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A city that combines ancient traditions with modern cultural diversities. No other city in Asia weaves a daily mosiac as colourful and exciting as Bangkok. The modernization of Bangkok has turned the "City of Angels" into a busting merropolis without losing of where it all began. It is not surprising to turn a corner on a busy street in the central business district only to encounter the tranquility of a centuries old Buddhist Temple.
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Easy Access
Expect to enjoy easy access to this conference city. Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport is the major airline hub for Southeast Asia, served by more than 80 of the world's major airlines, including Thai Airways International, Thailand's national carrier. As the Mekong Sub-Region continues to attract international tourism and business ventures, Bangkok's strategic location becomes even more significant.
Superb Accommondation
Bangkok offers a wide variety of accommondations, among them some of the most revered hotels in the world. Over 70,000 luxury, deluxe and standard class rooms are available in Bangkok. Luxury takes on a new meaning with rooms and suites beyond comparison, relaxing swimming pools, pampering saunas and spas and a stunning array of gourmet restaurants.
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Explore!
Bangkok is a great starting point for memorable pre and post conference tours. There's Pattaya, the exciting sea-side resort town just down the motorway, and Samui and Phuket islands just a short flight away. Visit the historical "Bridge on the River Kwai" in Kanchanaburi or relax on the beautiful beaches of Cha-Am and Hua-Hin. Mix with the hill tribes in Northern Thailand and discover millenniums of civillization in the Northeast. Your delegates can also choose from dozens of day trips including the ancient City of Ayutthaya and the Royal Palace at Bang Pa-In.
General Information of Bangkok
Car Hire
Travelers with international driving license may choose to hire a car. English-language road signs and maps are commonplace. The Bangkok Yellow Pages lists local and international automobile rental companies. Each offers difference conditions. International car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz and Budget operate in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hat Yai, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and on Ko Samui. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven automobiles are widely available at a relatively comfortable price.
Climate
Thailand is a tropical country. The average temperature is 20-25 °C
Credit Cards and Traveller's Cheques
Most of major department stores, restaurants and hotels accept major credit card: Visa, Master and AMEX. Diner Club International, Discovery and JCB can also be valued at some places. Traveller's cheques can be conveniently cashed at all commercial banks and authorized money exchangers. |
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Currency and Credit Cards
Thai currency is "Bath". The bank notes are 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht; approximate exchange rate is 40 Bath/1US dollar. Currency exchange is generally available in banks, hotels, arrival lounge of BIA, and foreign exchange service located in many tourist spots. Office hours are 9.30 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. Monday trough Friday.
Driving
Traffic drivers on the left side of the road. Visitors need an international driving licence to hire and drive a vehicle in Thailand. Those who are not acquainted with left-side driving are reccommened to use chauffeur-driven cars to ensure road safety.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Cooking is not allowed in most hotels.
Emergency Telephone Number
191 for police and Medical Emergencies, and 199 for firemen.
Health Regulations
Visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through designed contaminated countries.
International Roaming Mobile Phone
A Subscriber Indentify Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for rent at the BIA. The SIM Card must be use in conjugation with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz. range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz. range.
Language
Spoken and written Thai is incomprehensible to casual visitors; However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok and Pattaya.
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Shopping
Shopping centers are open everyday, from 10.00 A.M. to 9.00 P.M. Some are open 24 hours.
Tipping
Tips are usually given for restaurant services and to hotel porters at your discretion (normally 5-10%) |
Tourist Information Services
Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) information counter at Bangkok Information Airport, maps, brochures and information on tours, shopping, dinning, and accommondations are available. All TAT offices open seven days a week from 8.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.
Tourist Police
The Tourist Police are set up to coordinate with the TAT in providing safety for tourist. Its responsibillities include receiving and acknowledging claims and complaints, conducing investigations and acting as coordinators of tourist security. At present, some 500-tourist police officers are stationed in major tourist areas including the Grand Palace, Pat Pong and Lumphini Park.
VAT Refunds & Tax
A 10% service charge and 8% tax are usually levied on hotel rooms, meals or other services, and will be added to the bill. Visitors entering the Kingdom can now claim VAT refunds at Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat-Yai and Phuket international airports for a minimum purchase of 5,000 Baht with no less than 20,000 Baht/receipt/day. When departing from Thailand, visitors must request for the customs stamp on the form prior to airline check-in.
When passing through Passport Control, visitors will have the form processed by the Rwvenue Department and receive a VAT refund. Please note that valuable merchandise such as jewelries, watches, eyeglasses and pens must be declare before customs and revenue officials.
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