The Mon Bridge, Sangkhlaburi

[Big Boy]

Before I ask my question, I have looked at buksida's very informative/comprehensive report from 2017 viewtopic.php?f=7&t=35359

I am starting to plan my next mini-adventure, and I have decided the highlight should be pushing Mrs BB in her wheelchair over The Mon Bridge in Sangkhlaburi. However, the question nobody seems to be able to answer is, "Will I be allowed to take a wheelchair over the bridge?" If the answer is no, then I will simply look elsewhere.

Google is certainly not my friend this time. I need a tourist office or something similar just to confirm it will be allowed. I have tried the Kanchanaburi Tourist Office, but no response yet (God forbid if they actually helped foreign tourists ), We even had a friend go there a few weeks ago, but the best I got from him was it should be possible, but it will probably be a bit bumpy. I won't be sat in the chair, so bumps aren't a problem.

Can anybody help with a tourist information centre in that part of the world, or even have a definitive answer for me please?

[sateeb]

https://thailandtourismdirectory.go.th/ ... ction/2802

Shows disabled facilities and Cart(sic) access

[joelle]

Before I ask my question, I have looked at buksida's very informative/comprehensive report from 2017 viewtopic.php?f=7&t=35359

I am starting to plan my next mini-adventure, and I have decided the highlight should be pushing Mrs BB in her wheelchair over The Mon Bridge in Sangkhlaburi. However, the question nobody seems to be able to answer is, "Will I be allowed to take a wheelchair over the bridge?" If the answer is no, then I will simply look elsewhere.

Google is certainly not my friend this time. I need a tourist office or something similar just to confirm it will be allowed. I have tried the Kanchanaburi Tourist Office, but no response yet (God forbid if they actually helped foreign tourists ), We even had a friend go there a few weeks ago, but the best I got from him was it should be possible, but it will probably be a bit bumpy. I won't be sat in the chair, so bumps aren't a problem.

Can anybody help with a tourist information centre in that part of the world, or even have a definitive answer for me please?

Below is how the bridge looked like 6 months ago so you can have an idea, might be a bumpy ride but feasible
Also maybe you could phone the number on the last picture hopefully they can help

[Big Boy]

Thank you for that sateeb, it certainly gives me hope.

Unfortunately, that listing looks very similar to the listing that told me our hotel in Koh Samui was disability friendly, and our hotel in Buriram had an elevator. TIT - I'm learning the hard way.

Visiting the Mon Bridge should be visited early in the morning, especially from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

That sounds a bit scary i.e. I think the PM should read AM if the rest of the piece is to make sense. I guess it'll be visit the bridge, and then go for breakfast

[Big Boy]

Thank you joelle, as well. It actually does look a lot better than any 850m stretch of Petchkasem in terms of pushing the wheelchair.

I'll leave it for a couple of days to see what other responses I get, but yes, that phone could be invaluable.

[joelle]

Just another idea, you could contact a tour operator surely they should know
Here after just one that I saw on Google but there are many others

[Big Boy]

Thanks for that joelle - we know a tour guide, who I'm sure has been there. Will ask her as well.

[joelle]

Thanks for that joelle - we know a tour guide, who I'm sure has been there. Will ask her as well.

I asked my daughter who has a friend who is a tour guide in the Kanchanaburi area and he gave this answer :
《It is possible to use a wheelchair on the Môn bridge but it will be necessary to carry the wheelchair at the beginning of the bridge and at the end because there are obstacles to prevent motorcycles from circulating on it.
Otherwise once on the bridge, no problem at all to cross with a wheelchair》☺☺

[Big Boy]

Thank you for that. Mrs BB can manage short distances, and I have to carry the chair around 4 obstacles at Khao Tao Lake each day, so not a problem.

[joelle]

Thank you for that. Mrs BB can manage short distances, and I have to carry the chair around 4 obstacles at Khao Tao Lake each day, so not a problem.

[handdrummer]

I'd be more concerned about the structure holding up the bridge.

[HHTel]

Opened in 1987 so it's been going for a while. But not without set-backs. there have been collapses reported over the last few years. However, statistically, it's relatively safe.
It's currently limited to 400 on the bridge at any one time to 'ensure' safety'. Last maintained in 2014 and has had many expectations of collapse. The latest being in 2019:

Thailand’s longest wooden bridge under threat of collapse after rains soak west

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather ... -soak-west

[Big Boy]

Wonder of wonders, TAT Kanchanaburi have responded to me. They have told me the Mon Bridge is not suitable for wheelchairs. So that is another adventure off the plan.

[joelle]

Wonder of wonders, TAT Kanchanaburi have responded to me. They have told me the Mon Bridge is not suitable for wheelchairs. So that is another adventure off the plan.

They probably said that because there are obstacles at the beginning and the end of the bridge, not realising you're a strong lad

[Big Boy]

Their wording states the wooden groves make it unsuitable for wheelchairs. It is walking only. As these are the people who should be encouraging tourism, I would be foolish to make such a long journey, only to be told no.