Thailand forum

Gimp-tastic SE Asia

amazonian

newbie
Posts: 4

So I'm scheduled to take off on a two month backpacking trip of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos on March 2, and the day before yesterday I broke my foot. I have a half cast/split thing now, will get a full cast this week, and can't put ANY weight on it for at least 4 weeks, so I'm on crutches. My doc says I should be able to get my cast off in four weeks or so. Canceling the trip isn't really an option as my teaching contract/visa/health insurance here in Korea expire at the end of the month and I have to move out of my apartment, so I'd spend way more staying here in Korea than I will in SE Asia and here will likely be bored out of my mind.

Obviously, my original plan (BKK-Pai-slow boat to Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng-4,000 islands-Ratanakiri-Phnom Penh-Siem Riep-Koh Chang...)isn't going to happen. I figure I need to get myself to a beachside bungalow on one of Thailand's islands and just chill until I can get my cast off, and then take on the joys of Laos/Cambodia overland travel when I at least can sort of walk.

Usually I try to stay outside of the backpacker ghettos, but in this case I think that's what I need: lots of amenities close by, cheap food, places showing movies during the day, etc. I'm usually a pretty active traveler, but this trip will have to be a bit different.

So, does anyone have any recommendations for a good place to wait out the healing process in Thailand? I was just in Koh Phangan for Christmas- would like to go someplace else. Also, any recommendations for a chill guesthouse (in BKK or on an island) with cheap rooms (on the first floor), and a social atmosphere since I'll be spending most of my time there? If it has WiFi, it'd seal the deal. Any ideas of things I can do/see in the area while on crutches?

Also, if anyone has advice/experience on traveling the region with limited mobility, I'd love to hear it. Are there places on the above itinerary that I just shouldn't attempt with a bum foot? I'm trying not to let this ruin my plans, but I also need to be realistic on what I can and can't do.

Thanks!

#1 Posted: 21/2/2010 - 12:03
Thaiman

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 201

Private message

How about staying in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok?Don't know of any guesthouses in the area but I'm pretty sure there would be a couple.Plenty of hotels,tourists,bars[if you like a beer] for company and you've got the Skytrain and Subway in the area.Lots of Internet places as well.Downside is, it's probably a bit expensive compared to other areas.

#2 Posted: 21/2/2010 - 14:34
amazonian

newbie
Posts: 4

Thanks, Thaiman. I stayed in Sukhumvit the last time I was in BKK and loved it. It was super convenient to public transport. And yes, bars are good because a) I heart beer, and b) I can meet and chat with people while staying in one place. What island would you recommend? I'm thinking Koh Tao or Koh Chang, simply because I know nothing about the smaller islands that might have more to offer.

#3 Posted: 21/2/2010 - 15:38
sirhalberd

adventurer
Posts: 264

How much do you want to spend per night on a "cheap" place?

Is 600 baht a night for a room with air and private toilet cheap or do you need cheaper? You can get some hotels, although small, in the 600 baht range in the Sukhumvit Road area.

Here is a guest house you can look over.
http://www.soi1guesthouse.com/location.htm

Happy Inn Hotel is on Sukhumvit Soi 4, same side of the road as the Nana Hotel but further up but before you reach the Ibis. Outside doesn't look promising but the rooms are okay at 600 baht for air and private toilet. Other hotels in the 600-700 baht range are on this soi just up the road from this Happy Inn. Swann Inn and the White Orchid Inn are two of these places.

You can find hotels even cheaper in Pattaya City. Bus ride from Ekamai is around 113 baht for the 2 hour ride. Koh Larn Island is an island that is off of Pattaya Beach. Only 30 baht for the ferry ride from Bali Hai pier.

Good luck.

#4 Posted: 22/2/2010 - 02:53
sirhalberd

adventurer
Posts: 264

I don't know if "Amazonian" is a male or female but if you are female then the Suk 11 Hostel is popular with women. On Sukhumvit Soi 11.
http://www.suk11.com/

The Atlanta Hotel is also popular with women and family groups. Near the Landmark Hotel and even a church.
http://www.theatlantahotelbangkok.com/caveat.php

Good luck.

#5 Posted: 22/2/2010 - 03:02
amazonian

newbie
Posts: 4

Soi 1 Guesthouse was where I stayed my last time in BKK. The owner was super helpful and I'd support him again were it not for the stairs factor, and the fact that beers are extremely overpriced. 80 baht for a small Chang? Pfft.

I was hoping to go a bit cheaper. My budget is $20-$25/day. I can probably spend a bit more on accommodation than I'd planned due to how limited my activities are going to be, but I'm perfectly content with a shack and a hammock. I stayed at the Jolly Frog in Kanchanaburi for 200 a night and Julie's in Chiang Mai at 180, and those, while not the most stylishly appointed, were more than adequate and made up for it in atmosphere.

I will have to stay in BKK when medical treatment demands it, but as soon as I reasonably can I hope to get out of the city and to the kind of chill place where I can easily lose days at a time swinging in a hammock. And since I will be sans insurance at that point, I'll only be going to the doc when I absolutely have to, like to get my cast cut off.

I'm a lady, the extremely tall kind. :) Thanks for all your help, sirhalberd!

#6 Posted: 22/2/2010 - 07:31
Karlap

backpacker
Posts: 12

Hey Amazonian,

I am also going to be in Thailand in early March (starting March 5th) and I am going because my contract in Korea is up on the third. I am going to Koh Samet which isn't too far from Bangkok compared with other islands. I have heard its quite nice with plenty of things to do- although I am not too sure about "gimp"-friendly activities. I realize you asked about islands and I thought I'd suggest this one. So sorry to hear about your foot! Thats a bummer!

#7 Posted: 22/2/2010 - 12:51
sirhalberd

adventurer
Posts: 264

One of the places on this link might be close enough to your price.

Orchid group of hotels:
http://www.staywithorchid.com/

The Happy Inn Hotel is 600 baht for a room with air, private toilet/shower and TV. There is an elevator available. Internet shop on first floor as you enter. Outside doesn't look too good but hotel rooms are not that bad. Between the Nana Hotel and the Ibis Hotel. Close to the soi 6 connector. The Orchid Inn is next door. (Buy your beer at the Seven Eleven nearby.)

Good luck.

#8 Posted: 6/3/2010 - 05:17
sirhalberd

adventurer
Posts: 264

Whoops! Let me back up here.

I am not sure if the which Orchid places has an elevator or not. Sorry! You can use their map to find the Happy Inn where I know for a fact that they have an elevator!

You could email the Orchid group and ask about a lift.

OK

#9 Posted: 6/3/2010 - 05:23