3 Days in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand as a Wheelchair User

Visiting Thailand has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, but honestly, the massively long flight from my home airport in Atlanta kept me from actually booking a trip of my own. However, the more that I watched videos of Thailand and heard about it, I couldn’t resist any longer. So, I finally decided to conquer that very very very long flight and I planned a trip to Thailand to celebrate my 35th birthday. As soon as the trip was booked, I was so excited and starting counting down the days until the trip in February. 

Sure, the flight was a total of 25 hours from takeoff in Atlanta to touchdown in Bangkok and that part of the trip wasn’t any fun, but I can confidently say that it was absolutely worth it. Over the course of 11 days, my mom, our friend Kayla, and I had the adventure of a lifetime! 

Our trip was organized by the company Nutty’s Adventures and I would highly recommend them. They flawlessly booked our accessible hotels (I’ll tell you all about where we stayed at the end of this blog post), provided wheelchair-friendly transportation, planned accessible activities for us, and we had a fantastic private guide. Nutty’s Adventures really took away all of our worries, so we were able to fully enjoy the trip! 

We visited several destinations in Thailand (read about our time in Hua Hin here and at an elephant sanctuary in Kanchanaburi here), but our trip started with a few days in Bangkok and the surrounding area, including a day trip to Ayutthaya, so I’ll cover our wheelchair accessible Bangkok and Ayutthaya experiences in this blog.

Wheelchair Accessible Bangkok Attractions & Things to Do

Bangkok has a population of over 11 million people within the city limits and there are over 17 million within the Bangkok metro area. It is a busy city and because of that, there are a plethora of attractions that you can enjoy. I only had a couple days in the city of Bangkok, but I was able to check out some of the best wheelchair accessible Bangkok attractions and things to do. Here are the places I’d recommend visiting once you make it to Bangkok: 

Admire the beauty of The Grand Palace

Without a doubt, The Grand Palace was my favorite place that I visited within Bangkok. It was established in 1782 by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty. It served as the official residence of the Thai kings for nearly 150 years, and over time, successive monarchs added to and renovated the palace. While no longer the primary royal residence, the Grand Palace remains a symbol of the Thai monarchy and a site for state ceremonies and royal traditions. 

The intricate details of the architecture were breathtaking, from the shimmering gold to the vibrant murals and gems. While some areas were, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible due to steps and uneven surfaces, our guide from Nutty’s Adventures was incredibly helpful and accommodating, pointing out accessible routes whenever possible. The vastness of the complex meant there was still plenty to see and appreciate from ground level.

One of the highlights was being able to get relatively close to the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Phra Kaew. Though the inner sanctum itself was elevated and I couldn’t go inside, the surrounding courtyards and galleries offered stunning views of the temple’s exterior. It was beautiful and honestly, I found that I didn’t even care about not being able to see the interior because the outside was so impressive.  

The accessibility of the outer courtyards and gardens was surprisingly good, with smooth pathways and ramps in many areas. However, some of the older sections had their original stone paving, which was a bit bumpy. My powered wheelchair handled it pretty well, but if you use a manual wheelchair, it may be a little more challenging and bumpy.

Despite the inherent limitations of a historic site, my visit at The Grand Palace was tremendously enjoyable. I left with an appreciation for Thai artistry and culture, and a collection of great photos. If you will be in Bangkok, this wheelchair accessible Bangkok attraction is definitely a must-do! 

Explore Bangkok’s Chinatown area

I have visited Chinatowns in various cities around the world, from New York to Tokyo, but Bangkok might have the best Chinatown I’ve ever visited. We spent about six hours exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown and honestly, I could’ve stayed even longer because it was such a fun area to roll around in. 

We started by wandering around the neighborhood known as Talat Noi. Its historic alleys are now a vibrant street art gallery, blending old and new, and this neighborhood is the “hip” part of Chinatown. Murals range from playful cartoons to detailed portraits, reflecting Thai and Chinese influences. Exploring Talat Noi felt like a treasure hunt, with art tucked around every corner. We took plenty of photos and admired the street art for quite a while. 

Talat Noi’s streets were smooth and I didn’t have any issues rolling around in my powered wheelchair. Occasionally, I had to move to the side of the street to let a vehicle pass, but it was predominantly a pedestrian area, so it was an enjoyable experience to just roll along the streets and see the art. 

Next, we walked/rolled to the main part of Chinatown, which was very crowded and busy. There are many restaurants and shops in Chinatown, but a lot of them that I saw did have a step to go inside, unfortunately. The sidewalks were smooth and had curb cuts, but the sidewalks were packed with people and street food vendors, so it was somewhat difficult to roll down the sidewalks in some places.

My favorite part of Chinatown was the Chinatown Market Chaloem Buri. Our visit to the Chaloem Buri Market in Chinatown was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, making it an immersive experience. The market’s energy was infectious, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to household goods and traditional Chinese medicines. The variety of products on display was astounding, and I was in awe around every corner. 

I particularly enjoyed watching the vendors skillfully preparing food and interacting with customers. It was a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of Bangkok’s Chinatown. The sensory overload was intense, but the experience was certainly memorable and it was one of my favorite experiences in Bangkok. We tried various foods, including mango sticky rice, and bought plenty of souvenirs. The market was easily wheelchair accessible with wide aisles. 

Bangkok’s Chinatown is absolutely worth exploring, no matter what your abilities are. There is so much to see and do in this part of the city, and you’re sure to be entertained for hours. Whether you want to visit during the day or at night for the Night Markets, there is always something to do in Chinatown! 

Shop and eat at River City Bangkok 

River City Bangkok provided a unique shopping experience, blending antiques, art, and beautiful riverside views. Instead of typical retail stores, I found curated shops filled with artifacts and art galleries showcasing impressive collections. This was a nice indoor location to spend a couple hours at on a hot day. 

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The mall is mostly wheelchair accessible, making it easy to navigate the main corridors and galleries. However, it’s worth noting that some individual restaurants and shops have a small step at their entrance, which could pose a challenge. I wasn’t able to enter some of the restaurants, but we found a great wheelchair accessible restaurant called Viva Aviv, where we had some delicious Pad Thai with waterfront views. 

The mall’s location on the Chao Phraya River provided a constant backdrop of vibrant river activity. I enjoyed pausing to watch the boats pass by and appreciated the outdoor dining options that capitalized on the scenic views. The combination of artifacts within the mall and the modern river scene made for a perfect location to do some shopping and eating. 

Beyond the shopping, the focus on art was evident. River City Bangkok is a refreshing alternative to standard malls, offering a cultural and visually appealing, and largely wheelchair accessible, experience. River City is open seven days per week from 10am-8pm.  

Roll on the popular Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a relatively short street in central Bangkok that has become a legendary backpacker hub and a vibrant tourist destination. It’s renowned for its lively and chaotic atmosphere, offering a blend of budget-friendly accommodations, street food, bustling markets, and a diverse mix of international travelers and locals. 

Khao San Road was an absolute whirlwind of energy and sensory overload, a truly unforgettable experience. Navigating the crowds in my wheelchair took some maneuvering, but the vibrancy of the street made it worthwhile. The number of street vendors was incredible; I loved browsing their many items and picking up unique souvenirs for myself, and friends and family back home. Haggling was part of the fun, and I felt like I was getting a real taste of Bangkok’s street culture.

I had some nice interactions with locals, who were very friendly. Most vendors were accommodating and made space for me to shop. Of course, when I needed a familiar respite, the ever-reliable 7/11 was a welcome sight, offering cool drinks and snacks. And yes, I admit to indulging in a bit of comfort food at a McDonald’s on Khao San Road. If you visit McDonald’s in Thailand, be sure to try a corn pie, which is surprisingly delicious!

My experience was overwhelmingly positive. Khao San Road is a must-see for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Bangkok’s lively street scene. It’s a chaotic, colorful, and captivating slice of Bangkok life. 

A Wheelchair Accessible Ayutthaya Day Trip

Since Ayutthaya is only a one hour drive from Bangkok, we decided to do a day trip to check out some of Ayutthaya’s attractions and experiences. This day trip ended up being one of my favorite days of our entire Thailand trip, so I would urge you to visit this special place. Here are some of the wheelchair accessible Ayutthaya attractions and experiences that we enjoyed:

Explore the ruins of Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat, located in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, is a historically significant Buddhist temple complex that dates back to the 18th century. It was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, serving as a royal temple and a center for Buddhist monastic life. In Thailand, there are many temples that you can see, but this one is one of the most impressive, and one of the most wheelchair-friendly. 

The site is most famous for its iconic Buddha head entwined within the roots of a large tree, a captivating image that symbolizes the passage of time and the resilience of faith. However, there are many other sights worth seeing at Wat Mahathat as well, and I can assure you that your camera roll will be nearly full by the time you depart this wonderful place. 

As a wheelchair user, I found the site surprisingly accessible. The paths were generally smooth and ramps had been thoughtfully placed to navigate the slight changes in elevation, allowing me to explore most of the ruins with ease. I was able to get close to the famous Buddha head, a truly awe-inspiring sight, and see Wat Mahathat almost in its entirety. The scale of the remaining structures, the intricate brickwork, and the serene atmosphere created a sense of wonder for a couple hours.

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Exploring the various structures was a journey through history, and I appreciated the opportunity to witness the remnants of such a powerful kingdom. The accessibility of Wat Mahathat allowed me to immerse myself in the experience, despite the challenges that some historical sites can present. It was a testament to the effort put into preserving and sharing Thailand’s cultural heritage with everyone.

If you’d like to visit Wat Mahathat, it is open every day of the week from 8:30am-6:30pm. Admission costs only 50 Thai Baht (about $1.50) per adult, so it is a great deal. You’ll also find souvenir shops and a cafe here though, so plan to bring extra money with you.

See the Reclining Buddha Sai Yat

After exploring Wat Mahathat, we made a quick 15-minute stop at the Reclining Buddha Sai Yat in Ayutthaya. It was only about a ten-minute drive from Wat Mahathat and despite the short visit, the sight of the immense Buddha, peacefully reclining, was incredibly impressive. At over 130 feet long and more than 25 feet high, it definitely has a WOW factor!

With my wheelchair, I was able to easily access and appreciate the sheer scale of the magnificent statue. The smooth pathways and gentle ramps made navigating the site a breeze, allowing me to roll right up to the base of the reclining Buddha. 

While my visit was brief, I can confidently say that the Reclining Buddha Sai Yat is absolutely worth a stop. It’s a powerful and accessible glimpse into Ayutthaya’s rich Buddhist heritage, and even a short 15-minute visit leaves a lasting impression.  

Get a Sak Yant Tattoo at Wat Chom Ket

One thing that I really wanted to do in Thailand (it was actually a big bucket list item for me) was get a Sak Yant tattoo. I have over a dozen tattoos, but I’ve always wanted a Sak Yant tattoo (also known as a “poke tattoo”) because it’s one of the most unique tattoo styles in the world and it is a distinctive Thai tradition. 

Before my trip to Thailand, I told the kind people at Nutty’s Adventures about my desire to get a Sak Yant tattoo. It took a while for them to find a wheelchair accessible option, but they finally found one in Ayutthaya. So, after exploring ruins and seeing the Reclining Buddha, we headed to the Wat Chom Ket temple, where Kayla and I would get our Sak Yant tattoos (we tried to talk my mom into getting one, but it didn’t work). 

Since there were only steps to get inside Wat Chom Ket, where they normally do the tattoos, a former monk did our tattoos outside. It was very sanitary and he did a fantastic job. The session started with him saying a prayer and then, he started tattooing me with the needle. He did it all by hand (there was no outline or stencil of the tattoo on me), so he just moved the needle around with no guidance except his brain and hands. It was honestly remarkable to watch him do it. I was amazed. 

I got a tattoo known as the “Yantra of the Five Buddhas”, and it symbolizes protection, prosperity, happiness, and more. At the end of my session, he prayed over my new tattoo and asked for it to protect me. Once he finished praying over it, I had to go to a different monk and give an offering. In exchange for the tattoo, I gave the equivalent of $12, some flowers, and a pack of cigarettes. The cigarettes were a bit surprising, but that’s what the monk wanted. 

The monk sprinkled me with holy water and prayed over me, and it was a beautiful experience honestly. I even got a little teary-eyed at one point because I just couldn’t believe that I was finally in Thailand having this experience. It was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life and the perfect ending to my day in Ayutthaya. 

You can watch a short video about my Sak Yant tattoo experience below –

Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Bangkok

While in Bangkok, we stayed in two different hotels. We stayed at the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside for the first few days of our trip in Thailand, and then we stayed at The Sukosol Hotel for our last night in Thailand. Here are my reviews of both of these wheelchair accessible Bangkok hotels:

Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside 

We started our time in Thailand by staying at the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside. This hotel sits riverside and has a great in-house restaurant, which we dined at a couple times. It also had a spa and a gorgeous outdoor pool, but unfortunately, there wasn’t a pool access lift for easier transfers into the water. 

In our wheelchair accessible room, the bed was a bit low for me (it was about 19 inches tall), but the staff brought us an extra mattress to place on top of a bed, which brought it up to a perfect-for-me 27 inches tall. There was not enough clearance under the bed for a hoyer lift. 

In the bathroom, there was a roll-in shower with smooth entry, and a handheld shower sprayer with a fixed bench seat. There was a pull-under sink as well and grab bars were located by the toilet. The bathroom was perfect for my needs. 

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I would rate the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside a 7.5 out of 10. Although it was perfect for what we needed after an adjustment, and the customer service was excellent, I do feel like there’s room for improvements. If the bed could accommodate a hoyer lift and if ALL guests could access the swimming pool, it would be amazing.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside or would like to check rates for a stay of your own at this wheelchair accessible Bangkok hotel, just click here. 

The Sukosol Hotel

For the last night of our trip, before heading to the airport for our departure, we stayed at The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok. This is a 5-star hotel and it has multiple restaurants and a spa on-site. I absolutely loved this hotel and I would certainly return for another stay the next time I’m in Bangkok. 

In our wheelchair accessible room, there were three single beds. Two of the beds were 25 inches tall and the other one was a bit lower. There was plenty of clearance underneath them for a hoyer lift. I was also really impressed with how spacious the room was. 

In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower with smooth entry. A bench was in the shower and a handheld shower wand was available. The bathroom was perfect for my needs, as was the entire room. 

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The Sukosol Hotel was phenomenal, from the accessibility to the customer service, and I would give it a 9 out of 10. If you are interested in learning more about this wheelchair accessible Bangkok hotel or want to check rates, just check out their website here. 

Bangkok is an incredible city and I loved that I was able to enjoy so many of its offerings as a wheelchair user. It was a great trip and I already cannot wait to return and experience even more of the city. If you have never visited Bangkok, or even if you already have, hopefully you can plan a trip soon now that you have more ideas of wheelchair accessible Bangkok and Ayutthaya attractions & things to do! 

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