- SAFET 2020/2021 -
- SAFET Blog -
Bangkok
Travel Tips
* TRAVEL ALERT
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued advise regarding air quality concerns in Bangkok. Daily updates of air quality in Thailand can be viewed here. TAT will continue to assess the overall situation and issue timely updates as appropriate. Relevant Thai authorities assure visitors and residents they are doing everything possible to minimize the impact of the smog.
It is advised to wear a face respirator as a preventative measure during your visit to Bangkok.
Please note all transport services, including air, rail, road and water transport are operating as usual.
Getting There
Venue: Centara Grand,at Central Plaza Ladprao, in Bangkok.
https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglb/
Visit http://223.27.209.39/SAFETCONF2019 to receive the SAFET discount!
The hotel enjoys a convenient location in
the northern district of Ladprao, with the
expressway and an MRT underground
station and BTS Sky train station
minutes away.
The hotel is connected to its own
convention hall and to Central Plaza
Ladprao shopping and lifestyle centre,
one of the largest in Bangkok, while the
green expanse of Chatuchak Park and
shopping opportunities of Chatuchak
market are accessed by complimentary
shuttle service.
Don Muang International Airport is a 20 minute drive away.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is approximately 35 minutes from the hotel along the elevated highway.The most direct route is via the raised freeway between, which incurs toll of 70 Baht and airport tax of 50 Baht - total 120 Baht (approx $4.)
Distance to Phahon Yothin MRT Station: 450 metres
Distance to Mo Chit BTS Station: 2 km
Taxis
You have the option of either a flat fee agreed up front or a metered taxi trip. A metered taxi trip is always going to be the cheapest. Thai taxi meters have a flagfall of 35 baht and operate mainly on distance - so if you are not moving in a traffic jam, the meter ticks more slowly. If you are waylaid by the "helpful" go-betweens in the terminal they will ask you to prepay a flat fee and provide you with a receipt - of course this means the actual taxi driver will get less and you will be paying a bit more, depending on how hard you bargained with the tout.
If you select a metered taxi the driver may ask you to provide the toll fees en route - the booths have plenty of change. Or you may select a regular taxi for 2 people plus luggage which should cost no more than 600 Baht ($18) including freeway tolls and taxes.
Grab Taxi is an app based ride share similar to Uber, but also uses the existing taxi network to source its rides. This means there are a greater number of vehicles available. The app works in much the same way as the Uber app, allowing you to select drivers, see when the ride will arrive, and follow your path in real time.
Bus
Alternately you should be able to negotiate a mini bus taxi which will hold about 4 people plus luggage for around 1000 Baht ($30) , which is still pretty cheap door to door transport. Airport Express operates buses on four routes for 150 baht - there are hourly buses from 5:00 am in the morning to midnight. Airport Express Counter is located at Level 1, near entrance 8 of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. If this is still more than your budget allows, a 24 hour bus service outside Arrivals on the second floor will transfer you to the Transport Centre for 35 baht, where you can choose from about 11 bus routes to the city areas.
Train
Cheaper and faster is the train. The Airport Rail Link City Line leaves every 15 minutes. From Suvarnabhumi International Airport take the City Line to Makkasan City Air Terminal which takes 22 minutes. From here you have to change terminals to Phetchaburi and get a train to Phahon Yothin which leaves every 10 minutes and the trip takes 20 minutes.
Venue OHS
If you are staying at the Centra Grand Hotel please make yourself familiar with the Emergency Booklet in your hotel room.
In the event of a fire you will hear the fire alarm. Remain alert and prepare yourself to evacuate if advised to do so via the public address system. If advised to evacuate leave the room and exit the building immediately using the nearest exit staircase. Do not attempt to pack belongings or use elevators.
In the event of an earthquake, get on the floor next to a strong table, desk or bed and/or locate yourself near the outside walls of the building. Stay clear of windows and off of balconies. Do not use elevators.
If you have any questions regarding your stay or experience at the hotel please address hotel staff. If you have questions regarding the conference please see
Bubba Cook OR Coco Cullen-Knox
Visa
If needed, we will provide invitation letter upon clearance of your registration fee for your travel visa application.
For an overview of visa requirements see these web addresses:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travelg293915c131672/Thailand:Visa.Information.html
Nearby Attractions
Shopping at Central Plaza Ladprao
Originally opened in 1982 as Thailand’s first integrated shopping complex, and fully renovated and reopened in 2011, Central Plaza Ladprao is an exciting shopping and lifestyle destination. Directly connected to the hotel, Central Plaza is home to over 200 shops and over 80 restaurants and food outlets, several spas and wellness salons, a cinema and a supermarket.
Chatuchak Park and Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of Bangkok’s green lungs, Chatuchak Park is an oasis of greenery in the city and a prime destination for outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging and, yoga. Chatuchak Park is amongst the largest public parks in the capital and the venue of the country’s most comprehensive outdoor market which is held every weekend. Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has become a must-visit place for holidaymakers and a prime destination with local seasoned shoppers. Most visitors would agree that just about everything is on sale at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, including clothing and accessories from local designers, handicrafts, ceramics, books, antiques, furniture and home decoration, plants, artworks and paintings, and stalls serving food and drinks aplenty. The hotel connects to the park via a complimentary shuttle service.
The Grand Palace
Formerly the residence of the Kings of Thailand, the Grand Palace is an enormous complex surrounded by a white crenellated wall and containing classic Siamese architecture designed for auspicious occasions such as coronations and receptions. Housed within the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, containing the nation’s most revered image of Buddha. Audio guides are available at a supplement charge.
Be reminded to dress appropriately, wearing long trousers and with your shoulders covered.
Wat Pho
Directly adjacent to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a must-see, with its 46-metre long, 15-metre high Reclining Buddha. The temple compound contains fascinating statuary, and the temple is also considered one of the leading schools of massage in the country.
Wat Arun
A short walk across the road from Wat Pho is Tha Tien Pier, with cross-river ferries to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Sitting majestically on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun represents Mount Meru, the centre of the world in Buddhist cosmology. Spectacular sunsets with the temple spires forming a silhouette can be seen from the east side of the river.
Jim Thompson House
Famed for reviving the Thai silk industry after World War II, Jim Thompson was an avid collector of Asian arts. His home consists of six traditional Thai-style houses and now houses a museum.
Cultural considerations
When visiting Thailand it is important to consider and abide by the countries cultural customs and way of life. Before arriving in Thailand please take the time to read the information provided in the link below and ensure you follow these etiquettes while participating in the conference and any time spent in Thailand either side of the event.