INPUT 2019 CONFERENCE CITY GUIDE

GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT INTO TOWN

BANGKOK AIRPORT TAXIS

No doubt, Taxi is the most convenient option as it will bring you straight to your hotel, anytime. Taxi service is available at Passenger Terminal (first floor) gate 4 and gate 7.

It is recommended to take a metered taxi (taxi with meter). And don’t forget to ask taxi driver to switch the meter on.

Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes

Cost: Ranging from 350 to 450 Baht ($10 to $15), including tolls and airport tax

Service hours: 24 hours GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT INTO TOWN

AIRPORT RAIL LINK (ARL) OR AIRPORT TRAIN

The train station can be found at Basement B of the passenger terminal. The train starts its journey at Suvarnabhumi station and ends the ride at Phaya Thai interchange station in downtown Bangkok, from where you can take the train to travel around the city. The Airport Train also stops at Makkasan City Interchange Station – a MRT station that can bring you around through its underground train system.

Travel time: 25 to 30 minutes (until Phaya Thai)

Cost: 45 Baht ($1.3)

Service hours: 06:00 to 00:00 daily

Service schedule: The schedule offers trains every 12 minutes from 06:00 to 09:30 and from 16:30 to 20:30 on Monday to Friday. Apart from this, the trains leave every 15 minutes.

The Royal Orchid Sheraton I", a classic boat with traditional Thai accents, provides complimentary river service to , a three-minute ride from the hotel and Saphan Taksin skytrain (BTS) station, a ten-minute ride from the hotel.

The Sheraton Shuttle Boat departs every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Monday - Thursday, Sunday) and 10:00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m. (Friday - Saturday). BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND IN BANGKOK

BTS (SKYTRAIN)

The Skytrain, widely known as BTS by locals, is an elevated train system consisting of two lines:

BTS stops at 22 stations, including Phaya Thai (FOR AIRPORT LINK), and meets the underground MRT system at Mo Chit and Asok stations.

BTS covers 13 stations, and also stops at Saphan Taksin (FOR SHERATON SHUTTLE) and connects to underground MRT system at Sala Daeng/Silom station.

This high-tech system is an efficient and relaxing way to get around in the city. It is the best option to take during Bangkok peak hours.

Service hours: 06:00 to 00:00 daily

Service schedule: A new train arrives every 5 to 8 minutes

Fares: Fare ranges between 15 Baht ($0.43) to 42 Baht ($1.21) per trip, depending on the length of the travel distance. BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND IN BANGKOK

MRT (UNDERGROUND TRAIN)

The MRT, as the underground train is known, runs through 18 stations within the city. , Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Hua Lamphong are the most used stations by travelers as they provide access to many tourist attractions.

From MRT, you can transfer to BTS at these interchange stations: Chatuchak Park/Mo Chit, Sukhumvit/Asok, and Silom/Sala Daeng.

Service hours: 06:00 to 00:00 daily

Service schedule: Intervals are less than 5 minutes during peak hours (06:00 to 09:00 and 16:30pm to 19:30pm), and less than 10 minutes during off-peak hours.

Fares: Fares range between 15 Baht ($0.43) and 40 Baht ($1.16) per trip. BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND IN BANGKOK

TAXIS

Taxi is a comfortable yet inexpensive way to travel around Bangkok, except at rush hours (6:30 to 9:30 and 16:30 to 19:30 everyday).

It becomes a common choice after midnight, when BTS, MRT and river ferries have ended their working day. You can easily catch a taxi anywhere in the city. Insist that taxi drivers use the meters.

Ta xi hours: 24 hours

Fares: The fare starts at 35 Baht ($1) for the first kilometer. A charge of 5.5 Baht ($0.15) applies to each subsequent kilometer. Be prepared to pay 2 Baht ($0.06) for each waiting minute in traffic jams.

A normal 5-kilometer trip costs you around 80 Baht ($2.3).

Note: Tipping is not required, but it’s recommended to round the fare up to the nearest 5 or 10 Baht. BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND IN BANGKOK

TUK-TUKS

The 3-wheeled vehicle Tuk-Tuks were a popular means of transportation used by Bangkok people before taxis and the BTS & MRT.

They are still a mode of transport now, but the service is mostly favored by tourists who want some fun while getting around.

Tuk-Tuk hours: 24 hours

Fares: There is no fixed rate for riding a Tuk-Tuk. The fare varies, based on the time of the day, the travel distance, and your haggling skill. Normally, a short 2-kilometer Tuk-Tuk ride will cost around 60 baht ($1.73).

Notes: A Tuk-Tuk can carry 3 adults. There are no seatbelts on Tuk-Tuks. Tuk-Tuks are exciting, but they are not a very safe mode of transport. BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND IN BANGKOK

MOTORBIKE TAXIS

Motorbike taxi is a common mode of transport in Southeast Asian cities. In Bangkok, many locals choose to get around with this cheap yet convenient option. For solo travelers, especially those are adventurous, motorbike taxi is a fun and quick way to reach anywhere you want to reach.

You can find motorbike taxi drivers who wear numbered orange vests at most of the street corners near working offices or shopping buildings.

Motorbike taxi hours: 24 hours

Fares: Fare varies based on the travel distance, the time of the day, and yes, your bargaining skill. A short 2 kilometer ride will cost from 20 Baht ($0.57) to 30 Baht ($0.86).

Notes: A motorbike taxi can carry one passenger only. It is always recommended to wear a safety helmet, which will be provided by the driver. BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND IN BANGKOK

EXPRESS BOATS

Express Boats are often recognized through their color-coded flags. Boat tickets are available for purchasing at piers or on the boats. There are 5 different types of express boats, differentiated by their flag colors.

Among them, the orange flag boat is the best option for travelers who want to explore and get to the .

Service route: These boats cover 21 piers

Service hours: 06:00 to 19:00 daily

Fares: It costs you 15 Baht ($0.43) per trip, no matter how far you travel.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD – CHAROEN KRUNG

Charoen Krung was Bangkok’s very first road cast in asphalt. It was built during the reign of King Rama IV more than 150 years ago to serve the fast- growing community of foreign traders on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River, the consequence of a series of trade agreements Siam (the old ) signed with foreign countries. The area became — and has since remained — a melting pot of cultures, with Chinese merchants settling down and building shop houses next to British diplomats and Persian traders. Over the years, the center of commerce has moved inward to Silom and Sukhumvit, but Charoen Krung still remains relevant now as it was in its glory years. Walking down the neighborhood’s alleys today, you can still breathe in traces of its heyday.

The relocation of the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) to Charoen Krung in 2017 was a big deal to creative types and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. The move not only exposes the neighborhood to 30,000 TCDC members, but has also introduced more creative vibes, a commercial environment and business opportunities — things Charoen Krung has lacked for decades, if not a century.

New restaurants, bars and galleries have mushroomed along and its adjacent ‘sois’ (side streets). The neighborhood once only known for its street food and five-star hotels has become vibrant once again. BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

HeiJii 415 Soi Charoenkrung 43 (opposite TCDC)

Meaning “black chicken” in Chinese, Heijii (pronounced hey-ji) is unarguably Charoen Krung’s hottest (and hippest) new café.

The café mixes retro-Chinese elements with industrial chic interiors to realize a trendy setting where millennials can sip caffeinated drinks while browsing through or filling up their own Instagram feeds. BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

80/20 1052-1054 Charoenkrung Road

An innovative Charoen Krung eatery that brings local produce to the fore.

Rising chef Napol Jantraget leads the enthusiastic kitchen team, which rolls out dishes that play around the eatery's principle: 80 percent of the ingredients used here are sourced either from local sustainable suppliers or nearby markets. Food is great while desserts are equally satisfying. BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Ciao Terrazza Mandarin Oriental Bangkok 48 Oriental Avenue

Ciao Terrazza — a posh version of a trattoria, Mandarin Oriental-style — has returned to the hotel’s riverside terrace in front of the leafy lawn of the century-old Author’s Wing. Patrons will be able to enjoy hearty Italian dishes enhanced by views of the Chao Phraya River.

Unlike the hotel’s more sophisticated outlets such as Le Normandie and Lord Jim’s, Ciao is a more laid-back venue that features modern black tabletops and sleek bronze table lamps. Dinner service only. BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

French St. O.P. Garden Soi Charoenkrung 36

Situated inside upscale shopping arcade OP Place, French St. breaks away from the swanky fine-dining stereotypes attached to French dining establishments by presenting a casual alfresco space surrounded by lush greenery and a herb orchard.

An air-conditioned dining room on the second floor provides more seating and a bar area. BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Jua 672/49 Soi Charoenkrung 28

A new yakitori destination, steered by Ku De Ta’s former executive chef, opens up in the creative hub of .

Jua takes on a space within a former gambling house in Charoenkrung, hence the gambling-related name which means “turning up a card” in Thai.

The building’s exteriors may blend in with the other ramshackle shop houses in the alley, but the inside is a refined oasis. Dinner service only. BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Yaowarat Road

Also known as Chinatown Bangkok, is the home of Bangkok’s Chinese community.

By day, it doesn’t look any different from other parts of Bangkok, but this big street has some hidden gems waiting to be explored.

When night falls, the neon signs blazing with Chinese characters are turned on and many eateries spill out onto the streets filled with foodies. BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Tropic City 672/65 Charoenkrung Soi 28

A tropical-themed bar on Charoen Krung 28 with cool summer vibes and fruity libations. Tropic City brings summer vibes to an old house-turned-bar.

The walls are painted with parrots and pink flamingos, and set off with wooden furniture, a vintage sofa and fresh orchids. BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Bamboo Bar Mandarin Oriental Bangkok 48 Oriental Avenue

Said to be the longest-running bar in Thailand, the swanky watering hole remains one of the city’s best places to savor both classic and creative cocktails.

Behind the bar is Jamie Rhind, a former supervisor at Langham London’s Artesian Bar, and rising mixologist Pinsuda “Ann” Pongprom. BEST ART MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Bangkokian Museum 271/2 Saphan Yao Alley

A collection of three antique structures built during the early 20th century, the Bangkokian Museum illustrates an often-overlooked period of the city’s history, and functions as a peek into a Bangkok that, these days, is disappearing at a rapid pace.

Discover how a middle class Thai family lived back in 1937 to 1957 through exhibitions of well-preserved daily-life amenities, furniture and artifacts. BEST ART MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Warehouse 30 Charoenkrung Soi 30

Warehouse 30 is the brainchild of The Jam Factory’s Duangrit Bunnag, who’s been gearing up full speed in revitalizing Charoen Krung. Duangrit is turning seven old warehouses built during the mid-40s into a 600-square-meter mixed-use creative complex.

The warehouses are home to the air- conditioned Warehouse 30 Market where you can shop for handmade products, watch movies curated by The Documentary Club, drink healthy juice from Raw & Real, and buy books from Candide. The warehouses will also have a multi-purpose space for art exhibitions, workshops and events. BEST PLACES TO SHOP IN CHAROEN KRUNG

River City Bangkok next to Royal Orchid Sheraton

Open daily 10:00-22:00

Standing the test of time for decades, this riverside shopping center has just been given a total facelift.

Most of the tenants are still respected antique shops, but new restaurants and cafes have been added to liven up the vibe. BEST PLACES TO SHOP IN CHAROEN KRUNG

Asiatique The Riverfront 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Phraya Krai,

Open daily 16:00-00:00

This major tourist attraction features more than 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants housed within refurbished century-old warehouses.

Entertainment options include a live Muay Thai show, a drag show by Calypso Cabaret, and the renowned Joe Louis Puppet Theater.

Recommend to go either by free boat connection from Saphan Taksin (Sheraton Shuttle first and then the Shuttle) or by taxi. BEST PLACES TO SHOP IN CHAROEN KRUNG

ICONSIAM across from Royal Orchid Sheraton

The city’s newest riverside shopping complex, ICONSIAM is home to Takashimaya, a Japanese mall with a drool-worthy food zone; and SookSiam, a football stadium-sized food and souvenir market offering all things Thai.

If all else fails, there’s plenty of food, entertainment and shopping options to be found here.

The free Royal Orchid Sheraton Shuttle takes you across the river every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN BANGKOK OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN BANGKOK EXPERIENCES IN BANGKOK

Thai and Chinese cultures are often intertwined and there's no better place than Yaowarat to experience it, especially with your taste buds!

You’ll meet at the Hua Lamphong Railway Station, and will walk to Chinatown, where you'll be able to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Yaowarat. This is your chance to taste various yummy street food such as Wonton Noodles, Guay Jub (Rolled rice noodle soup), and a plethora of Chinese desserts. Each dish in Yaowarat has their own story, tracing it roots back to different parts of China.

As lovers of Bangkok’s culture, it’s our pleasure to make sure you enjoy our recommended dishes, and nothing makes us happier than seeing your smiling faces! Come with us to explore Chinatown’s alleyways, where dozens of family have been living for generations. We’ll give you tips on how to make the most of your time in Chinatown, such as what to eat, and where to find them along the way. With me and my team of local experts, you’ll surely enjoy the must-try dishes in Chinatown!

1,320 THB per person / Max. 7 / Contact INPUT Information Desk EXPERIENCES IN BANGKOK

At House of Taste Thai Cooking School, you'll be able to shop at the market, cook authentic Thai food, and eat four favorite Thai dishes. The day will be divided into two parts that will have you exploring Khlong Toei — the biggest fresh market in Bangkok —where you shop for fresh ingredients before you cook them. The cooking class will introduce you to Thai exotic ingredients, including vegetables, spices, and herbs. The school's daily fixed menu consists of the following:

1) APPETIZERS / SOUP - Spicy Lemongrass Salad - Spicy Shrimp Salad - Green Papaya Salad - Deep Fried Spring Rolls - Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup ("Tom Yum Goong") - Spicy Coconut Soup with Chicken

2) FIRST MAIN COURSE - Stir-fried Rice Noodle with Shrimp ("Pad Thai Goong")

3) SECOND MAIN COURSE (served with rice) - Red Curry with Chicken - Green Curry with Chicken - Massaman Curry with Chicken - Panang Curry with Chicken

4) DESSERT - Mango Sticky Rice - Banana in Coconut Milk

1,200 THB per person / Max. 10 / Contact INPUT Information Desk USEFUL PHRASES IN THAI

To be polite, use ‘ka’ in female form or ‘krub’ in male form after these phrases:

Sa Wat Dee (sa-wat–dee) / Hello Chawp Pet Noi (chop–pet-noy) / I Like It A Little Bit Spicy

Kawp Koon (kop-koon) / Thank You Aroi (a-roy) / Delicious

Chai / Mai Chai (chai / my–chai) — Yes / No A Nee Tao Rai? (a-nee–tow–rye) / How Much Is This?

Kor Tot (kor-tot) / Excuse Me Phaeng Mark Pai (peng-mak-pie) / Too Expensive

Mai Khao Jai (my–cow-jai) / I Don’t Understand Soon (soon) / 0 Nueng (nung) / 1 Lah Gorn (la-gon) / Goodbye Song (song) / 2 Sam (sam) / 3 Haawng Naam Yuu Thee Nai? (hong-nam-you–tee–nye) / Where Is See (see) / 4 the Bathroom? Ha (Haa) / 5 Hok (hawk) / 6 Leo Sai / Leo Kwaa (lee-yo-sigh/lee-yo-kwa) — Turn Left / Turn Jed (jed) / 7 Right Baed (bed) / 8 Gao (gow) / 9 Yut / Bai (yut / bye) — Stop / Go Sib (sib) / 10

Chah Long (Cha-long) / Slow Down Gin Khao Yang? (gin-cow–young) / Have You Eaten Yet?

Hiu (hee-yoo) / I’m Hungry Ron Mak (ron-mak) / I Am Very Hot

Mai Sai Nam Tam (my–sigh-nam-tam) / No Sugar Mai Bpen Rai (my-pen-rye) / No Problem USEFUL CONTACTS

Tourist Police – 1155 This hotline is available 24 hours a day and they will all speak Greece Embassy (+66) 26 670 090 English. They will help you out with any concerns or questions you Hungary Embassy (+66) 21 189 600 have and can redirect you to the correct number you may need. India Embassy (+66) 25 803 006 Israel Embassy (+66) 22 049 200 Private Ambulance (Bangkok) – 1724 or 1719 Japan Embassy (+66) 26 963 000 The response time of a public ambulance can vary. Traffic is South Korea Embassy (+66) 22 477 537 terrible in Bangkok so it could be worth noting these private Mexico Embassy (+66) 22 850 995 ambulance numbers. Netherlands Embassy (+66) 23 095 200 New Zealand Embassy (+66) 22 542 530 Telephone Directory Assistance – 1133 Norway Embassy (+66) 22 046 500 You can use this if you are trying to call a particular business or Philippines Embassy (+66) 22 590 139 homeowner. If they are listed in the directory, then you will be put Poland Embassy (+66) 20 797 300 through to the correct person. Russia Embassy (+66) 22 349 824 Singapore Embassy (+66) 23 486 700 Embassies and Consulates South African Embassy (+66) 26 592 900 Argentina Embassy (+66) 22 590 401 Spain Embassy (+66) 26 618 284 Australia Embassy (+66) 23 446 300 Sri Lanka Embassy (+66) 22 611 938 Belgium Embassy (+66) 21 081 800 Sweden Embassy (+66) 20 026 742 Brazil Embassy (+66) 26 798 567 Switzerland Embassy (+66) 26 746 900 Canada Embassy (+66) 26 464 300 Taiwan Consulate (+66) 26 700 200 Chile Embassy (+66) 22 600 045 United States Embassy (+66) 22 054 000 China Embassy (+66) 22 457 044 Vietnam Embassy (+66) 22 515 836 Colombia Embassy (+66) 21 688 715 Denmark Embassy (+66) 23 431 100 Conference Venue: Ecuador Consulate (+66) 22 951 991 ext. 343 Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers Estonia Consulate (+66) 89 313 777 2 Charoen Krung Road Soi 30 Siphya, Finland Embassy (+66) 22 078 700 Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Germany Embassy (+66) 22 879 000 (+66) 22 660 123 Ghana Consulate (+66) 26 415 214 Copyright: All pictures and information courtesy of Time Out Bangkok, Travelvui and Airbnb