Bangkok With Autistic Children

Exploring Bangkok with autistic children requires meticulous planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. In 2016 we went on our first adventure to Bangkok, leaving Edinburgh leaving from Edinburgh. Here’s a detailed guide based on our experiences, including transportation tips, family-friendly activities, and accommodations.

Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City Centre

Bangkok is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Typically, international flights land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and that’s where we always land when traveling to Bangkok.

Upon landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you have several options to reach the city centre:

• Private Cars (White): A private car will cost approximately 800-1,000 THB (€22-28) per car. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. These are readily available as you exit the airport without changing levels. They are comfortable and convenient, especially for families with strollers and luggage.
• Airport Taxis: Approximately 350-500 THB (€10-14) per car, including toll fees and takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. To find these taxis, you need to go down a level in the airport. The taxi queue can sometimes be long, but it moves relatively quickly. This option is budget-friendly and accessible. You line up for a ticket which is almost your place in the queue, and you’ll be shouted over when a taxi is able to go to your destination.

I believe there is also some way to get buses from the airport but I honestly have no idea where or how to do it.

Where To Stay in Bangkok With Autistic Children

2016

We have been to Bangkok a number of times now. The first time David and I went was in 2016 and was without kids. We stayed in the Khao San area upon a recommendation of a friend. At this time, we stayed at the Rikka Inn which was directly across from the open-front bar and restaurant called ‘The Hub’. I think the hotel was taken over and renamed but I can’t see on Google maps what it is called now.

2017

We came back to Bangkok in 2017 with Travis who was 2 at the time. We spent some time at the Amari Watergate hotel where we had been invited to stay. We explored the area nearby which is filled with incredible malls and food courts.

At the end of 2017 we spent Christmas at Khao San Road. We have stayed in a number of hotels around Khao San Road including D & D Inn, Khaosan Palace, At Home Guest House, Wild Orchid Villa and more.

2018

We spent some time in Bangkok in 2018, and came back on Jan 24th/25th to meet up with my Mum and David’s Mum to spend a month travelling with them. We stayed near Khao San Road again as it is so easy to find everything you need.

We were travelling Asia for five months from September 2017 to February 2018 and came back to Bangkok a number of times during the five months.

2019

We came back to Bangkok in 2019, around September time. We spent three weeks in Thailand and were in Bangkok at the start and end of the trip.

I honestly usually choose to stay at Khao San Road – because that is where the fun and our friends are. I think your choice of where to stay in Bangkok will be really personal though – do some research on what you want to see and where it is located and go for that area.

Family-Friendly Activities in Bangkok

Bangkok offers numerous family-friendly activities that cater to different interests and sensory needs. Here are some highlights:

Lumphini Park:

A large urban park perfect for leisurely strolls, paddle boating, and playgrounds. It provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city and is great for sensory breaks.

Chatuchak Weekend Market:

KidZania Bangkok:

An interactive indoor city for children where they can role-play various professions. It’s engaging and educational, perfect for imaginative play.

Jim Thompson House:

A beautiful traditional Thai house turned museum, offering a glimpse into Thai culture and history. The serene garden is perfect for a calming experience.

MBK Centre:

A large shopping mall with various shops and a food court. The atmosphere can be lively, so consider visiting during less busy times. We found it to be a fantastic spot to pick up toys and clothes for the kids, as well as souvenirs. Travis, being autistic, has some special interests and in 2019 that was Transformers so he was buzzing to find the jammies in the middle picture below. The MBK Center also has a number of eateries, including a food court. We always like to pop into Dunkin’ Donuts for a little safe treat for everyone. If you are visiting Bangkok with autistic children and have some time, I do really recommend the malls here because you can most likely find safe foods, hopefully find something to do with their special interest and you can certainly find toys and clothes if you need them.

Khao San Road:

A famous street known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere. While it can be noisy, visiting during the day offers a more relaxed experience with street food and shops. We have a more detailed guide for Khao San Road with autistic kids and also a list of fun things to do at Khao San Road. We also posted some pictures to Instagram during our visit to Khao San Road.

Dusit Zoo:

A well-maintained zoo with a variety of animals and a relaxing environment. It’s a great place for children to learn about wildlife. We have been to this zoo a few times, it is a nice break from the busy city and is reachable by taxi or tuk tuk. There is a lot to do here, you can row boats on the lake and hide in dinosaur eggs. There are places to eat and even small shops.

Grand Palace:

A stunning historical complex with intricate architecture and cultural significance. It can be crowded, so visit early in the day to avoid large crowds.

Check out this TikTok post of some of the pictures we had after our visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok with autistic children.

Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise:

A scenic dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, offering beautiful views of Bangkok’s landmarks. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable experience for families. I even managed it with a broken foot and on crutches. I really liked seeing more of the city at night, but from the safety of one spot with my autistic child. Besides also getting well-fed from a buffet dinner, you will also experience cabaret and live music.

Exploring by Boat on the Chao Phraya River:

Taking a boat ride on the river allows you to see Bangkok from a different perspective. There are various boat services, including hop-on-hop-off boats, which are convenient for exploring the city. These boats are a type of public transport, but you can also go on the long-tail boats and explore a certain area. We got to do this as part of our Grand Palace tour and it was so much fun. I am not sure if it would be as easy with three kids, as we did it with only one at the time.

Chinatown:

Chinatown is a bustling area of Bangkok based around Yaowarat Road. It is the largest Chinatown in the world and is a sensory wonderland. There are lights, smells and tastes in every direction and although it might be a bit overwhelming, it is certainly an interesting place. We actually did not spend long here because it a bit overwhelming even for us as adults.

Watch here to see some of our time in Chinatown, Bangkok with autistic children.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Bangkok

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World:

An impressive aquarium with a variety of marine life. It’s educational and visually stimulating, making it ideal for children who enjoy aquatic animals. There are a lot of cool interactive exhibits in the aquarium, like lights projecting moving icebergs on the floor to jump on, and a little area you can crawl under and pop your head into the middle of a fish tank.

Getting Around Bangkok with Autistic Children

We usually use a real mix of transport in Bangkok and it depends on the activity. When we are going somewhere like the zoo we will get a taxi or tuk tuk, literally just based on whatever one we see first. If our autistic children were already overwhelmed we would choose a taxi for the aircon. We have also used the MRT train in Bangkok when trying to get from the Amari Watergate hotel to the bus station. The one time we used it we nearly got separated and it was incredibly overcrowded. We haven’t used a train in Bangkok since then. We have used local buses to transport us between cities also. And we have used chartered buses to go longer journeys from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, for example. Day to day, we are likely to be in a tuk tuk or taxi.

We like to either plan exactly for excursions or keep it super flexible so there are no expectations or times we need to keep to. When we are being stricter with time we are more likely to try to book a taxi or car. When being flexible we will try to use tuk tuk or songthaew.

Is Bangkok Autism-Friendly?

Bangkok is relatively autism-friendly, with a growing awareness of autism and a variety of resources and services available for individuals with autism and their families. The city’s modern amenities, high-quality healthcare, and supportive organizations contribute to an environment that can be accommodating, although challenges such as sensory overload from crowds and noise should be carefully managed.

Things That Make Bangkok Stand Out

• Bangkok’s public transportation system includes the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and buses, which are generally modern and accessible. The BTS and MRT systems are well-organized, with clear signage and announcements in both Thai and English, making them easier to navigate for individuals with autism. However, during peak hours, these systems can become crowded, which may be overwhelming.
• Bangkok is a large, busy city, and some areas can be overwhelming due to the noise, traffic, and crowds. However, quieter neighborhoods and less crowded times of day can make navigating the city more manageable. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab offer more comfortable and controlled options for getting around.
• Bangkok has several large parks, such as Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Park, which provide green spaces and relatively calm environments for relaxation. These parks are ideal for those seeking a break from the city’s busy streets.
• Attractions like the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and the Museum of Siam offer interactive exhibits and educational opportunities. While these venues can become busy, visiting during off-peak hours can provide a more relaxed experience.
• Bangkok’s many modern shopping malls, such as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, are equipped with family-friendly facilities, including quiet areas, family rooms, and accessible services. These malls can be busy, but they offer a controlled environment with many amenities.
• Although Bangkok doesn’t have as many theme parks as some other cities, places like Dream World and Siam Park City offer attractions that can be enjoyed by families, though they may require careful planning to avoid sensory overload due to crowds and noise.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Thailand PECS and Bangkok PECS to enrich your experience.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

We have been to Bangkok a number of times, and sometimes spent a week or more in the city. The city’s rich culture and numerous family-friendly activities made it a worthwhile adventure, even with the additional considerations of traveling with a child on the autism spectrum. By planning ahead, choosing the right transportation, and incorporating breaks, you can make even a brief visit to Bangkok with autistic children enjoyable and stress-free for the whole family.

Do you plan to check out more of Thailand with autistic children? Check out the articles below:

• Pattaya with autistic children
• Chiang Mai with autistic children
• Koh Samui with autistic children