Problems for Disabled Travelers Visiting Chiang Mai

Facilities for the disabled are not existent in Chiang Mai. Mid-range and upper hotels do have ramps and wider elevators, but once you hit the outside things get pretty demanding.

• Pavements and sidewalks with high kerbs
• Pot holes of varying size - ranging from cereal bowl to meteor craters
• Telephone boxes and pylons
• Someone's parked motorbike or car
• Street vendor carts
• And the list goes on

Chiang Mai sidewalks are not suited for the disabled. It used to be that people in wheelchairs used the roads to get around but nowadays this is not recommended.

Chiang Mai's public transport service, privately owned pick-up trucks that never seem to be going where you are, are not known for their assistance in helping passengers board or disembark.

A Tuk Tuk, however, would have ample room for a couple of passengers and a folding chair, and the driver would be more than willing to help getting in and out. Don't be afraid to ask. Thais will gladly oblige when asked for help.

Chiang Mai now also has a fleet of modern taxis.

Might be an idea to find out which hotels have easy access before you arrive. Hotel staff can phone in advance and make necessary inquiries about restaurants, etc. Shopping malls and markets are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs.