August 2026 - Page 2 of 2 - The Wheelchair Traveller

Day 9 (Koh Yao Yai) – Longtail Boat Excursion

No trip to Southern Thailand would be complete without cruising around a few islands on a traditional Longtail boat. Unfortunately, as of 2026, no known wheelchair accessible Longtail boats are available, especially on islands such as Koh Yao Yai. However, it is possible to drive an accessible vehicle to the pier where locals are willing to assist in any way possible, for example carrying ones manual wheelchair onboard if needed…

It appears that a standard ‘package’ from Koh Yao Yai includes activities such as snorkeling, however, one can skip this and simply enjoy the surroundings with a Thai meal. One may visit Monkey Island also where it is possible to admire various monkeys from the boat…

With Thailands growing tourism industry in addition to notable accessibility improvements, it seems only a matter of time before a wheelchair accessible Longtail boat becomes available.

Day 8 (Koh Yao Yai) – Koh Yao Elephant Care & House

For ethical related reasons, one has always been uncomfortable visiting elephant type attractions. However, Koh Yao Elephant Care & House had 4 stars hence one thought it would be worth a try. The attraction (approximately 40 minutes drive from ones hotel) is wheelchair accessible providing one doesn’t mind a little rough ground and offers ‘packages’ where one can feed, bathe etc two elephants followed by a Thai meal. Of course, one simply wanted to observe from a distance…

Granted, these elephants have been born into captivity and need funding for their care, however the question still remains, is it ethical to fund this through ‘performing’ to tourists?

Day 7 (Koh Yao Yai) – Royal Yao Yai Island Beach Resort

Fully accessible hotels on Thai islands such as Koh Yao Yai are very limited if not non-existent. It is for this reason that wheelchair users need to be a little creative with hotels such as the Royal Yao Yai Island Beach Resort. Despite having zero ‘wheelchair accessible’ rooms, a standard room has ample turning space and one can request for a plastic chair to be placed in the shower…

Ramps are present throughout the resort (albeit a little steep!) as one would expect. One must say that the views from the breakfast and restaurant area are spectacular…

As one visited during ‘low season’, the hotel restaurant had a very limited menu meaning that it was necessary to exit the resort. However, several restaurants are wheelchair accessible and within a 10 minute walk of the resort.

Day 6 (Thailand) – Ferry to Koh Yao Yai

If one was to Google whether the islands of Thailand are wheelchair accessible, a large proportion will either say no or recommend places like Phuket. This is due to passenger ferries being inaccessible to wheelchair users, however, there is another way. A little known vehicle ferry runs once a day from Phuket to Krabi (and vice versa) via the islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. Indeed, this ferry appears to be used for the transportation of supplies, however, as one learnt in Greece, vehicle ferries mean accessibility…

As one mentioned, this ferry route appears to be primarily for supplies rather than to accommodate passengers. This means wheelchair users have two options, sit in the van with a limited view or, if one is able to, climb a set of stairs for a panoramic view…

The ferry crossing from Phuket takes around a hour or two hours from Krabi and very much opens up the possibility for wheelchair users to explore a Thai island.

Day 5.5 (Thailand) – Sirinart Rajini Ecosystem Learning Center

Just under a hours from the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk lies the Sirinart Rajini Ecosystem Learning Center which aims to preserve mangrove ecosystems.

It is worth noting that the center closes at 16:30pm, however, one was lucky enough to explore just before closing time. One of the main draws to the center is its wheelchair accessible boardwalk which meanders its way through a section of preserved mangrove forest. Although short, it still gives one a taste of what it is like to explore such forest…

Both the Sirinart Rajini Ecosystem Learning Center and the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk are within a 90 minute drive of Hua Hin hence making a perfect day trip.

Day 5 (Thailand) – Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk

Before we delve into this attraction, it needs to be noted that despite the location being on the fringes of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, one must travel directly rather than the visitor centre who may inform you that none of said National Park is wheelchair accessible.

The Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk spans across a large nature reserve and wetland home to a wide array of species. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk meanders its way through this…

Towards the end of the boardwalk sits an observation tower which is not wheelchair accessible, however it does provide spectacular views from the top…

Wheelchair users should also be prudent as some planks may contain holes!

N.B. For the remainder of the journey through Thailand, one is utilising a van from BB Travels who are, let’s say, more on the adventurous side!

Month: August 2026