sonars

Hi LilWilly, Firstly I'd listen to Lemons quote above 'if you never go... you'll never know!" Secondly though you must be totally aware of how wheelchair unfriendly Pattaya really is. It's an absolute nightmare and I really hope that you can find an attendant as soon as you can get out of the taxi. I don't live in Pattaya but have visited my Dad there every year since 1998. For the last three years we have taken our young kiddies who are now 1year 10months and 3year 10 months. We take an 18" wide pushchair with us and it's really hard work and makes me appreciate how a wheelchair user would struggle. The biggest problem will be the massive curbs. I reckon that some must be over 10" tall with no drop curbs in sight. Then you've got the condition of the pavements (sidewalks?) to consider. They'll be extremely un-even with slabs missing and large open holes left by workmen. The pavements will also be really crowded with pedestrians and market stalls and vendors. Even when the pavements are in good order they'll be a telephone/electricity blocking your way. Imagine this: You've just managed to get up a 10" curb on Beach Road. The pavements starts to get very narrow (maybe down to 36"). There's tightly parked cars to one side of you and a wall to the other. You then see a telephone post right in the middle of the pavement. You can't get by on the pavement; you can't go around it so you've got to go back a couple of hundred yards to the 10" curb! Don't get me wrong. I love Pattaya and you should make every effort to experience it for yourself. I just worry that you are going to end up stranded at your hotel with just a hotel worker checking in on you. I would strongly advise that you arrange an experienced and physically capable attendant for the duration of your stay. I'm able bodied and have found Pattaya to be extremely frustrating and I think it would be nearly impossible to get around in a wheel chair without some serious help. I hope you've found this helpful as I didn't want put a dampener on your trip. You WILL be able to have a great time in a fantastic place but please consider arranging some decent/strong help to be there when you arrive. Perhaps some of the forum members could scan the Pattaya Mail for you? I'm there from the 6th - 22nd of January and am counting the days. All the best and have a great time! Sonars