buggy in Thailand?

[chandellina]

Hi, we are taking our 16 month old to Thailand in a week, for three weeks, and don't know whether to bother bringing our buggy. (maclaren techno xt type.) It's definitely easier in the airport, and we figure he could take naps in it in a pinch, but will we really be using it much if we are staying in (a couple of different) beach hotels? we are going to pranburi and krabi area, and then will be in bangkok for a few days at the end. He's a good walker, but i imagine we'd still be carrying him a lot without a buggy. any advice welcomed!

I def. wouldn't go for 3 weeks without some sort of pushchair

We took a nipper double buggy to Thailand a few years ago against the advice of a lot of people! Pavements there are not made for pushchairs and there are often only stairs and no lifts/escalators in public places. However, we managed fine by manhandling it between us. Remember your sunshade for it and have a great holiday.

I took double buggy to Thailand. Had no problems taking it and would take it again if in same position. If you find you dont need it you can always leave it in your hotel room for the day. Hope you have a great time.

Thailand doesn't have a culture of pushing babies round in buggy's. Babies are carried in a sling thing until they can walk and then expected to trot along after mum and dad. I know our pram caused great mirth at our local market. It will make your life easier if you have one, but do beware, the pavements are not made for them and you'll find motorbike taxis coming at you when you use them.
Enjoy Krabi, it was one of our favourite weekend destinations when we lived in the 'kok.

we have taken ds1 to thailand a couple of times - to krabi and found a stroller invaluable - the mclarens fold down so easily and are pretty light so I'd definitely take it. we took a p&t's which was much bulkier and a real pain, but would not have gone without it!

have fun

I took a buggy to Bangkok: great for when my son wanted to fall asleep while out shopping, but it was so hard to get over the walkways over the main roads (lots of steps). Whilst so child friendly, no Thai ever offered to help, but other Westerners helped me carry it up and over.
Also, the buggy got filthy dirty, so if you have a lovely one, I'd leave it at home.

thanks for the advice, though it's turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag! still not sure what to do. My gut feeling is we will not use it most of the time, though there are sure to be times it would come in handy. I'm a bit wary of our extreme amount of luggage (DH is bringing a kitesurfing board and other kite stuff that makes it impossible to travel in any way light), and not sure if a buggy makes it better or worse!

FWIW, the cost of labour in Thailand is negligible so you'd be able to pay someone at the airport to help you with your stuff. Less of a problem if you hire a car too.

we went for 6 weeks, also in the Krabi area and we took a back carrier for our 9mth old. The only time we wished we had a buggy was for naps

We have taken our buggy (also Maclaren Techno XT) to Thailand (Phuket & Ko Samui) on our last 2 trips (DS also 16 months) and it has been fine. We also took a carrier which was also helpful if we couldn't let DS walk but had left buggy at the hotel or something.

we are going to take it. I'm sure it will come in handy for naps, if nothing else.