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What is happening in the arena of accessible traveling in Vietnam? More and more countries worldwide promulgate accessibility laws for people with disabilities. Spacious walkways, disabled-friendly public transport and no-sweat access to tourist attractions, stores, and ramped hotels are way being developed in such cities. Though Vietnam is still on its way towards building an outstanding accessible tourism platform, with excellent and care-full planning, enjoyment is not an impossibility. The key is to prepare like a pro. It simply means cover all your bases. Months before your trip; research, inquire, reserve.
Scroll down for some tiptop tips to enjoy wheelchair traveling in Vietnam with Ethnic Voyage Vietnam:
Best of all, have faith. Have a joyful attitude. Have a thankful heart for every experience set before you. You are boundless by the possibilities the world puts on your plate. Enjoy every minute!
Special privileges have been promulgated under the law for people with disabilities. This is a form of protection from unjust and dehumanized treatment in public places within the society. Be it on transacting with an airline, hotel, eatery, tourist spots, or transport provider, know that you have rights to equal access in Vietnam and in other continents of the world. Why do you have to know your rights? It is advisable so that you know what to exercise and give you the courage to protest in circumstances when you are tried and in places where they are not supported. Best to print the important portions of these laws out, and keep them handy wherever you go. When things unexpectedly fail, you can stand up for yourself and report violations to the authorities, particularly the Department of Justice.
Be realistic and reasonable with what you can and cannot accomplish. Accessible traveling in Vietnam is an outright adventure and a fulfillment every time you venture into one. It’s filled with going beyond and going forth. It’s not about cowardice or fearful introspection but being true to yourself. It’s embracing the truth when limitations are the reality. Train traveling for one is not an easy turf yet. Going up the Sapa terraces may pose harsh difficulty.
Be realistic and reasonable with what you can and cannot accomplish. Accessible traveling in Vietnam is an outright adventure and a fulfillment every time you venture into one. It’s filled with going beyond and going forth. It’s not about cowardice or fearful introspection but being true to yourself. It’s embracing the truth when limitations are the reality. Train traveling for one is not an easy turf yet. Going up the Sapa terraces may pose harsh difficulty.
After having a physical check-up before your travel, ensure your health is well-prepared. Aside from your medications, bring your vitamins and energy boosts. Never let yourself go dehydrated, pack a bottle of water wherever you go. Be sensitive to your body’s quirks and irks. Do not let it slide when you feel something unusual. Health is wealth. Accessible traveling in Vietnam must, therefore, be equipped with a “wealthy body.”
Do not ever forget your medications. Bringing extra is a must. Be farsighted. Sometimes, a flight can get delayed. You cannot guarantee if your prescribed meds are available on this side of the planet that you land into.
Communicating with your loved ones is easier with data on hand. Mobile data is very pocket-friendly in Vietnam. Safest to buy at the airport upon alighting. Viettel Sim Cards are most trusted and can work in Laos and Cambodia. Coverage and speed are mostly 3G, but 4G/LTE was made available last year on 1800 MHz in the main cities and has been rolled out countrywide.
People, whether locals or tourists, will inevitably give you a stare. Regardless, try to give them your best smile and do not mind. Bear in mind that nothing can hinder you to see the world, especially the majesty of Vietnam including its people. The locals are a hospitable and helpful lot. They will go out of their way to assist in any way.
Find out the vernacular keywords for your condition. Best to know the words “ I can’t walk, Where is..?, How much..?” so you can express yourself in their own language. Confusion and miscommunication can be minimized if you do so. Accessible traveling in Vietnam includes knowing the local language, too!
If you can, best to travel buddy system. Accessible traveling in Vietnam means bringing someone with you who can assist while you ride taxis or vans, cross streets and find your way up the lifts. Though truly a friendly city, the sensitivities for blind travelers in Vietnam are challenging, considering traffic from all angles. Motorbikes are mostly everywhere. Just crossing the main thoroughfares in Hanoi and Saigon is a toughie for 20:20 visionists. What more for the visually limited. A buddy with sighted vision is a big check.
Foresightedness is key. Book your trips, especially your rides in advance. At the very least, make sure you book your transportation upon arrival from your airport to the hotel. Avoid waiting for three hours getting an accessible transport at the airport. Physical restiveness counts the moment you arrive at your destination. Ensconcing yourself in a fluffy pillow off your hotel bed, before you snooze minutes after a flight; is not a luxury but a right you so deserve.
Accessible traveling in Vietnam spells diligence. Before you book, extensively know the detailed infrastructure of your hotel room or studio. Some budget, midrange and 5-star hotels have lifts, others have none. Some doorways are narrowly built. If the width of your wheelchair is more than 60cm, you may find it challenging to enter. Homestays may not readily provide special needs. Inquire on your specific requirement before final booking.
Let them do the travel arrangements for you. There are accessible day tours or long-day escapades in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Danang and other bustling cities of Vietnam. We, at Vietnam Inbound, have a set of ready-made tours for you. But we can tailor-fit it to your preference for your comfort and condition.
If you need more infos about accessible travel, please contact us at anytime, together we will make it happen