Thailand – July 2026

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.

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.

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!

Railways in Thailand (Thai Railways) are perceived by many to be inaccessible to wheelchair users. Granted, there are still obstacles as of 2026, however it is clear that Thai Railways are making a significant investment. To a wheelchair user wishing to traverse one of Thailands main arterial routes. Not only has a handful of stations been rebuilt with elevators, a large proportion of smaller stations now possess higher platforms to enable level boarding (with a ramp to bridge the gap) plus entrance and exit ramps, what more could one want!

One took the CNR Sleeper from Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Hua Hin. One must say that the former is fairly large in size but easy enough to navigate including level boarding…

After many calls, it was determined that the CNR is yet to possess a dedicated wheelchair space. This leaves one with two options; transfer to a normal seat or sit in the luggage area. The latter is not as awful as it sounds as a large window is present providing one doesn’t mind air conditioning…

It most be said that Thai Railway staff are incredibly helpful also. For example, when reaching Hua Hin, station staff realised that one couldn’t get off due to a pole blocking the ramp. To overcome this, the train simply moved forward.

It is hoped that CNR will gain new rolling stock in the future to become truly wheelchair accessible.

Once the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the historic city of Ayutthaya has now become an UNESCO World Heritage Site. As multiple sites are located across the city, one utilised Wheelchair Holidays Thailand to be the transport between. A large proportion of the sites contain ancient ruins and temples, the latter of which are not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the structures, however, one can still marvel from the exterior…

In regards to navigating the ancient ruins, many sites do have wheelchair accessible routes with ramps etc, however, these are not always clear thus one may need eagle eyes. In addition, a few ramps may surprise, take speed humps for example…

Considering visits to various UNESCO Heritage Sites as a wheelchair user across the world, Ayutthaya pleasantly surprised. Definitely worth a visit.