Only a few years back accessible travel specialists struggled to recommend much of Asia to those with additional needs, but now progress is finally gathering pace.
While challenges certainly remain, especially in older cities and more remote, rural regions where paths are often cobbled or uneven, there are now positive pockets of accessible tourism and specialist tours across the region. Where facilities are less evolved, increasingly well-informed hospitality workers will work hard to support the needs of individual travellers.
Improving access
Among destinations leading the way is Singapore, often cited as one of the most accessible cities in the world. Almost all tourist attractions are suitable for disabled visitors and public buses are increasingly wheelchair-friendly too. The Zoo and the Gardens by the Bay rank highly for ease.
Neighbouring Kuala Lumpur has also been working on its accessibility infrastructure and developing accessibility guides to aid planning. Attractions such as the PETRONAS Twin Towers, KL City Center Park, Aquaria, Merdeka Square, and the City Gallery all have smooth paths, lifts, and accessible toilets, and around 80% of pavements now have drop kerbs. The city’s Light Rail System and buses are also wheelchair accessible.
In Korea, where technology and innovation are key drivers, accessibility is evident early. The Airport Express and Metro infrastructure are fully wheelchair accessible and most stations have lifts. Welcoming hotspots include the main tourist and shopping district, Myeong-dong, the Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum and the War Memorial of Korea.
A helping hand
For Japan, accessible-japan.com provides a wealth of information on accessible hotels, tours and attractions, as well as help in renting hoists or wheelchairs if needed. Dropped kerbs and new wheelchair accessible taxis aid acccessibility in key cities.
While larger resorts and top attractions provide useful and user-friendly facilities, travellers to Thailand are best supported by local specialists as accessibility is not always certain without pre-planning. Tripseed, which has been leading the way in Thailand for accessible tours and experiences, has recently become a member of the Social Enterprise Thailand Association which is driving social change in the country.
Ewan Cluckie
Director of Growth at Tripseed
We need to make the industry much more equitable, diverse and inclusive and we’re doing that in Thailand by developing products specifically for elderly and disabled travellers, which will help those with disabilities overcome the barriers to travel.
What change is needed?
We have to go far beyond the basics of just labelling what accommodation is wheelchair friendly, so we do extensive accessibility audits on properties, tour locations and transport – to evaluate everything from ramp inclinations, availability of grab bars, manoeuvrability clearance and many other aspects. With this information we can advise agents and partners on the most suitable options depending on client needs.
What products are popular?
Our thrilling tours of Bangkok in a fully electric Tuk-Tuk adapted for wheelchairs is one example and we also have snorkelling and diving experiences and tours through 200 acres of botanical gardens.
Is independent travel possible?
Touring with a guide will always make life easier, and we look beyond physical disabilities to offer specialised guides trained in sign languages and able to assist those with audio-visual impairments.
