Basic Guide to Accessible Travel

Vietnam is not yet fully prepared for accessible travel. The good news is that you can enjoy all the beauty of Vietnam with the right information and some careful planning.

Our goal will be to help you find accessible attractions, pick the best accommodations, and navigate public transportation safely and efficiently. Additionally, we will share tips on staying safe while traveling in Vietnam with a disability. Let's get started!

Planning an Accessible Trip to Vietnam

As with any trip, planning ahead is essential when it comes to traveling to Vietnam. When you do a little research and preparation, you can make sure your journey is pleasant, enjoyable, and accessible, regardless of your accommodations.

For those traveling with their own vehicles or rented mobility aids, be aware of the wider infrastructure restrictions such as uneven pavements or steps at entrances—so plan journeys ahead of time where possible.

Buses

When it comes to accessibility, public transportation in Vietnam is hit or miss. The train system is outdated and provides little to no accessibility. Older buses do not support wheelchair passengers, but newer buses and electric buses do. The airlines cater to disabled passengers, but the airport facilities vary (based on the airport).

Trains

Unfortunately, Vietnam's train system has limited accessibility support. However, the new metro system in Hanoi (and soon in Ho Chi Minh City) is very accessible.

Taxis

The majority of taxis in Vietnam do not provide wheelchair support at all. However, most taxi drivers will gladly assist you in getting in the car and in loading your wheelchair.

Rental cars

There are car rental services (with drivers) that cater to disabled passengers. Traveling in Vietnam with these retail services is the best option considering the road conditions here.

Toilets

In modern shopping malls and hotels, multipurpose toilets are usually large, single rooms that are easily accessible by wheelchair users and sometimes have ostomate facilities as well. They are also intended for parents with young children and, as a result, usually feature diaper-changing tables. Opening and closing the doors can be done by pushing large buttons on the side of the door both inside and outside the toilet.

Accessible Activities in Vietnam: Food Tours, Cruises, and More

When visiting Vietnam as a disabled traveler, there are plenty of accessible activities that you can enjoy. For instance, food tours are a great way to explore different cities and towns in the country and sample the local cuisine. Some food tours are wheelchair accessible, while others may require a bit of help from guides so you can get around more easily.

Cruises to inaccessible areas of Vietnam are also popular among disabled travelers, as they offer up opportunities to experience spectacular views that visitors might not have been able to access otherwise. Many tour operators now offer cruises designed for people with disabilities, which means you don't need to worry about navigating tight spaces or complicated routes on your own.

Moreover, a wide variety of cultural activities can be made more accessible for travelers with physical and cognitive impairments. Tour operators are now offering activities such as art classes, cooking classes, pottery making, and more with specialized equipment or instruction so that everyone can participate.

From food tours to cruises and cultural activities, there's no shortage of accessible travel experiences in Vietnam for disabled travelers!