Old Dear Visiting Thailand

[HalfSquat]

Hello all,

My mother is coming out to visit in Thailand for a few weeks but for most of the time I will be working Monday to Friday and am not sure what she can do on her own so am looking for ideas?

I live in Bangkok so there are a few days of things to do here, Wat Po, Grand Palace etc but can anyone recommend any places in Thailand I could send her on her own for a few days/week where she will be ok on her own? Perhaps with things to do that will keep her entertained that are not too stressful for an older lady!

Budget is quite small so can't really afford to send her off to a 5-star resort.

Thanks for your help!

[IanForbes]

I enjoyed a day trip to Ayuthaya... a distance of about 80 km from Bangkok. When I took the trip it cost about 1500 baht. It included being picked up and delivered back to your hotel by mini-van, but the main trip was by a big tour bus. It was a full day and incuded a stop at one of the King's temples...

The bus then continued on to the ancient city of Ayuthaya that looks like a mini Ankor Wat of Cambodia. We didn't see all of the temple, but most of it to get an idea of the type of structures.

By early afternoon we were taken by minivan to a big boat on the Chao Phrayo River and took a relaxing 3 hour cruise back to Bangkok. The cruise included a nice banquet lunch. When we got back to Bangkok we were picked up by van and returned to our hotels.

Another suggestion is a visit to the temple of dawn (Wat Arun) in Bangkok. It is also on the Chao Phraya river. I liked Wat Arun better than the king's palace in Bangkok.

[HalfSquat]

Thanks for that. Will put it on the list.

[bonobo]

My 82-year-old mother is coming in October.  I am in the same position as I work most days, so please let me know how your mother's visit goes.  

[tig28]

I enjoyed a day trip to Ayuthaya... a distance of about 80 km from Bangkok. When I took the trip it cost about 1500 baht. It included being picked up and delivered back to your hotel by mini-van, but the main trip was by a big tour bus. It was a full day and incuded a stop at one of the King's temples...

Couldn't agree more!! This is an excellent tour -- interesting and real value --- from one who does not normally like tours.

[chickenslegs]

OP - how old is your mum? Is she physically active? Is she outgoing (wouldn't mind being on a coach trip or in a hotel with total strangers)?

One suggestion - you could pack her off to one of the floating hotels in Kanchanaburi for a few days, where she could just laze around watching the river, or go exploring, or take one of the many minibus trips to the falls, hot springs, craft shops, etc.

If you sent her ahead, say on the Wednesday, you could arrange to join her on Friday evening after work, and have a couple of days together before returning home on Sunday (or, if she enjoyed the place, she could stay on for a couple more days).

[HalfSquat]

My 82-year-old mother is coming in October. I am in the same position as I work most days, so please let me know how your mother's visit goes.

Yes will do. Good luck!

I was thinking of maybe a gently yoga camp? Anyone know of a not bank breaking one?

Also, do they do short cruises around Thailand I could put her on and pick her up from?

[chickenslegs]

If she's up for it - a one-day skytrain pass. She could spend the day exploring/shopping. If you work anywhere near a skytrain station, she could meet you at work for lunch or travel home together.

If she's active and adventurous - a one-day riverboat (public transport)pass. There's a lot of interesting places to visit within a few yards of the piers and always a lot to see on the river.

Of course, you'd probably have to show her how to use the skytrain/riverboats first.

[astral]

It used to be possible to do Autthaya by boat and bus, which gives a more

leisurely view of Thailand, from the river.

An evening, dining on one of the river boats is also pleasant.

[Jockstar]

Just wondering. Do you want to just want to send her off on her own? Or as chicken legs suggested. Maybe try and meet up with her somewhere. The Kanchanburi trip sounds good. BTW how old is she?

[stiggy]

I had that mums coming experience.

Thing that took me by surprise was how the Thais reacted to her, Old folk are generally respected here and Mum and Dad where well looked after where ever they went.

If its her first time here will probaly be happy to just hang out get a massage etc.

Only problem I had was they got a bit to friendly with some thais friends of mine who kept taking them out, often a bottle of whisky later and a huge dinner they where quite a handful by the time i got to them ! great fun was had however and mum still keeps in touch with her new mates online.

Dont worry about it just be around when you can.

[Chunky1]

Your elderly mother is coming all the way to the far east and you are looking for some place to dump her? She is probably desperate to see you! Why don't you find a way to get out of working and actually spend some time with her? If you can't get out of work, take her with you to your office everyday! Do you think she really wants to battle buses, tuk tuks, tons of rain so that she can visit a bunch of rocks an hour outside on Bangkok? For all the sensitivity shown on this forum towards Thai in-laws, it seems that many have forgot the same decencies for their own parents. /end rant.

[geriatrickid]

Chunky, take a chill pill. Some parents are quite independent and want to do things on their own. The last thing they want to do is to hang out at the "office". My father would prefer to sit in a chair and read a book. He has no patience for touring about, although his wife loves it. Each case is unique and I think the OP probably has a better handle on his mum than you do. I am glad you enjoy a special relationship with your folks, however for the rest of us, everyone is sort of set in their ways, and happiness abounds when people's space and independence is respected.

[jackr]

Just get her in a nice hotel with a pool.

The Ayuthaya trip is also a good one for a day out.

[Chunky1]

That is true, perhaps I am projecting my own image of my parents. Op's might be more adventurous. To be safe though, better write down your mobile and street address on a piece of paper in case she gets lost. Also, get her a plastic rain coat since it is coming down in buckets this month for her trip to Ayuthaya.

[HalfSquat]

Thanks for the replies!

She is about 60 so can get about but nothing too strenuous, especially with the heat.

I will be taking some time off work but not the whole time.

She will be fine by the pool for a few days but might like to see some more of Thailand than just the apartments.

I think sending her away for a few days then meeting on the weekend is good if she is ok with that.

Just thinking about meal times and if she is on her own.

If it was a yoga (other activity) type place I guess she might make friends there or something during the day.

Hmm..

[wamberal]

Unless your mother suffers from poor health, 60 is not old. Heck, I'm 68, and feel middle aged, at most.

If you are a Brit, why not enquire about membership of the British Club? Not sure how it works these days, but it might offer something for short term visitors. Not a bad place to kill a few hours.

Pak Kred Childrens home is always looking for volunteers to spend time with the kids, if your mother is interested in helping out for a few days, maybe they could arrange transport there and back.

If your mother has ever been involved in church attendance, get in touch with a relevant denomination in Bangkok, and see whether they need a volunteer for the office for a few days.

Or contact the Catholic priest that works in Klong Toey, he could always use some help, I would reckon.

[IanForbes]

Thanks for the replies!

She is about 60 so can get about but nothing too strenuous, especially with the heat.

I will be taking some time off work but not the whole time.

She will be fine by the pool for a few days but might like to see some more of Thailand than just the apartments.

I think sending her away for a few days then meeting on the weekend is good if she is ok with that.

Just thinking about meal times and if she is on her own.

If it was a yoga (other activity) type place I guess she might make friends there or something during the day.

Hmm..

60! She's still a young woman!

I've got a lady friend in Canada who is 63 and she runs the marathon in record time for her age group. She beats most men in their fourties. I'm over 70 and I'm still climbing mountains. Youngsters have a habit of underestimating their parents.

[sarahsbloke]

She will like the floating market ....... all the ladies do.

[HalfSquat]

Pak Kred Childrens home is always looking for volunteers to spend time with the kids, if your mother is interested in helping out for a few days, maybe they could arrange transport there and back.

Good idea! Will look into that.

I know 60 is not that old but I think in her case its more being on her own (if she were to go off) in a new country.

[harrry]

Pak Kred Childrens home is always looking for volunteers to spend time with the kids, if your mother is interested in helping out for a few days, maybe they could arrange transport there and back.

Good idea! Will look into that.

I know 60 is not that old but I think in her case its more being on her own (if she were to go off) in a new country.

She has been finding her own way about for 60 years a few more aren't beyond her. Just make sure you have a card with your address in Thai and a phone number.....

[Chunky1]

60 yo is quite young. she could probably entertain herself at mbk for a couple of days alone.

[robblok]

That is true, perhaps I am projecting my own image of my parents. Op's might be more adventurous. To be safe though, better write down your mobile and street address on a piece of paper in case she gets lost. Also, get her a plastic rain coat since it is coming down in buckets this month for her trip to Ayuthaya.

That is what i did when my mom wanted to come and i really did not have too much time (not the full 3 weeks). She had my phone nr and my wifes (for translation). She had a great time its not the first time she went on holidays alone. Just because people are a bit older does not mean they cant do a thing.

I must say i prefer it when dad and mom come together for a holiday. I love my mom a lot but there is a limit to the shopping i can do.

[MiG16]

another idea would be:

a home stay in Ampawa. its only about 2 hours outside of Bangkok. once there they arrange a tour on the river to watch fly flies (I think thats the english name....) (the homestay places tend to be on the river front, so its a nice relaxing way to idle away time, but she will also get a look into the lifestyle of the people there.

she can stay a few days, relax, take in the local life, and there are a couple of other places not too far from the area that she might be able to visit on different days? there is some sort of musuem of king Rama III in the area. im sure the homestay place can arrange it.

kanchanaburi is a very good idea. theres lots to see and do in the area.....I personally am not too keen on the floating rooms, but if she is not too fussed about the constant motion then she would enjoy it. an alternative is a hotel/guest house type place callled Kasem something. its on a tiny island in the Kan river...only slightly outside the main town.

while in Bangkok a day trip to Koh Kred on the weekend is recommended

another option...a place that I find truly amazing is Na'an in north thailand. it is probably the most under-rated place in all of thailand in my opinion. (but perhaps I shouldnt advertise it too much, I like having some place one can go too where things are still chilled and laid back, rather than hectic and crowded as a lot of beautiful places tend to get!) - she would have to fly for this one....not sure if that is how far you would like her to go on her own. safety wise wouldnt be an issue. people there are really nice.

[Chunky1]

check out the night flower market. that is something you can do despite your work schedule. it is quite lovely.

[robblok]

while in Bangkok a day trip to Koh Kred on the weekend is recommended

I think my mom went there twice with my gf while i took my dad for some fishing. She liked it, i have been to ko kret once too but was not too impressed (too much shopping)

[MiG16]

for me its more about eating there

but we thais love to eat. any holiday is centred around eating plus koh kred has a reputation for its sweets. they even have a place called 'klong kanom wan' - canal of desserts

[robblok]

for me its more about eating there

but we thais love to eat. any holiday is centred around eating plus koh kred has a reputation for its sweets. they even have a place called 'klong kanom wan' - canal of desserts

hmmm

I know what you mean.. im not one for wandering around without aim. But i could spend my whole day fishing. To each his or her own.

[haveaniceday]

Kan is good idea, just note the floating room are not meant to have toilets in the room on the river.

If into Flowers and Gardens, there is the park at the last BTS & MRT near JJ markets, and Nong Nooch Gardens down in Pattaya is good for several hours (400 baht is the tourist price for this private tourist attraction which is illegal to do double pricing), last time I took people there, some buses from BKK. Factor in jet lag for a couple of days, and the heat will whack her, time will fly. For most, that are not well traveled in Asia, just stuff around your condo will be enough to interest her and see you.

[MiG16]

ohhhh that ^ reminded me also of the Rose Garden on the outskirt of Bangkok. they may even have activities like massage/spa and yoga classes there?

not as crazily expensive as the Chivasom Spa resort, but still somewhat relaxing enough. if you dont drive, you can easily get a cab there from central bangkok.

from there maybe explore Nakorn Pathom and surrounds