin, Thailand

In 2005 we have visited Hua Hin, Thailand for the first time. During this holiday we have stayed in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The only thing close to the Hyatt was Sasi cultural dance and dinner show and a litle bar with sixties and seventies live music on the corner. Both are stil there. Next to the hotel was just empty land with a few wooden huts of poor people and some small local shops.

Now the empty land has been changed into Cicada Art and Deli Market. This market offers all kinds of art, theater performances, street dance demonstrations and serves good food for very reasonable prices. The market is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and starts at 4pm. It is frequently visited by rich Bangkok weekenders and foreigners.

You can easily spend an evening overhere. The market is wheelchair accessible and has a few ramps where needed but most of it has level access. It even has a wheelchair accessible restroom which has ample space for wheelchairs but no grips for a transfer. So when you are disabled and use a scooter or wheelchair you are now able to drink a few beers.

I'm just wondering what happened to the the people of the small wooden huts. I do hope the developer of the project has find new and more healthier living quarters for them. Or even better gave them a job at this market.

Have fun. We had fun and will visit the market again in the future.

Accessible restaurants Hua Hin Thailand

2011-02-14T13:27:00.001+07:00

January 19, 2011
Hua Hin, Thailand

Another possibility to eat European Food. This time Italian food. We love pasta and we love Italian salads and pizza. So sometimes we visit an Italian restaurant.

We already talked about Pizza Pizza near Villa Market. Mama Mia is a brandnew good Italian Restaurant. Prices are a little bit high because of the ingredients, location and entourage.

It has an access ramp and the door is wide enough for all wheelchairs. The only minor thing are the restrooms. These are on the first floor. It is located on the Naresdamri Road close to the corner with Chomsin Road.
And this is just a 700 meter walk from our wheelchair accessible apartment Tira Tiraa. So you can drink a nice glass of Italian wine and walk home.

But no problem. The Seafood restaurant Shangtai Seafood is just accross the street. If you ask nice I think it is not a problem to use their restroom.

Have a nice dinner.

Wheelchair accessible restaurants Hua Hin Thailand

2011-02-13T08:24:00.001+07:00

Februari 10, 2011

Another wheelchair accessible restaurant in Hua Hin. And again on the second floor in Market Village like Fuji the Japanese restaurant next door.

This restaurants has mainly European kind of food on the menu. Steak, pork chop, ribs, etc. with french fries, baked potatoe and salad.
It has a very good salad bar included in the price of the meal on the menu. And a small desert buffet.
You can sit outside on the terrace and watch people strolling by with their goodies or inside.

Accessible restrooms are not present in the restaurant but on the same floor as the restaurant.

Try this restaurant. You wil not be disappointed. Enjoy your meal.

Safe transport for Wheelchair Thailand alias Gehandicapten.com

2011-02-09T09:48:00.002+07:00

Hua Hin, 10 Februari 2011
Company car

For many reasons people love to visit Thailand. The most appreciated reasons are the good food, the friendly and helpfull people and the climat in winter.
That and the fact that my muscles are working better is the reason I visit Thailand regurlarly.

Untill now I travelled around in a minivan from a taxi company. They took out a seat and I used my movable ramps to get into the van aware from the danger that the ramps can slip at any time. It happened a few times and the people around were not fast enough to hold me and my wheelchair. And in all these years I didn't feal really safe, because my wheelchair was not secured to the floor and the van had no seat belts for wheelchair users. Just like everyone else in Thailand with a "wheelchair accessible van". Some of them try to fix your wheelchair to the floor but they use suitecase straps and tie your wheelchair to the other seats at just one point.

To travel safe I have bought a Toyota Commuter minivan in October last year. It was delivered in January 2011. Since then we have been to a company in Bangkok who adapted the van for wheelchair transport. Jan has worked for a car adaptation company for 18 years. He guided the staff of the Bangkok company through the process of adaptions. And we have been to @Sticker co in Bangkok who fixed our logo. The logo was designed by a Dutch Company earlier last year.

Now we have a beautiful van in which I can travel safe. The van has fixed ramp access for wheelchairs and scooters imported from Germany. And original Q-straint wheelchair and occupant secure system all according to the latest ADA and European standards.

But not only I will benefit.

We will transfer all our customers for free from Suvarnabhumi Airport or a Bangkok hotel to our accommodations in Hua Hin.*

Why? We don't want people to use the unfitted cars. We want people to travel safe. The Toyota Commuter can accommodate two (powered wheelchairs / scooters) and 6 additional passengers with luggage and medical equipment.

So now safe transfer / transport for disabled is one more good reason to choose for Gehandicapten.com
besides good reasons as location, price, personal service and a lifetime of experience in being a wheelchair user.

In case you have any questions don't hesitate to email to info@gehandicapten.com .

* Conditions apply.

Wheelchair accessible hotels Bangkok

2011-02-04T21:46:00.001+07:00

January 26, 2011
IBIS hotel, Bangkok

I have stayed in many hotels in Bangkok and always try another hotel in my search for wheelchair accessible hotels in Bangkok. I love Bangkok and like to explore this city together with my wife. I have a muscular disease since childhood which effects my whole body. I cannot walk, stand or transfer to another seat or toilet. I need help with almost everything. Therefore I use a powered wheelchair all the time to stay as independent as possible. When you use a powered wheelchair like I do you don't have an option. The hotel needs to be wheelchair accessible. And Thailand knows wheelchair accessibility in a lot of variations. So I was surprised by this hotel.

In this picture taken by my wife you see me at the reception of the IBIS hotel, my shower wheelchair and my Thai care taker Nahm. At first they gave us room 547 but this wasn't a room for disabled people. After a complaint they gave us room 406. And this was absolutely a wheelchair accessible room. The bathroom had a roll in shower, the bed was as high as the seat of my wheelchair and enough space for me turn my wheelchair next to the bed and in the bathroom.

The hotel itself is very good adapted for wheelchair users. The only minor disadvantage is a little step of a few centimeters from the hotel to the pool area. I needed help here, but a paraplegic can do this on his own.

The hotel is located at the Chao Praya Riverside. The terrace and garden along the river offers beuatiful views of the river, the passing boats and the Shangri-la hotel. And this for the nice price of 1800 Baht per night including taxes and breakfast.

For more pictures of wheelchair access of this hotel look at my Picasa Webalbum of IBIS Riverside Hotel.

You don't need a car and driver overhere. The Skytrain is closeby and this station is wheelchair accessible. For more info about the Public transport in Bangkok read my previous posts about BTS, Airlink and MRT.

Have a nice stay and leave your comments here.

Wheelchair accessible van manufacturer Bangkok

2011-02-02T15:24:00.002+07:00

January 31, 2011
Bangkok

Since 2005 I have been visiting Thailand for many times. And all these times I have been travelling with a taxi with driver. Thailand doesn't know wheelchair accessible vans. So normaly I take ramps with me, ask a driver to take out a seat and make some space for my wheelchair. No floor fixings for my wheelchair, only the seat in front of me to hold me in case anything happens. This is not the way we are used to in Europe.

The traffic in Thailand is so intense, so dense and dangerous that I don't want to travel on the road anymore with these kind of threats. After 6 years I found a very professional company in Bangkok who is able to fit a wheelchair ramp, wheelchair fixings and removable seats. So now I couldn't resist to buy my own Toyota Commuter Van and get it adapted at the moment I speak. And when this is finished I can take my accessible van and go with friends, fellow wheelchair users or just my beach wheelchair and travel safe on the roads in Thailand.

Do you want to know more? Get in touch with info@gehandicapten.com

Accessible restaurants Shangtai Seafood Hua Hin Thailand

2011-02-01T13:01:00.000+07:00

Hua Hin, January 25, 2011
Shangtai Seafood, accessible toilet

When we want to eat seafood we always go to Shangtai Seafood. Why? The have great seafood and a lot of Thai people go here. So something must be good. It is always busy and the service is good.

And now we have an additional reason to visit this resaturant. It has an accessible toilet for wheelchair users. How great this is. Ths first Thai restaurant in Hua Hin with an accessible toilet indoors.

Thank you Shangtai Seafood. We will have diner and drinks with you many times after our last visit.

For more information about restaurants with accessible toilets in Hua Hin look at Wheelchair Accessible Hua Hin - Thailand on Google Maps.

Accessible Cruise Pranburi River Thailand

2011-01-28T16:15:00.000+07:00

January 2011, 22
Pranburi River, Mermaid Cruises

One days ago we, Jan and Hanneke, went to visit the company Mermaid Cruises to look at possibilities of cruises for people in wheelchairs. Some of our guests already took a trip in the King fisher. But they still could walk a few steps or were carried on board. So we asked the owner Barry if it was possible to enter his new boat, Suncat 1, in my electric wheelchair. Together we had a look and already saw it was possible to enter his boat with ramps and a little help.

So we called our guest in wheelchair accessible Pool Villa Coconut Grove. We rent out houses for ten years now and we treat all our guests to a local experience. We invited Anneli and her care takers to this trip and they gladly excepted the invitation. We went there on Saturday January 22, 2011. Anneli uses a manual wheelchair. It is not very difficult to get here on board. Jan is in an electric wheelchair and we didn't experience any difficulties to get him on board as well. We like to thank the staff from Hua Hin cruises who helped us to go on board.

For us and for them it was a very nice experience. The Suncat is a solar and wind powered catamaran. It makes only a little noise. The Pranburi River has a lot of Mangrove Forest at the water banks. Wildlife can be observed and pictures of these animals can be taken because the boat is very quiet.

Do you want to see more of this cruise, take a look at our wheelchair accessible cruises on Youtube.

Accessible holidays in Amazing Thailand 4

2011-01-24T11:08:00.000+07:00

In 2009 when we were decorating our accessible apartment Tira Tiraa we had to stop these activities. We had to leave our apartment for a few days because some tiles had to be replaced. On recommendation of a friend we tried a three star hotel in the center of Hua Hin close to the Sofitel Hotel. Prices vary from 3.350 till 5.500 Baht per room (38m2) inclusive of service charge and breakfast for 2. Exclusive 7% VAT.

This is a nice option we thought. So we booked this hotel for a few nights with an option to extend if neccessary. We took some medical equipment like a small shower wheelchair and ramps with us just in case. And oh boy were we glad. The hotel has a very steep entrance ramp. Everyone needs help to get into the hotel. Jan needed some support to stay up straight, a manual wheelchair user definitely needs a push and others maybe need help to prevent their wheelchair flipping backwards. Once in the lobby you are fine.

The elevator is tight but wheelchairs fit in. The corridors are wide enough to pass. The door into the hotel room is wide enough, but the bathroom door is not. Most shower wheelchairs / commodes won't fit through. The bathroom floor is 15cm down in two steps, no grips, toilet 35 cm high, bathroom door turning into the bathroom. Great. Do you know how hard this is for a care taker? Well I do. I can handle it once. I won't do it twice. There is no restaurant in the hotel. So you have to go out for lunch and dinner. The small swimming pool was not well maintained, the water was blurred. And every day the same breakfast.

Compare this to our accessible apartment Tira Tiraa (2 bedroom, 130 m2 including private terrace) in the center. Price is 167 Euro / 6847 Baht. including VAT, service charge, medical equipment / aids, energy, water, drinking water, cleaning and laundry, breakfast/drinks/snacks for the first day, free wireless internet, tv/dvd/sound system with free movies, books, travel guides and games. This is 3.424 Baht per room or 1742 per person. The building has a big well maintained swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, pool side garden, internet corner, reception area, laundry shop, sunbeds in pool area, 24/7 security, parking space for handicapped people, etc. Supermarket in just 200m.

More info email to info@gehandicapten.com

Accessible Tuck Away.

2011-01-23T22:40:00.002+07:00

Januari 21, 2011
Hua Hin over the Hills.

Long, long time ago when I was 20 years old I applied for a job in an institution for mentally and physically disabled children. It was tucked away in the forests near Baarn. Over two hundred kids were living in this "home". Nowerdays no one wants to be put away for any reason. Nowerdays adults and/or children in The Netherlands live at home or in small family like homes in the city with neighbours next door.

In Hua Hin they still don't get the picture. A few months back I wrote a post about "Accessible travel, how to choose" and took an accessible project in the middle of nowhere as an example. Now there is another project (8 pool villas) built behind the Hua Hin Hills also in the middle of nowhere 9 km west from the Sofitel Hotel (see pictures). A pool villa devided into two houses opposite of each other with a shared pool and maids room in between. In case you want some peace and quiet you will get it for sure. In case you want privacy forget it. The road to leave the project is running uphill. Once you get out of the gate there is nothing. The first kilometer is dirt road (wheelchair friendly?), no lightning, no houses, no shops, etc. The second kilometer brings you to another project with the restaurant Palm Bistro. And then it takes 7 km to get into the center or the beach of Hua Hin. In time 22 minutes. The price 190 Euro per night, 4 pax maximum. Add to this all the expenses for cab fare.

So this kind of locations gives me the creeps. And do you know what is bothering me the most. This Dutch guy doesn't even talk about where his accessible villa is located, because of the distance and the ongoing construction at this project. That is why I have made a movie from this project to the town center. So watch the clock and the distance. It took us 22 minutes to drive into the town center. Even in case you as a handicapped person would like to stay here your care takers probably won't. They want to have some fun when they are of duty.

My opion. Look for an wheelchair accessible place in or near the center of town. For example Pool villa Coconut, Apartment Tira Tiraa, Hyatt Regency hotel, Mariott Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, Prinz Garden Hotel, etc. The first two accommodations have medical equipment, the hotels don't have. But they are all within walking distance of the beach and/or the center of town.
In case you want more information don't hesitate to write an email to info@gehandicapten.com .

Accessible restaurants in Hua Hin

2011-01-21T09:27:00.000+07:00

January 17, 2011
Fuji Restaurant

This Japanese restaurant is located on the second floor in Market Village. The restaurant has a level entrance to the terrace in front and a level entrance into the restaurant. The restaurants in Market Village don't have toilets in the restaurant. The toilets also for wheelchair users can be found on all floors of Market Village.

Jan and I also go to this restaurant to eat Sushi. Well I eat sushi and Jan eats something else. He doen't like raw fish. We can recommend this restaurant. Try it yourself and you know it. And you can shop till you drop before and after dinner.

Market Village is just 2,5 km from our wheelchair accessible holiday home Coconut Grove.

There is another Japanese restaurant in town. It is in front of the Sofitel hotel on the corner of Naresdamri Road and Thanon Damnoen Kasem. But this has one huge step in front. So the accessibility is lousy. You have to bring your the ramps of one of our accommodations to overcome this step.

This restaurant is close to apartment TiraTiraa adapted for disabled people in wheelchairs and scooters. And also close to our Studio74 suitable for travel companions of handicapped persons.

Accessible holidays in Amazing Thailand 3

2011-01-13T20:44:00.001+07:00

Accessible hotels in Hua Hin, Thailand are booming business. In the previous post I talked about a beautiful 5 star hotel where we have stayed 5 years ago.

The hotel in this post is new. It opened its doors in winter of 2010. It is located between Petchkasem Road and the beach, opposite Soi 98.

We have visited this hotel once and it is wheelchair accessible till you come to the swimming pool and beach area. The beach cannot be reached and also the beach / swimming pool bar and restaurant is out of reach for wheelchair users. The deck chairs are near the restaurant. So your companions can not have a sun bed.

Never the less it is a beautiful hotel and it has excellent service. The price is around 7.000 Baht for a double room ex breakfast, 7,7% vat and 10% Service charge.

The hotel has no medical equipment and does not offer wheelchair accessible transfers or transport for disabled.

Compare this to the pool villa Coconut Grove.

Accessible holidays in Amazing Thailand 2.

2011-01-08T20:28:00.004+07:00

February 2005

Hua Hin, Thailand

In 2005 we have visited Hua Hin for the first time.

Before we bought our plane ticket we had to make sure the hotel we were staying in was wheelchair accessible. Nowerdays it is a lot easier to get information about a hotel then 20 years ago. You write an email and ask them everything you need to know.

Like this we ended up in a hotel in Hua Hin, Thailand. It is a beautiful hotel 4,5 km from Hua Hin center. The hotel has a very beautiful garden situated between the beach and the hotel. The main swimmingpool is located in this garden. There is no wheelchair access ramp to the beach. The hotel has a level access entrance, ramps to the adapted guest rooms on the first floor and accessible elevators to the different floors. Rooms, bathrooms and balconies are spacious. In the room were no grips, no shower seat but the room had a roll in shower. I used my manual wheelchair to shower. Aircon is working perfect. The service is great.Several restaurants serve a perfect breakfast buffet and international quisine at lunch and diner. Drinks, snacks and small meals are served at the swimming pool and the lobby bar. Since we have been here they built a new part with Spa facilitties. We never saw this. So it can be that there are new accessible rooms with better facilities for disabled in this hotel.

The prices have gone up during the past years. From 5.500 in 2005 to 7.500 Baht per night in 2011 excluding 10% service charge and 7.7% tax during high season. With an exchange rate of 40 Baht per Euro this will cost you 222 Euro per night for 2 persons. This excludes breakfast. Conclusion: The price doubled due to price increase and exchange rate. Price per person per night 111 Euro.

Compare this to one of our accommodations. Our wheelchair accessible pool villa Coconut Grove costs 167 Euro per night (maximum of 6 people) including taxes and service charge, including diner and breakfast at the first day, including housekeeper and laundry service, including use of medical equipment like pool hoist, including free drinking water, including free grocery package, including free use of computer and internet. And our pool villa can accommodate 6 people. Price per person per night almost 28 Euro.
This house is only 3,5km from the center. But we can arrange wheelchair accessible transport in Hua Hin, from Hua Hin to Bangkok v.v. and day trips to tourist sites.

Info about the hotel or the villa email to info@gehandicapten.com

Medical Tourism in Thailand.

2011-01-04T17:37:00.000+07:00

September 25, 2010
San Paulo Hospital

When you search the internet for medical tourism, transgender surgery, treatment of illnesses or kidney dialysis abroad you will find lots of companies who can provide you with information.

Thailand is wellknown for its general / privat hospitals who provide their customers / patients with excellent care. Even beach resort Hua Hin has two privat hospitals and one general hospital.

The first hospital which is fully operational is San Paulo hospital. It is located in the center of town. It is a privat hospital. Next to all kind of medical services they provide also kidney dialysis.

The second hospital is Hua Hin hospital located 5km north from the center. Hua-Hin Hospital is a general hospital with 200 beds facilities. Today, it is tertiary health care center of Traumatic and Cardiac emergency services. Hua Hin Hospital was founded in 1962 and opened by her royal princess Sirindhorn.

And last but not least Bangkok Hospital also located in central Hua Hin. It is still under construction. At this moment the emergency department is already operating. In 2011 outdoor patient department, inpatient department, annual check-up department.

Next to your treatment you will need an accommodation too. Gehandicapten.com can provide excellent wheelchair accessible accommodations within walking distance from the San Paulo and Bangkok hospital. Family and care takers can stay here very comfortable during the treatment. And after treatment you can recover very quickly. Housekeepers will perform all the household duties and can assist with taxi reservations, day tours and transfers to airport and hospital. We can also arrange local care taker for personal care.

The hospitals can be reached by email. Doctors speak and write English. So you can provide them with your medical status and ask for an consultation. But before you do consult your insurance first.

Accessible holidays in Amazing Thailand 1.

2011-01-03T18:46:00.000+07:00

In a previous post I have described how to choose your destination and accommodation abroad.
In the next couple of blogspot posts I will talk about several wheelchair accessible houses / resorts/ hotels in Thailand.

We start with a small resort run by a Dutch couple in Kachanaburi.
Kanchanaburi is wellknown for the Bridge over the river Kwai, the graveyard and the Yeath War museum. A lot of soldiers / war prisoners lost their live building the bridge under Japanese command.
There is a small train running over the railway track. Unfortunately it is not wheelchair accessible unless you can be lifted, can sit on a wooden bench and your wheelchair is foldable.
Closeby is the Erawan National Park with its dam and water fall, Khmer temples and the Tiger temple. For more information see previous posts.

The resort exists of 10 cottages. It is located along the river. Two of those are adapted for disabled people. One cottage can accommodate 6 people and the second cottage can accommodate 2 people. The resort has a swimmingpool, a restaurant, wifi, books, games, spa, sports, taxi service, etc. The Dutch couple takes very good care of their guests. Twice in a row they are selected Travelers choice on Tripadvisor.
Two remarks:
The path to the big cottage near the river is steep and can be slippery during the wet season.
The resort is situated at the skirts of Kanchanaburi. So you need a car / cab / taxi to get there and to get around.

WheelchairThailand can provide you with more information like price, location, etc. We don't take commission when we refer to this resort. For more information you can write an email to WheelchairThailand@gmail.com

Wheelchair Thailand Wishes

2010-12-31T13:00:00.000+07:00

Wheelchair accessible holiday homes

2010-12-30T14:17:00.002+07:00

Here is some wonderful news for our present and future guests in 2011. But also good news for everyone who is planning to stay with us this year in one of our wheelchair accessible holiday homes. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary.

Wheelchair Thailand celebrates its Birthday.
In 2011 Wheelchair Thailand exists 10 years.
Therefore we treat our guests to presents.

In the past 10 years we could welcome you as our guest in our wheelchair accessible holiday homes. Or we are welcoming you in Hungary, France or Thailand for the first time in 2011. Your loyalty, your trust and your feedback in or about our resorts is highly appreciated. To show our gratitude we treat our costumers / guests in 2011 to a local experience like wine tasting, a visit to a wellness center, a daytrip, etc. Naturally all accessible to wheelchair users.

In the future we will continue to make an effort to keep your trust and use your comment or feeback to increase our level of service and improve our accommodations to your needs.

So let us take care of you in beach resort Canet en Roussillon, France or in Royal beach resort Hua Hin, Thailand or Lake Velence beach resort, Hungary.

Hanneke and Jan van der Linde
Website: Wheelchair accessible holiday homes
Email: info@gehandicapten.com
Photos of our accommodations
Youtube videos
Tel: +31 36 5376677
Almere, The Netherlands

Assisted living, yes or no?

2010-12-27T17:53:00.004+07:00

November 13, 2011

Every new day has new chances. Yesterday evening Kung, the Thai nurse, went to bed without saying goodnight while we were talking to Alfie. After all we didn't see him for 5 years. Since then a lot happened. And not knowing what time we had to get up. Well no problem. We will see tomorrow when she knocks on our door. We have to get up at 6am. Departure is around 7 am. But this leaves me with Jan to be showered, put into bed and backpain. We took Kung, a Thai care taker, at this trip. Assisted living, YES.

Around 5 Kung is knocking on our door. Hanneke opens the door and I tell her to go back to sleep for an hour. After an hour she is coming back to dress Jan. Together we go outside for breakfast. In the meantime Charles is collecting our luggage. This is a friendly, helpful, hard working man and already deserves a tip.

Today we are moving to the next camp. Alfie will take us on a game drive. We follow the river Sabie and along the road we see new animals. And every time the landscape is different from the day before. Kung is sleeping during the trip and waking up everytime we stop. She is not able to take care of me anymore. So Hanneke is taking over to ensure my need of assisted living.

During the day we see a lot of nice things. Like a elephant museu, a bushbok on the terrace of the restaurant, a local wheelchair / commode and of course a lot of animals. We see a sale on Amarula, a local liqor made from the Marula fruit. We buy two bottles and get 8 glasses for free. And after a wonderfull afternoon spent with friends to be we arrive at Satara Camp.

Our quarters are wheelchair accessible cottages again built in a circle. And before Jan even has noticed he already has a flat tire due to the thorns of the trees surrounding the cottages. And thank God we have Alfie with us. He is fixing Jan's wheelchair in no time. Thank you Alfie you are the greatest.

Charles and Alfie are preparing diner while we are settling in. Before diner Jan has a chat with Kung. Kung tells Jan she is to tired, she needs sleep, she is not used to heavy work, etc. Together they decide it is best to put an end to this employment. Exit Kung. Assisted living, NO. Hanneke takes over my care.

During diner we talk to our travel companions and treat them on Amarula. Everyone likes it and the bottle is emptied within the hour. After lending our plug to Robert and wash the glasses we go to bed.

To be continued.

In case you are looking for place inThailand where you can find an assisted living situation look at http://www.gehandicapten.com/

Holidays and summer holiday.

2010-12-22T13:50:00.000+07:00

Treats for all guests in 2011. Wheelchair Thailand celebrates anniversary.

2010-12-21T21:47:00.000+07:00

Here is some wonderful news for our present and future guests in 2011. But also good news for everyone who is planning to stay with us this year in one of our wheelchair accessible holiday homes. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary.

Wheelchair Thailand celebrates its Birthday.
In 2011 Wheelchair Thailand exists 10 years.
Therefore we treat our guests to presents.

In the past 10 years we could welcome you as our guest in our wheelchair accessible holiday homes. Or we are welcoming you in Hungary, France or Thailand for the first time in 2011. Your loyalty, your trust and your feedback in or about our resorts is highly appreciated. To show our gratitude we treat our costumers / guests in 2011 to a local experience like wine tasting, a visit to a wellness center, a daytrip, etc. Naturally all accessible to wheelchair users.

In the future we will continue to make an effort to keep your trust and use your comment or feedback to increase our level of service and improve our accommodations to your needs.

So let us take care of you in beach resort Canet en Roussillon, France or in Royal beach resort Hua Hin, Thailand or Lake Velence beach resort, Hungary.

Hanneke and Jan van der Linde
Website: Wheelchair accessible holiday homes
Email: info@gehandicapten.com
Photoalbum Wheelchair Thailand
Youtube videos
Tel: +31 36 5376677
Almere, The Netherlands

Disabled friendly transport for night game drive.

2010-12-19T17:13:00.015+07:00

13 November 2010
Sunset Game Drive Kruger Park, Skukuza Camp, South Africa

This morning we get up early again. You would expect people to get grumpy. But only our care taker / nurse from Thailand, Asia got up on the wrong side of the bed. After tea and teeth breaking biscuits we leave for a morning game drive of three hours. The scenery, the wildlife, the atmosphere is overwhelming and puts our mind to ease. The peace and quit when they shut down the engine of the car can not be found in The Netherlands. At night when we go to bed with the windows open we only hear the sound of nature.

After breakfast we go for a walk over the camp, some shopping, checking email and checking out the game drive vehicle we go back to our wheelchair accessible cottage. We have to prepare for our sunset game drive.

Around 5 pm we are present at the safari vehicle. It has a wide entrance but no lift or ramp. Alfie is using the lift of his truck to bring the wheelchairs to the same level as the game drive vehicle. Some disabled people can move over, others have to be lifted. Let the fun begin. At the start the sun is still shining but is going down in one hour. When it is dark we have lights to look at the scenery and hopefully we will spot some game. And yes we are succesful. We see lions, wild dogs, hyena, warthols, antilopes, etc. And here are the pictures.
During the drive Jan's back is hurting. He is not sitting in his own wheelchair but on a normal car seat. With the humps and bumps this is not very comfortable. He also has trouble to look to the sides. And his legs can not touch the floor. So this game drive is very tiring. Therefore he decides not to join another night game drive.

Around 8 pm we are back. Aflie helps everyone out of the truck and Charles is preparing diner. We talk about our experiences during diner and slowly another day comes to an end. So far so good. Tomorrow we leave for one of the next accessible resorts.

To be continued.

New company logo for Wheelchair Thailand / Gehandicapten.com

2010-12-16T20:28:00.001+07:00

LOGO

Wheelchair Thailand /
Gehandicapten.com is implementing a new company logo.

14-09-2011

Wheelchair Thailand owns, has and is:

http://www.gehandicapten.com/
http://www.behinderten.eu/
http://www.wheelchairaccessibleholidayhomesfordisabledpeople.com/
http://www.handicapes.eu/
http://www.tiratiraa.nl
http://wheelchairthailand.blogspot.com
http://vakantie-gehandicapten.blogspot.com
http://apartmentalmere.tripod.com/
Twitter gehandicapten
Youtube videos Wheelchair Thailand
Picasa Photoalbum Wheelchair Thailand
Facebook Wheelchair Thailand Hua Hin

Kruger tour in wheelchair accessible transport for disabled

2010-12-12T19:59:00.000+07:00

November 12, 2010
Kruger tour with Epic Enabled
Lunch en route

Today our safari tour to the Krugerpark in South Africa starts. Two days ago this safaritruck picked us up at the airport of Johannesburg and the next week it will be our disabled transport for me and other tour members as wheelchair users.

This morning we get up very early. Departure is planned at 7.00 am. After a quick shower and packing our suitecase we have to wait for breakfast for a short while. The group is not complete yet and Alfie wakes up the people who are not present yet. Gives us time to enjoy our breakfast. At last we leave at 7.15 am.

The drive to our first accommodation in the Kruger park is 450km and will take the whole day. We start on the highway for two hours and have a coffeebrake near Middelburg. Another two hours takes us to a parking place near Nelspruit with restaurant, shops, accessible restrooms, etc. We have lunch at one of the picnic tables and walk around a bit to stretch our legs and look into the shops. I buy a jar of Marula jam and some pineapple noga.

After the lunch we leave for a short drive to the Krugerpark gate Malelane. The scenery is changing fast. We have a glimps of the River Blyde Canyon and see the countryside change from green mountain hills into savanna. At the Malaelane gate we have a short stop and see a strange tree, a sausage tree (click here for a picture). It has fruit which looks like a big sausage.

We experience our first encounters with wildlife. We are impressed, overwhelmed and stunned by the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. Here is a nice video how it is to be in the truck and see the animals.
We don't believe in Zoo's. We believe in animals in their natural surrounding. And it proves. Animals are much bigger here than in any zoo we have been long time ago. And in case animals cannot live in their natural habitat anymore then their environment should come close as much as possible. That is why we support Wildlife Rescue Center on our facebook page Wheelchair Thailand Hua Hin. They try to bring animals back to the wild.

In the afternoon around 5pm we arrive at Skukuza Camp in the Kruger park. Nice little cottages with outside kitchen and adapted bathrooms. Perfect place to stay. Alfie and Charles are unloading the truck and are going to prepare diner. We will have pasta. Gives us time to settle in and walk around a little bit. Hanneke is having a swim and I enjoy the last minutes in the sun.

After diner and coffee everyone is going to bed early. Tomorrow we leave at 5.00am (Is this our idea of a holiday?). First we will have tea and biscuits and after the morning game drive we will get breakfast.

To be continued.

Wheelchair Thailand in Hotel Willow Park

2010-12-06T18:25:00.004+07:00

November 11, 2011
Hotel Willow Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Late at night we arrived at Hotel Willow Park in Johannesburg after a short drive in Alfie's wheelchair accessible safari truck. After the access ramp into the hotel we noticed Jan could drive in his wheelchair through the hotel without any steps to be taken. The ground floor room has a spacious bathroom with hand rails near the toilet and a roll in shower with hand rails. Perfect for a wheelchair user for the first two nights. We went to sleep immediately.

The first morning we started with breakfast in the restaurant. The hotel has a breakfast buffet with a small choice in eggs, bacon, cereal, milk, yochurt, fruit, coffee, etc.

After breakfast we walked around in the Park. And here we saw our first wildlife, a few skoorsteenveeer (South African). Looks like a stork. Beautiful to see them walking around on the grass early in the morning looking for food. Took a few pictures. One of these pictures can be seen in my webalbum. Click here to go to this album. We found two swimming pools, the bar and the reception area with wireless internet as well. So we fetched our laptop and checked out our email. And surprise, surprise, we had a online reservation for our apartment in France for mobility reduced people in wheelchairs, a returning guest. A quick answer and a shut down and of we go to enjoy our holiday again. We went for lunch in the restaurant, also a buffet with a variety of dishes for a reasonable price.

In the afternoon we went shopping with Alfie and 4 British able bodied tour members in Johannesburg. We had to buy plugs for the South African outlets to be able to charge Jan's powered wheelchair. After buying plugs, some sandwiches for tonight and some snacks and drinks for tomorrow during the day we went back to the hotel.

Around 5 pm we met the other members of the Krugerpark tour in the bar. The group consisted of 4 British able bodied persons, one disabled British woman with girl friend, one Dutch wheelchair user with two teens (arriving tonight) and the two of us. We order a drink like everyone else and listen to Alfie who tells us about the tour and also that we are leaving around 6.30 am. Is this holiday?

So Krugerpark here we come. We are looking forward to it.

To be continued.

WheelchairThailand Back from the Wild.

2010-11-29T17:58:00.001+07:00

November 23, 2010
Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope
Kaap Die Goeie Hoop (South African)

In November we have spent our holiday in South Africa. We booked a 12 day Krugerpark and Cape Point tour with Epic Enabled. We met Alfie Smith, the owner, in The Netherlands 4 years ago. This time we met him at the airport in Johannesburg to bring us for our first night to our hotel.

During the 8 day Kruger park tour we have stayed in lovely wheelchair accessible cottages within the Kruger Nasionale Wildtuin. The tour can handle disabled people but welcomes able bodied persons as well. So our internatinal group consisted of 2 couples without a handicap, two couples with a partner in a wheelchair and one paraplegic dad with two nice teens. We moved every two days, got up early, drove through the park in a adapted Mercedes Truck, saw a lot of animals, lunched at picknick sites, saw some more wild, had wholesome diners and got to now each other. We have seperated as friends at the airport of Johannesburg. Alfie Smith is a hell of a tour guide. And Charles his tour companion was very helpful.

An inland flight brought us from Johannesburg to Capetown where Sabine Smith picked us up with a wheelchair accessible Mercedes van.

The second part was a 4 day Capetown tour. We stayed in the wheelchair friendly Epic Guesthouse. Capetown is part of the Dutch history and so we visited the Dutch castle, the Companie's Gardens, Kaap Die Goeie Hoop, Jan Riebeecks' bushes in Kirstenbosch, and the V&A Waterfront (Brittish). We also drove along Chapmans peak and visited the pinguins at Boulders Beach. We didn't manage to get up to Table Mountain. There was a cloud hanging over or the winds were too strong so the cable car didn't run to the top.

This holiday was great. We really needed some time off after five years. It was nice to meet Alfie again and to meet Sabine and their son for the first time. They do a great job, they are helpfull, very friendly and can tell you a lot about South Africa. So thank you Alfie and Sabine for the wonderfull holiday. We will be back for another holiday in the future. Untill then we wish you good luck.

More info about these tours or a stay in the guesthouse write an email to Alfie and Sabine Smith, info@epic-enabled.com .

In case you want to read more about our experiences keep following us at wheelchairthailand.blogspot.com

WheelchairThailand is going wild.

2010-11-06T17:50:00.000+07:00

November 2010

We, Jan and Hanneke, are travelling to South Africa. We will be on South Africa safari and we will visit Capetown.

We take a Thai nurse. And my powered wheelchair.
Follow this Blog or Twitter to keep up with our adventure.

See you soon in Hua Hin Thailand.

Restaurants and accommodations with wheelchair access in Hua Hin

2010-11-04T19:16:00.002+07:00

September 30, 2010
Terrace 94

We had seen the sign "Terrace 94, 250m" before but didn't check this place out. There are so many restaurants closing and so many restaurants opening it is almost impossible to check out every new restaurant on accessibility. But on recommendation of our friend Hans V. we've paid it a visit.

This restaurant has two levels. A groundfloor and a second floor. The entrance is a little bit difficult. From the road you go down into the gutter and then you get a steep ramp onto the terrace of the restaurants. My safety wheels at the back of my wheelchair preventing to flip backwards were touching the pavement. My back wheels came of the pavement. So my wife had to push me through. Then the access ramp leeds you onto the terrace. This is the only spot where a wheelchair users can sit unless you take the big step into the restaurant. The second floor is out of reach.

We had diner here on friday night. It seams to be the restaurant which was located in the old Papa John restaurant opposite the Sofitel hotel on the Naresdamri Road. The menu shows different kind of foods. European, Thai and Mexican. Jan tried mexican food and I tried European. The Mexican enchillada was served with the inside still cold. The steak was okay.
The restaurant had live music on the second floor during this evening. But the music down stairs was not turned off. So we had to listen to two kinds of music at the same time.

Since one time is no time we are not going to judge this restaurant on its quality. But the wheelchair access to this restaurant remains difficult. Terrace 94 is located at Soi 94. Soi 94 is located in the middle of our wheelchair accessible accommodations, Apartment Tira Tiraa and Pool villa Coconut Grove.

Patpong night market; child care in resorts necessary.

2010-10-31T21:36:00.002+07:00

October 1, 2010
Patpong night market, Silom, Bangkok

Before you go and visit this night marktet make sure your children are well taking care of in the resort or hotel where you are staying. Because this night market where you can buy a imitation of almost everything is not the place to be for young children. But that is of course my Western opinion.

Patpong night market is wheelchair accessible and wellknown for its bars and girls. It is the famous red light district in Bangkok. Is this red light district in Bangkok accesible for wheelchairs? Don't worry. You can walk safe here. The people outside the bars try to lure you in. And it is up to you if you want.Only the menu of the "restaurant" is a little bit different. The first course is "Pussy Pingpong". But in case you like to watch people strolling by take a beer or soda on one of the terraces. It is fun to look what is happening in these streets and see that even small Thai children are present together with their parents who run a shop, market stall or work in one of the many bars.

Patpong night market can be reached with BTS Skytrain. You have to get out at the for wheelchairs adapted station Chong Nonsi or MRT Subway leaving at station Silom with access for handicapped. For more information about this public transport read this post with Google map.

Bangkok BTS Skytrain MRT Subway Airlink to Airport Suvarnabhumi

2010-10-28T00:57:00.002+07:00

October 2, 2010
Bangkok, Raillink Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai.

Last time when we were visiting Bangkok we had to pick up a friend at the Airport Suvarnabhumi. We like to explore public transport in Bangkok. Why? For one we don't have a car. For two in a car you are always caught up in traffic. And three it is a challenge. We travel in and with an powered wheelchair. We already have discovered that the MRT Subway is wheelchair accessible and some BTS Skytrain stations also.

But now we know and can tell everyone the Airlink / Raillink to Bangkok airport Suvarnabhumi has access for wheelchairs too. Perfect. Within no time you are in the center of Bangkok. Price 15 Baht one way.

And down here you can find all the stations. When you click on one particular station you will get access info. Sometimes I have add a picture, some nice sights or shopping malls within walking distance of the stations.

View Wheelchair access BTS Skytrain MRT Subway Airlink Raillink Airport in a larger map

Taxi for wheelchair in Thailand

2010-10-23T20:05:00.002+07:00

2 October 2010,
Bangkok Airport Suvarnabhumi
Driver Keang, Jan and his friend Fred.

Guests of our wheelchair accommodations in Hua Hin often ask for airport transfer in adapated taxis. Where they can book these transfers, if we have addresses where they can get information, etc.

We always answer in the same way. We offer this service for a reasonable price. And our guests don't pay us for this transfer but directly to the driver. So we don't make money on this service. The company gets paid instantly and the driver gets a tip, hopefully. Price at this moment 3.500 Baht one way.

So here is how we help our guests. We make arrangements for your taxi together with our staff in Thailand. The driver drives to our villa or apartment to pick up our ramps, drives from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok, waits at Arrivals, helps with the luggage, helps with getting into the car and then drives our guests to the accommodation of their choice. On his way to Hua Hin the driver will stop at a gas station for a sanitary stop, to buy some drinks and/or food. And most of the time you can even find an ATM.

Are you looking for a wheelchair accessible taxi transfer from the Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin then send an email to info@gehandicapten.com . Provide us with name and address of your destiny and we will arrange your transfer.

Accessible restaurants in Hua Hin

2010-10-17T15:50:00.000+07:00

September 24, 2010.
Hua Hin Center.

Downtown Hua Hin many good seafood restaurants are located on Naresdamri Road. The restaurant in the picture is Sangthai Seafood. One out of two restaurants which are frequently visited by Thai, foreigners, falang and tourists.

They have great seafood. We like the fried sun dried squid, the charcoal grilled tiger prawn, steamed fish in lemon sauce, fish fillet in curry, etc.

The service is good. The waiters and waitresses keep an eye on you and your table. They refill your glass, they serve complementary fruit at the end and the people are friendly.

The accessibility of the restaurant is perfect. And since a little while they even have a wheelchair accessible restroom. The first restaurant in this street who saw the potential of more customers. And for this they deserve at least one visit of every wheelchair using person.

Where to find Sangthai Seafood? Coming from Tira Tiraa wheelchair accessible apartment you walk, 100 meters, towards Soi 70. Turn left onto Soi 70 and walk down to Petchkasem road, 160 meter. Cross the road and continue walking on Soi 55. All the way down to the sea, 350 meter. You will see Sangthai seafood in front of you.

There are more wheelchair accessible restaurants. You can have a look at the pictures of these restaurants and even see where they are located.

Have a nice diner.

Tira Tiraa - Hua Hin - apartment for rent

2010-10-16T15:35:00.000+07:00

Studio74

February 2010

Do you like this little dog? Do you want it to see this Thai art in person? Then come and stay in Studio74. Well decorated with Art from Thai artists whome we met personally. All amenities are available in Studio74. And it is conveniently located in the center of Hua Hin.

Studio 74 is for rent and can accommodate 2 persons. This accommodation can be rented seperately but also in combination with the wheelchair accessible apartment Tira Tiraa on the grondfloor.

So Studio74 is ideal for individual travelling tourists, but also for family members, care takers, travel companions of wheelchair users. And moreover we give a very nice discount when our cusomers rent both accommodations at the same time.

Guests of both accommodations can use the facilities of the condominium building like swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, computers, etc.

Wheelchair accessible hotels Bangkok Thailand

2010-10-15T01:33:00.001+07:00

October 2, 2010

Sofitel Hotel, Silom, Bangkok

Like we already have proved before we always try a different hotel. Why? Because we want to tell our customers and fellow wheelchair users who want to visit Bangkok which hotel is accessible to them.
Well this time we made a reservaton in the Sofitel Hotel Silom in Bangkok. Why do we want to stay here? It is Silom. Very alive at night, nice shopping, nightmarket Patpong, and accessible public transport all within walking distance.

But what a disappointment for a wheelchair user like me. At the time of booking the promised me they had an accessible geust room. When I arrived they didn't have a room like this. The bedroom was okay after moving some furniture. But he bathroom was completely inaccessible. Two small 30cm doors turning outwards into the already narrow hallway. So turning into the bathroom in your wheelchair was absolutely impossible. The door into the shower was even smaller. No grip near the toilet. A built in wash basin with no space underneath for my knees. And for wheelchair users a horrible useless bathtub. So for one night my wife and I managed.

But the second surprise came the morning after. The breakfast restaurant had two steps. And like we all know a powered wheelchair is to heavy to lift. So we had to make a complaint at the front desk. Two options were open. Breakfast at the 27th floor or room service. Well we had breakfast like we expected, but the relaxing stay we had hoped for was gone.

Accommodations Wheelchair Thailand mapped

2010-10-13T14:46:00.010+07:00

Google Earth is a great way to show where our holiday homes are located.

Wheelchair Thailand rents out 6 different wheelchair accessible holiday homes for disabled people. These accommodations are located in France, Hungary, The Netherlands and Thailand. The adapted houses in Hua Hin, Thailand are mapped. Other location of Wheelchair Thailand / Gehandicapten.com will follow. So everyone can see that our holiday homes are located conveniently in comparison with our competition. Within walking / rolling distance you always will find restaurants, shops, supermarket, markets, grocery stores, beach, sea/lake, etc.

You can navigate on this map. Arrows left, right, up and down. Plus and minus to zoom in and out. You can even drag with your mouse.
Yellow house signs are the accommodations of Wheelchair Thailand. And green signs of the competition. The red triangle is Soi Bintabaht, the red light district, in the center of Hua Hin across the Hilton Hotel. Click on these signs and you will get more information.

Airlink Skytrain BTS Subway MRT wheelchair accessible Bangkok

2010-10-10T12:08:00.009+07:00

October 2, 2010
Airport Rail link Cityline, Bangkok

Yes, we did it again. After we heave heard about the airlink from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center of Bangkok and our experiences with BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway we just had to try it.

Since we were going to pick up a good friend from the airport we started the day two hours earlier to explore the Airlink with cityline and expressline. Just like we promised on many different Weblogs.

We have explored the route on the airport from the arrival terminal to the airport link concourse. We ask about the accessibility at the information desk. And after buying tickets (15 Baht each one way) we took of. At every station we have tried to make pictures, looked for elevators and wheelchair signes. We stayed in the train till Phaya Thai, got out and bought a return tickets. And made a picture of the wheelchair accessible restroom. Yeah, they really understand it now. I'm so happy. There is also an accessible restroom at the Makkasan station according to the leaflet.

We don't want to withold you the pictures so take a look at my Picasa webalbum of Airlink. You can zoom in if you want.

When you are at Phaya Thai it is just a short walk to the shopping district Siam Square, Siam Paragon, MBK, Panthip Plaza, Big C, etc. This is shoppers delight. Have fun.

Tell your experience here in a comment.

Scams and sweet talk in Hua Hin, Thailand

2010-10-09T13:27:00.006+07:00

When you visit Hua Hin regularly like we do you get to know people and they get to know you. So wherever you go you will meet them once in a while.

Sales people in the streets of Hua Hin sell everything. Food, drinks, clothes, souvenirs, etc. The women in traditional clothes walk the streets every night all year round. We meet them every time when we are in Hua Hin. They sweet talk you into buying souvenirs. Our good friend Fred bought 4 necklaces, 3 bracelets and a fake tiger tooth. They try to charge him 2000 Baht. At last he paid 1000 and got one bracelet for free after the deal. And so did I. So no scams here.

The video was shot in Soi Bintabaht, the red light district of Hua Hin. The ladies / women, even young girls are working in the bars to support their family. The women try to lure you into the bar to have a drink. Some bars are wheelchair accessible. When you buy a drink they expect you to buy one for them too. And after a few drinks they tell me: "I can take care of you, mister". A wheelchair is just a minor obstacle. So be careful. Take a set amount of money and leave your credit card at home. And the second warning. When you take a woman to your house or hotel make sure you have save sex. Take you shots before coming to Thailand. And have a checkup after your holiday. Because sexual transmitted diseases are not the kind of souvenir you want to take home.

Last minute Accessible Pool Villa, Hua Hin, Thailand

2010-10-08T14:27:00.013+07:00

Pool Villa,
Hua Hin, Thailand

Welcome to our wheelchair accessible poolvilla, Hua Hin, Thailand.

This villa is adapted for people in wheelchairs. My wife and I rent out this house to fellow disabled and their families and care takers. The villa is suitable for up to 7 people. Housekeeper Audom will perform all household duties. Our administrator Pannida V. will welcome you.

Today we have an offer you cannot refuse. We give 20% discount on the regular price per night when you book for at least 10 nights between 16 November and 6 December 2010.

This price includes rental fee, housekeeper service, laundry service, water, drinking water, energy up to 40kWh/day, free use of computer and internet, free use of aids/medical equipment, free use of bed/bath/beach and kitchen linen, free diner at night of arrival, free grocery package for first breakfast and cold drinks.

Airport transfer for 3.500 Baht / +/- 83 Euro.

For availability click here.

Hope to meet you in Hua Hin.

For reservation please email to info@gehandicapten.com

FACEBOOK, here we come

2010-10-08T11:02:00.006+07:00

October 8,2010

Today we have started to use our facebook account WheelchairThailand Hua Hin.

Discounts, news, updates, offers and items for free will be published here. Keep on track and you can benefit.

Wheelchair accessible holidays homes

2010-10-03T07:25:00.017+07:00

Where can you find our holidays homes?
Who are we?
What do we do?
And why are we doing this?

Sometimes people ask how many holiday homes we have. We always answer them truthfully. We have 6 houses. And when we are talking about these houses we are feeling lucky we were able to start these wheelchair accessible houses with help of our family. And in this way we like to thank them for their support and their trust.

For those people who don't know where these houses are located we wrote down a summary.

1 Velence, Hungary, bungalow for 6 people near Lake Velence at 45 km of Budapest. Administrator Misi M.
2 France, Canet en Roussillon, Ground floor apartment for 6 people. Administrators Johanna and Theo d B.
3 Coconut Grove, Hua Hin, Thailand, Wheelchair accessible villa in Thailand for 6 people with housekeeper Audom. Administrator Pannida Visser V, nickname Peanut.
4 Tira Tiraa, Hua Hin, Thailand, groundfloor apartment for 4 people. Cleaning lady Fon, she speaks English. Pannida V, nickname Peanut, welcomes our guests.
5 Studio74, Hua Hin, Thailand, studio, not wheelchair accessible, for 2 people/care takers, cleaning lady Fon, she speaks English. Pannida V, nickname Peanut, welcomes our guests.
6 Almere, The Netherlands, groundfloor apartment Almere for 2 persons next to our own bungalow. Wheelchair accessible. Cleaning lady Sonja V. Administrator Johanna F.

Who are we?
We are Jan and Hanneke van der Linde. Take a look at our profile picture. We are in the picture. We have nothing to hide.

What do we do?
We rent out these houses. Nothing more, nothing less.
We are taking pride in what we do.

Sometimes people try to copy our houses, our website, our name. We know of one guy, Michel S., in Hua Hin who was telling a Norwegian women that he is Jan and that he owns an apartment in the South of France. Within three hours after posting this guy called and threaten to make trouble.
Sometimes people think we are in the real estate business too. Absolutely not. We don't sell houses, we don't develop projects and we don't own holiday resorts. And neither does our staff.
Together with her Dutch girlfriend GvdR our previous housekeeper P sold us out to three falang home owners JS, CR and AV.
So what does this prove? We are good, very good in what we do and they want to get better using our knowledge and our good reputation to get there.

And why are we doing this?
Because it is difficult to find a really well accessible holiday home? We guarantee people our houses can be used by wheelchair users and mobility impaired people. And we guarantee these houses are conveniently located.

In case you have questions or remarks about us, our houses or our staff at these locations don't hesitate to email.

Health care resort Hua Hin

2010-09-28T08:19:00.007+07:00

September 23, 2010
Bangkok Hospital

Some people don't like to travel abroad because they are afraid the health care is not as good as in their home country. We can tell these people have nothing to fear. In beach resort Hua Hin, Thailand health care is very good.

Hua Hin has two hospitals up and running.

The first is Sao Paolo Hospital. This is a private hospital in the center of town. This hospital is within two kilometers of our accessible accommodations, Villa Coconut Grove and apartments Tira Tiraa.

The second hospital is Hua Hin Hospital. This is a government hospital and they provide excellent care. They have a trauma center, a cardiac ambulance, a CT-scan, english speaking hostess and beautiful first class rooms (hear say). Even the King of Thailand has his own floor in this hospital. One of our customers went here to see a orthopedic doctor and he was very satisfied. Except for the time he had to wait. They don't work with appointments. So you have to wait for your turn.
See this post to read about his story.

The third hospital is still being built and is scheduled to open at the end of this year. This is a privat hospital. They provide excellent care to foreign people. And this hospital is in walking distance of our adapted villa Coconut Grove. Till now foreign people choose to go to Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok in case this is needed.
At the end of this year they can stay in Hua Hin.

In case you have any questions about health care in beach resort Hua Hin we will try to provide you with this information.

Careresorts Hua Hin, Thailand

2010-09-27T11:42:00.008+07:00

Care takers Da and Mood
Anantarak Health Training School
Hua Hin, September 2010

Some time ago a family contacted us about a holiday in our wheelchair accessible apartment in Hua Hin. The women, Els, was using a wheelchair and normally her husband, Ruben, takes care of her in The Netherlands. During their holiday they wanted a nurse to take care of her and asked if we could provide this service like we promise on our homepage.

We can provide this care on our holiday resort. We have contacted Anantarak Health Training School for a care taker. The first day the manager of Anantarak is coming to ask what kind of help is needed. A caretaker is coming along and stays to help out immediately. Our guest / customer can negotiate this care directly. We are only present in case translation from Dutch into English is needed.

In case you are thinking of having a caretaker during your holiday in one of our adapted holiday accommodations in Hua Hin you don't have to worry about the price. This care is cheap, very cheap. The care takers are professionally trained and speak some English. Their home base is just 50 meters from our accessible Tira Tiraa apartments in Hua Hin.

Personal help for disabled in Thailand provided by Anantarak together with the service of our housekeeper will give you a perfect holiday in which you and your family can recover from all days stress. You will find real relaxation since all your needs are being met.

Trouble in Paradise, Careresorts founded.

2010-09-25T08:18:00.006+07:00

July 2010, Hua Hin Hospital

Just another story of one of our guests. And like a true Thai they accept bad things can happen and good things will come to them.

During a stay of one of our guests in our accessible Villa Coconut Grove a discus collapsed of our male visitor. So here is trouble in Paradise big time. Not able to take care for his wife, crawling in bed from pain keeping him awake, no feeling in parts of his left foot and still time left before they could go home. So our staff needed to take action.

First pain medication. On recommendation from a very experienced European nurse and a search on internet for this specific pain killer our housekeeper bought Arcoxia 90 mg for him in the local farmacy. No prescription needed here.

Second they had to call their travel insurance. Sitting for twelve hours is not possible in his situation. So a change of tickets is needed and they were in need of support on their way home. After one week a friend is allowed to come over and assist them on their way home.

Third is to go to the hospital to have a check up at his back in the Hua Hin Hospital. Our staff is coming along to translate. No appointment possible so they have to wait on their turn to see the orthopedic doctor. Meanwhile he has an X-ray taken. The results are private but the interesting thing is that the hospital has English speaking staff which can accompany the foreign visitor.

And fourth to get personal care for his wife. A Hua Hin based company can provide two nurses, each one shift of 8 hours. And with some students to train our guest can tell she got some good and sweet care of two lovely Thai women.

So from this point on Hua Hin Careresorts Thailand is founded.

Accessible hotels Hua Hin, the Thai way

2010-09-12T10:05:00.005+07:00

January 2010.
Jan in front of The Old Buffalo, Hua Hin.

A few months back I got an email from a Norwegian woman about her trip to Thailand. She found a place to stay and ask me for wheelchair accessible transport to Hua Hin. Since I was very curious where she was going to stay I asked the name of the hotel. It was The Old Buffalo. The same night we went to see the place already sure it wasn't what she hoped for. At instant we saw this place is not accessible. So we took pictures at the outside and wrote her an email that we would arrange her tranfer but that the hotel wasn't accessible. See the picture here.

She wrote back to us the owner would make a ramp. Since the entrance is on the road the ramps would be very steep. And so it was. The ramp was as long as the staircase is high. She tried the ramp and the first time she nearly fell over backwards. We went into the hotel helping here with the luggage, etc. And I took pictures to show to Jan later. He was staying outside because he tought the ramp was to steep and to dangerous. After the ramp and the entrance follows a narrow hallway (no turning here in your wheelchair). The elavator to the top floor is fine, but then the worst part begins. Step up, step down, only sun on the roof top terrace, etc. Barking dogs at night. Cars driving up and down the road, parking in front of the restaurants down stairs.
This is just another example of Thai accessibility although an Englishman is running this place. He should know better.

I have two positive things to say about this place. The view from the roof top terrace is great. And you are in the middle of the town.
So why not turn this roof top into a luxurious loungebar or first class restaurant? You already have a pub / restaurant downstairs appreciated by many people.

My advice. DON'T GO THERE WHEN YOU ARE IN A WHEELCHAIR.

Accessible travel. How to choose!

2010-09-11T11:55:00.007+07:00

September 11, 2010.
Road down to Hua Hin.

Many years of traveling in my powered wheelchair doesn't make me the Guru of accessible travel. But I can tell a lot about my experience. I have traveled in a caravan, I have traveled to cottages, I have been flying to different parts of the World and stayed in different kinds of accommodations. Accommodations more or less adapted to handicapped people. Sometimes very satisfying, sometimes very disappointing.

So here some tips how to choose your accommodation.
1 Find the original website of the accommodation. Google the hotel, the resort, etc.
2 Read carefully the description. Try to find all the information about accessibility.
3 What is important to you. Write an email to the accommodation with all your questions about accessibility.
4 Location. In the center of town, at the skirts of the town center or in the middle of nowhere. Ask for proof. For instance the picture. A resort which aims to be accessible and tells you they are 10 min from the town center. Is this ten minutes of walking, driving a car, cycling a bike or what? I investigated the location. They are 12 km out of the center in the middle of nowhere.
5 How to get around. Most of the time you will and have to go out for lunch and/or dinner. Or you just want to walk and look around at your destination. I go crazy at the country side. I like to see and to meet people. I don't like to stay in a resort where the only distraction are the same people at the same pool every day. And I don't like to order a taxi every time I think of leaving the accommodation. I don't like to take shuttle service at fixed times. I like to be free in my wheelchair. So check how you can get around.
6 Price Price can vary a lot in Hua Hin. So check out the different possibilities like hotel, guesthouse, villa or apartment. Ask how many people can stay for this price. And what you get for your money. For instance the resort in the picture. This resort asks 15.200 Baht / 40.2 = 378 Euro per night for a groundfloor apartment in high season, max 4 persons, in the middle of nowhere. Compare this price to Tira Tiraa ground floor adapted apartment. Apartment per night, high season, 4 persons, down town Hua Hin, 167 Euro or 6713 Baht.

Do you have more tips. Please write a comment on this Blog. We and fellow disabled travelers will appreciate every positive input.

Accessible travel, last minute offer.

2010-09-05T11:37:00.007+07:00

February 12, 2005
Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands.
2005 first time, now no secrets left.

Three days ago we have left for our next stay in Thailand. Reason is the eightyth birthday of a good Dutch friend. He has served the Dutch Military during the Korean War and is now living with his Thai wife in Hua Hin. We became good friends.

Thailand is very quiet at this time and so is Hua Hin due to the protests by the red shirts in Bangkok earlier this year. In Hua Hin everything has been peaceful all the time. This is Thai King territory. No riots, no protesters, no red shirts. Not then and not now.

So it is sad to see the disabled tourists are not coming back. Thai local people are losing their jobs and if they are lucky they have a small social security income for a limited period of time. Soon they will be out of money and cannot take care of their family. Then the real problems start.

To support the Thai people and business we offer our wheelchair accessible villa Coconut Grove with a discount of 20% till november 3, 2010 on a first come first serve basis. The only thing you have to do is to send an email to info@gehandicapten.com, refer this Blog message and make reservation for at least 10 days. For more information about the villa take a look at our website.

Accessible hotels Thailand

2010-08-28T21:46:00.009+07:00

Febuary 5, 2010.
China Town, Bangkok

Thai accessibility is sometimes hazardous when you are trusting the hotel staff or a taxi driver. For instance this hotel. The main entrance has 5 steps. Luckily I had some ramps with me in the van. Once I got into the hotel the first/groundfloor was level. The elevator is good.

The size of the room is okay, the price is good, but the bathroom is off. No step here, but you cannot enter the shower in your shower wheelchair. Toilet height 38 cm, like expected. Only one single grip mounted too heigh on the wall. Not enough space to park your wheelchair next to the toilet, etc. Wash basin in counter top which leaves little space for your legs and knees.

The floor where the pool is located can not be reached with a wheelchair. The elevator doesn't stop at this floor.

Later on I found the back door. Here is a steep ramp for deliveries. You need help even when you are in a powered wheelchair. No guards, so everyone can come in.

Nice restaurant on top floor. Great view over Bangkok and Chao Phraya Rover.

Accessible hotels Thailand

2010-08-27T17:24:00.007+07:00

January 7, 2007.
Airport hotel Bangkok.

Depending on your flight schedule you might overthink a stay at an accessible hotel near the airport. There are several accessible hotels near the airport. We have checked out two of them.
The first was Thong Ta Resort about 3 km from the airport. This resort is accessible but every wheelchair user needs assistance to get into the hotel. The entrance ramp is very steep; begins at the curve of the sidewalk and ends with a 10 cm step into the hotel. This ramp is 1 meter long and has to overcome 30 cm. The entrance to the room at the ground floor has a step of 10 cm. Rooms are not well maintained. The entrance to the bathroom has also a 10 cm step. Bathroom with shower in tub. Breakfast area is not accessible for wheelchair users. No choice in breakfast, just ham and eggs, toast, marmelade and bad coffee. This is a perfect example of Thai wheelchair accessibility. So not my kind of hotel. But very affordable.

Very well adapted but expensive is the Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Just a 5 minute walk to the terminals. You don't need a driver to take you there. Absolute perfectly located. Beautiful room with roll in shower on the second floor with a view over the reception area. Good restaurants, very good breakfast buffet. Free shuttle service. We can recommend this wheelchair accessible hotel.

Wheelchair hotels Thailand

2010-08-26T05:10:00.008+07:00

June 12, 2007.
Kanchanaburi.

Three years ago we have visited Kanchanaburi for the first time. The first day we took a look at the graveyard, the death railway and the museum. We only didn't want to visit the WOII memorial sights but also the surrounding areas. So we had to look for hotels which could accommodate me in my wheelchair.

In March we had received an email from a Dutch couple. They just opened a small resort with cottages for up to 2-6 persons. Two of these cottages would be wheelchair accessible. So of course I had to check this out. We booked a cottage for us and our house keeper. And what they said was true; the cottage was well adpated for wheelchair users. Only the path to the 6 pax cottage was very steep and long. But the view over the River Kwai and the surrounding lush tropical garden was breath taking.

After a nice breakfast we took Djo's advice and visited Khmer temples and a big dam used to make electricity. The Erawan National Park is closeby but hopeless for wheelchair users. And some people vistit the Hell fire pass. But not wheelchair friendly either. So after this day we went back to Hua Hin.

Wheelchair friendly tours, part five

2010-08-24T18:04:00.006+07:00

February 28, 2007.
Kanchanaburi, Bridge over the River Kwai.

When I heard about the movie "Bridge over the River Kwai", I decide I had to see this spot myself. WOII is part of our history. Not only for Dutch people but for all people worldwide.

Kanchanaburi is about 2,5 hours drive from our apartment Tira Tiraa in Hua Hin. So my family and I left early in the morning in a wheelchair accessible minivan with driver. First we went to the Jeath War museum to learn about the area and the prisoners who built the bridge. The second stop was the graveyard of the soldiers who lost their life here during World War II.
Third stop was the new bridge. And last but not least the old bridge and the train. We had lunch next to the bridge. The view from the restaurant was magnificent, the old bridge and the river with floating hotels surrounded by lush vegetation. Sadly enough this train wasn't accessible for wheelchairs. So only my family got on the train and the driver and I went by car to the next train station.

Afterwards we have visited the Tiger temple. More info about this temple and the rescue of tigers in this post.

Wheelchairtour, part four

2010-08-21T15:29:00.006+07:00

February 2, 2010, Ayutthya.

Ancient temples on wheelchair accessible temple grounds are a perfect scenery to make beautiful pictures. You don't necessarily have to because most of the statues and temples are on postcards.
This is a long trip worthwhile. In Ayutthya you will find over more than ten temples. You will walk a lot and need the car standby. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and toilets can be found along the way. Ask us for details.

From Hua Hin it is a little over 300 km. An early rise and a late arrival back is the consequence but you don't want to miss this during your holiday. We can make arrangements for our guests to this sight. We will make reservations for a wheelchair accessible taxi. And we can book a wheelchair accessible hotel in Bangkok too. Like this you can enjoy Bangkok and Ayutthya in two days. A perfect little tour to see the highlights of Thailand.

Wheelchair tour, part three.

2010-08-19T20:49:00.008+07:00

February 2008, Rose Garden.

On your way to Bangkok you will pass Rose Garden. This themepark consists of a beautiful tropical garden around a lake, riverside restaurants, shops and Thai houses. Everyday performers entertain people with a stunning cultural Thai and elephant show. All accessible to wheelchair users. Don't miss this oppurtunity when you visit Hua Hin or Bangkok.

This tour can easily be matched with the Floating market trip. We can provide you with an accurate time schedule for both tours.

Wheelchair tours, part two

2010-08-17T13:46:00.010+07:00

February 4, 2010.
Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak, Thailand.

For location look at our map for tours and trips.

This wheelchair tour starts early in the morning. The distance to this market is about 150 km from our accommodations in Hua Hin and the market starts and ends early. Around 11 am everything is finished and closed.

Years ago we have made this trip for the first time. We didn't know where to go but the driver did. This time we visited this market together with family and took a boat to float around. It was very busy. Maybe even worse than the traffic jam in Bangkok everyday.

This is a nice tour for wheelchair users and their company. Both can watch the hustle and bustle of the market either in their wheelchairs on the quay or in a boat. Or you can shop for souvenirs, have a bite (try the noodle soup) or a drink, buy some fruit and watch people going in and out the boats. Have a nice trip.

Wheelchairtours, part one.

2010-08-16T10:40:00.009+07:00

February 2, 2010.
Bangkok.

Thailand is known for his beautiful sights. All tour operators offer trips, but they don't offer wheelchair accessible tours. Backpackers can take the train, bus or the boat. Able bodied tourists can book a trip and join the group. People in wheelchairs have to take a minibus. Problem is to find a minivan for wheelchair users.

Guests of our accommodations will be offered a package of exclusive tours and trips to a variety of sights, events, shopping centers, etc. Tours in minivans with wheelchair fixations. Tours which we have checked personnally on accessibility for powered wheelchairs. We even know a few luxurious and well adapted hotels and resorts for an overnight stay. We have stayed there ourselves, we have pictures to show you and we can tell you about it first hand.

Laundry service included

2010-08-13T15:05:00.006+07:00

March 4, 2010.
Laundry service.

Thailand is a country with many shop who provide laundry service. Not only for hotels, guesthouses and restaurants but also for private persons who spend their holiday in Thailand or live here part of the year. These shops wash your cloths and your bed, bath and kitchen linen for just a few Baht.

Most of the time you can find a laundry shop around the corner. Some condominium buildings have their own laundry shop like Tira Tiraa. So you step out the door of our wheelchair accessible apartment, walk down the hall and just around the corner is the laundry shop.

But remember guests of our villa Coconut Grove, our apartment Tira Tiraa and Studio 74 don't have to bring their laundry / clothes to the laundry shop. Our housekeeper is providing this service for free.

Have a nice holiday in Hua Hin with access for disabled.

Shoes, fit to sit.

2010-08-11T19:39:00.007+07:00

March 5, 2005
Leather store.

During the past 30 years my shoes need amendments to keep my ankle straight. Normally in my home country this costs a lot of money. I have to buy a pair of leather boots myself. And I have to pay part of the amendments myself.

The first time I visitied Thailand I came accross this leatherstore in Hua Hin. The sign told me they make shoes, belts, wallets, jackets, etc. After a first visit I brought one of my shoes to the store. Within a few days they made a perfect copy including the amendments. And I was the proud owner of a new pair of leather boots, fit to sit in my wheelchair. Since then I go back wheever I need new shoes.

So in case you visit Thailand consider taking a pair of old shoes to make a copy.

Animal holiday homes for clothes

2010-08-10T07:55:00.006+07:00

February 28, 2005

Rashnee Thai Silk Village
181 Naebkhehars Rd, Hua Hin

Many countries in Asia are well known for tailor made clothes. So is Thailand. And therefor you can find many tailors in Hua Hin. Different material can be used. Wool, silk and all kind of combinations.

One of these tailor shops is next to Rashnee Thai Silk Village. An exhibition, hand craft shop, where you can see how silk is made. From the butterfly to her eggs, to the caterpillar, to the cocoon ( caterpillar holiday home ), and so on. Here you can watch how the fiber is woven to cloths.

This part is level and wheelchair accessible. It has some step stones which can make it a little bit difficult for manual wheelchairs. But I didn't check the last time. Maybe they improved their sight.

Afterwards you can have a look at the tailor shop and buy some clothes made to order. When I remember well this shop is not wheelchair accessible except when you have ramps with you.

This hand craft exhibition is in walking distance of Tira Tiraa apartment, which is adapted to disabled people and has wheelchair access.

Accessdisabled, Thailand Trains

2010-08-09T19:24:00.004+07:00

February 22, 2005.
Hua Hin train station.

The first time we were in Thailand we have visited Hua Hin Train station and the Royal Waiting Room. And every time we have visitors we show them the station. When you see pictures of Hua Hin you will always see this waiting room. Hua Hin is famous for this sight. Lovely to see. Back in time. And although wheelchair users can access the station the access to the trains is disabled.

We always tell people they have to take a look at the sign which points out where the wheelchair accessible toilet / restroom is. And the western world is debating the correct word for people in wheelchairs, impaired, etc. What is in a name?

Wildlife, rescue unnecessary.

2010-08-08T20:21:00.006+07:00

January 15, 2010.
Apartment Tira Tiraa,
wheelchair accessible.

To see Thai nature you don't have to visit the tropical forest. And let's be honest; it is fairly impossible to visit the Thai woods for wheelchair users. Paths and trails are not paved yet.

But even when you cannot visit the forest you can see Thai wildlife. Look at this animal. It is a garden fence lizard. Beautiful creature. Very shy. About 10 inch long. I was lucky I got his picture. Click to enlarge and click again to enlarge a second time. You will be amazed.

For other nice animals in and around houses in Hua Hin look at my picasa picture album.

Accessible sightseeing, locations mapped

2010-08-04T21:07:00.006+07:00

Wheelchair accessible things to do in Hua Hin, Thailand
weergeven op een grotere kaart
August 4, 2010.
Copyright Hanneke and Jan van der Linde

On this Blog we are writing a lot about sights in Hua Hin with wheelchair access, wheelchair accessible holiday villas, etc. And when you are traveling in a group they are planning the trips and know where the sights are.

In case you have arranged your own travel arrangements it is sometimes difficult to find these places. That is why we have mapped these locations like temples, fauna, beaches, market places, etc. Now you can find your own way in and around Hua Hin, even on your cell phone.

In the future we will be adding new sights which are accessible to disabled people as soon as we know.

Wheelchair accessible local markets

2010-08-03T21:41:00.006+07:00

May 28, 2010. Weekendmarket.

Hua Hin has several markets. Earlier we have described the local fresh market, the Chat Chai market. Another market with wheelchair access is the weekend market. This market is located between San Paolo Hospital and Villa Market supermarket, next to the Grand Hotel and the Thai Boxing Hall. It opens around 5 pm every day.

At this market people sell a lot of stuff like pants, shoes, trousers, shirts, watches, etc. But you can also try local food like fried grasshoppers or worms. The picture shows these animals. Thai people eat them like potatoe chips or peanuts. And at the countryside poor people eat them because it is a very good source of protein.

Don't worry. They prepare proper food too. At the right side of the market are a few simple open air restaurants which you can reach with a wheelchair very easily. They serve all kinds of food to a lot of people. We eat here regurlarly and never became sick. So in case you want to have a cheap dinner go here.

Pictures of accessible places to eat including this market can be found at this Webalbum.

Access to tigers and wheelchairs

2010-08-02T03:25:00.007+07:00

June 11, 2007. Tiger temple.

We don't like to watch animals in a zoo. We never goo to a zoo. But we care about animals in the wild. And we very much like the work of the monks in this temple. They try to prevent the tigers from extinction.

Since the time we have visited this temple a lot has changed. They have a website now where you can read what the monks do to save the tigers.

You can watch tigers, big and small. And like the picture show you can even touch them. Two men lifted Jan to the tiger. They didn't allow him to approach the tiger in his wheelchair. The tigers don't know the sound. So this may easily disturb them. Jan was amazed how big a tiger really is when you are that close to the animal. We have enjoyed our trip to this temple.

Do you want to got too? Here is the address.

"Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Forest Monastery"
(TIGER TEMPLE),
Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi Province, 71150;
THAILAND Tel: 034-531-557, Fax: 034-531-558

Thai Transport for disabled

2010-07-30T15:47:00.008+07:00

January 21, 2010 Elephant Village

Some disabled people say they can and they did and some handicapped didn't take a ride on an elephant. Truth is you have to decide for yourself. It is a non accessible attraction which is nice holiday fun for the family. I have tried once with my sister in law. You need a good balance and a little bit strength in your arms and/or legs.

A paraplegic took a ride. A few men lift him up the stairs and onto the elephant. He survived but is not going to take a ride again. His balance wasn't good enough and he stayed in his seat with help of a friend. But on the other hand when you are able to stand or even to walk a few steps then you can try.

When you decide to stay behind during the ride of your family members you can take a look around and talk to the people who run this place. They will tell you about the elephants, their age, their diet, etc. Or you can feed a baby elephant.