petecooper Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Hi all We have a good friend coming to visit us for a week or so in Bangkok. She's totally blind. So, I'm trying to think up some activities which would be good things to do, which don't require sight - things which are good taste/smell/touch/hearing experiences which are unique to (or characteristic of) Thailand. She's keen on an elephant ride, so that's easy. Thought I would combine that day with a visit to the Tiger Temple (despite various people's opinions about the place, patting a tiger is a pretty unusual experience, so it's in). Thai cooking school is another one I thought of, since she does actually cook things and that's a good one for the senses. Massages and spa stuff too, check. Obviously I am not going to bother with the likes of the Grand Palace since not being able to see it kind of defeats the purpose. So, does anyone have any other suggestions for suitable activities and "sensory experiences" while here? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OxfordWill Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Monks chanting. Traditional Thai Music at the theatre. Food smells and tastes great everywhere. As for Nana Plaza, sensory overload whether you can see it or not! Waterfalls- a must. Hope she enjoys it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meridian007 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I think you have them all covered, you've already suggested pretty much everything I can think of. Related to the food, you could take her fishing or squid catching, those might be interesting if she's into that. If she likes the beach, you could go para-sailing with her if any of the para-sailing companies have a partnered set-up. Ummm, trying to think of anything else... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Trip to the bug cart? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bina Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 why dont u just ask her what she's interested in and what appeals to her; for all u know she might enjoy shopping etc cause even if she cant see, she knows what she likes as far as colours/textures (if she's blind from birth she probably had someone help her with what colours look good on her/what preferences she has...) ; if she's a city girl, then whatever city girls like. if she's a country girl, then she might go in to sensory overload a bit, hearing and 'feeling' wise. im night blind and i find any city very hard especially those with horrible side walks with holes in teh middle and raised sewer covers and broken side walks and bangkok certainly has plenty of all of the above. bina israel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petecooper Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 Well she's definitely no stranger to travel and adventures, so I'm not worried about "sensory overload". Thanks for the suggestions so far! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a_classic_cigar Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Definately find out prior (from her - her definition of sensory over load...) BKK alone on a "good day" can overwhelm anyone! Now, Tiger Temple - as you said - some people have their own oppinions, her tangiable concept - and overall impression of "feelings" and "senses" are unique - which many do envy if they don't realize what they have... As you mentioned would truly be an experience (for ALL!) Thinking about what someone posted - variances in city / or - country personality ,,, well that is a different story and could go positive OR negative in either direction..either way, I think she will be in great company (you and others) and in any scenario - will have a great holiday.. Truly ask her - what is it SHE would enjoy doing while she is here.... Her holiday and of course, not knocking a great friend (you) for asking for suggestions... I myself, have 2 very close friends that have asked the same query for their friends visiting - and the only genuine suggestion I could give them, is let them give you ideas of what they would like to do, combine that with the suggestions you are getting here, your knowledge of LOS and the internet, not hard to do, and should make this a heck of a holiday (and memorable for all!) PS: Sorry for the typos - kids everywhere in the house tonight! (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordsux Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 If your friend would like to do a bit of jet-skiing then be very careful who you rent the jetski from. Check the bike over and even take a few photos before renting. Any reputable business will have no objection to this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 one off-topic post deleted. If this thread is used for nonsensical and off-topic posts I will give suspensions without further warning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteShrek Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Not sure how athletic she is, but the Bangkok marathon is on in November. In addition to the sighted people, there are a good many blind people run in that - usually alongside a sighted person. This includes one or two world famous Kenyans. Much of the proceeds also go to blind charities. Could also be a chance to meet other great people in the country who are visually impaired - some locals and some foreign - as well as sighted people with a great heart who will just run alongside them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteShrek Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 "Thanon Chan Kao" (="old Chan road") in Yannawa, district close to Sathorn has a blind insitute that does Thai massage. They are all performed by blind Thais. Could be a nice experience for you both to share together, as well as a very traditional Thai thing to do, while helping people earn a living at the same time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteShrek Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 For a cooking school, you might try contacting the Oriental Hotel down by the river. They do cooking lessons in a very nice atmosphere. As a 5 star hotel I would expect them to have experience and professionalism to at least consider doing a session for someone who is blind, and they speak excellent English with top quality chef. Isn't that expensive either, considering - though I'm sure there are cheaper places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonobo Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 "Thanon Chan Kao" (="old Chan road") in Yannawa, district close to Sathorn has a blind insitute that does Thai massage. They are all performed by blind Thais. Could be a nice experience for you both to share together, as well as a very traditional Thai thing to do, while helping people earn a living at the same time... Actually, I think massage of any kind would be a great idea. Experiencing Thai, oil, and foot massage gives a nice variation on the theme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyh Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 A ride in a Tuk Tuk will give her senses a work out, so long as it doesn't scare the living daylights out of her LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobra Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 (edited) A canal tour in Bkk could be a welcome respite from the usual surface traffic. The half day trip can be rather pleasant and relaxing on the senses. Always been one of my favorites. Edited October 13, 2009 by cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Food, music, temples, all excellent ideas. I would ask her if taking a short massage class would interest her. There's many who claim that the blind make the best masseuses due to their heightened sense of touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobjenssen Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 please ask her what she likes a simple walk along the klong where one can feel the light river breeze and hear all those wonderful sights and sounds is lovely a trip to an orphanage where the sounds of those dear little children would bring joy to anyone's heart a massage a spa a concert I hope she has a great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobjenssen Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Hi allWe have a good friend coming to visit us for a week or so in Bangkok. She's totally blind. So, I'm trying to think up some activities which would be good things to do, which don't require sight - things which are good taste/smell/touch/hearing experiences which are unique to (or characteristic of) Thailand. She's keen on an elephant ride, so that's easy. Thought I would combine that day with a visit to the Tiger Temple (despite various people's opinions about the place, patting a tiger is a pretty unusual experience, so it's in). Thai cooking school is another one I thought of, since she does actually cook things and that's a good one for the senses. Massages and spa stuff too, check. Obviously I am not going to bother with the likes of the Grand Palace since not being able to see it kind of defeats the purpose. So, does anyone have any other suggestions for suitable activities and "sensory experiences" while here? Thanks! Here's another one for you. A bit odd but well worth thinking about. I live on soi 13, right in the center of town and in my building is a very nice western chap who runs all sorts of classes in the arts of self defense. He is very well qualified and is simply just a nice person. I know he teaches disabled people and he once mentioned how he also taught some blind people. He told me how some of the best judo players in japan were blind due to their sensory perception.If this appeal's let me know I am sure he would be more than happy to run a few classes for her. Its great to see blind people enjoying themselves. The gym's name is boxer-rebellion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonobo Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 a trip to an orphanage where the sounds of those dear little children would bring joy to anyone's heart I hadn't thought of that, but this is a great idea. Some of the orphanages have segregated areas for kids with HIV or physical disabilities (I'm not going to get into the politics or sociology of that policy here). I am not sure of your friend's personality. She may or may not want to become a "poster child" for those kids. But if that suits her personality, I am sure the kids would get a tremendous benefit meeting a blind westerner, someone who can travel, someone who can live a life of adventure and learning, someone successful enough at least to be able to afford taking a trip like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petecooper Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 Thanks everyone for all your great suggestions, much appreciated! Will do a followup post here when the visit's over (end November) so I can report back what worked and what didn't! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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