About Bangkok, Thailand

Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, densely populated Bangkok is the most cosmopolitan and fast-moving city in Thailand. Bangkok boasts a prolific nightlife, shopping and cultural experience laced with an ancient and rich history. It offers a variety of activities and attractions from visiting Buddhist temples, trips on the famous Chao Phraya River, Thai massages and spa visits, all without “having to break the bank”. The city’s dining opportunities are endless with thousands of restaurants and dining experiences to choose from. Welcome to Thailand! And may you have a memorable stay. This page will provide you with tips and information for this bustling metropolis.

For more information about the City, visit:  http://www.bangkok.com and http://www.bangkoktourist.com/theme_5/index.asp?lang=en

Flights
Delegates are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Bangkok. In most cases, booking airline tickets via the internet is a cost-effective option.

Where to Stay
Delegates are responsible for booking and payment of their own accommodation in Bangkok. A wide selection of hotels is available and the following can be recommended:

• Amari Watergate Hotel
• Centara Grand at Central World
• Pullman at King Power
• Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers  
• VIE Hotel

For more information on hotels in Bangkok, please visit: http://www.bangkok.com/hotels.

Passport and Visas
Visas can be obtained at any Royal Thai Embassy or diplomatic mission overseas. Nationals of some countries do not require visas to travel to Bangkok if their stay is to be of 30 days or less. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport. For visa applications upon arrival at the airport, a passport-sized photograph and a visa fee are required. For more information on visas and fees, visit: http://www.thaiembassy.sg.

Please check with the Royal Thai Embassy or diplomatic mission in your country as soon as possible.

Airport Transfers

• Taxis
  Public taxi service is available at Suvarnbhumi Bangkok Airport. Please follow the ‘Public Taxi’ sign to the ground floor and kindly note the following:
  • Taxi fare: Pay Thai Baht (THB) currency to the driver only. Approximate taxi fare from the airport to the hotel is THB350-400. Taxi fare is charged as shown on the meter regulated by Department of Land Transport.
  • You are required to pay THB50 surcharge if you hire the taxi from pick-up area designated by Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport. The THB50 surcharge will not be on the meter and should be added to the total fare.
  • You are required to pay for toll/express way fees of THB70 (THB 45 + THB25). Taking an express way is recommended. The driver will ask for the money when you approach the toll booths.

For more information on transportation, visit:http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/52

• Airport Rail Link
  The City Line runs every 15 minutes and makes eight stops across the capital, ending at Phaya Thai. The train takes 30-40 minutes from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai.  The Express Line runs every 30 minutes and is a 15-minute non-stop journey between Suvarnabhumi and Phaya Thai. From either Phaya Thai, you can then take a taxi to the hotel which costs around THB50-100 depending on the traffic.

Weather
There are three seasons: rainy (June to October), hot (March to May), and cool (November to February). Annual average temperature is about 29 degrees Celsius with monthly averages ranging from 35 degrees Celsius in April to 26 degrees Celsius in December.

For the weather forecast, please consult http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/THXX0002

Time Zone
GMT +7.

Currency
Foreign currency changes are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. The baht is divided into 100 satangs. Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20- (green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five?, one baht disks, as well as 50- and 25- satang brass disks. For global exchange rates and currency conversions, please visit: http://www.xe.com/ucc.

Credit Cards
Major establishments readily accept American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa cards. Expect a 3-5 percent surcharge. Major Bangkok banks also recognize these credit cards.

Language
Thai is the official language of Thailand. English is spoken widely and understood in business and tourist areas. Always make sure you carry a map in Thai in cases where you might need directions.

Health
Thailand is known for its excellent medical services so ensure you obtain emergency numbers from your hotel. If you are planning travel to rural areas, please enquire about necessary immunisations. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, and be selective about where you eat and what you eat. For more information about your health, please visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.htm 

Insurance
The conference organisers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage of property belonging to participants or their accompanying persons. It is therefore recommended that delegates and accompanying persons arrange for appropriate travel and health insurance before travelling.

Safety
Always be vigilant, do not leave luggage, mobile phones or valuables unattended; use the safety deposit boxes provided by most hotels; do not carry large amounts of cash, and keep cash, credit cards and identification documents in a secure place on your person. If you are planning some sightseeing, make sure that you do this through and organised tour as scammers are out and about for more than just a friendly chat with tourists.  For more information on your safety in Thailand, visit: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g293915-c121951/Thailand:General.Advice.On.Personal.Safety.html

Information provided by Bangkok Tourism Division http://www.bangkoktourist.com/theme_5/index.asp?lang=en