IAU 15th General Conference 2016
 

Address of the conference venue:

Chulalonkorn University
Bangkok 10160, Thailand






Official letters of invitation:

Should you require an official letter of invitation to obtain your visa, please contact j.becker@iau-aiu.net.
Please note, however, that these letters are only to facilitate your visa procedures when necessary. For some countries, a confirmation of registration with payment may be required by the authorities. We strongly suggest that you register at your earliest convenience

Airport transportation:

By taxi:
It is recommended to take a taxi from the Airport to the hotel. Please note that taxis do not accept credit cards. The public taxi stand (registered taxis) is located on Level 1 (Ground level). Go to the taxi counter near entrances 3, 4, 7 and 8.

Approximate price: 500 Thai Baht

By sky train:
Alternatively participants can also choose to take the BTS Sky train, but it would require change over to reach hotels. For more information about public transportation from the Airport please consult the following link: www.transitbangkok.com/to_Bangkok_airport.html

Approximate price 200 Thai Baht

Climate and weather:

Thailand is located in the tropical area. The Conference will take place during the winter season (mid-October to mid-February) where temperatures range from 18° - 32 ° C. Bangkok has mild winter, but be aware about big temperature gaps between day time and night time. The difference of temperature can up to 15° C.

Official Weather Forecast Website:  www.tmd.go.th/en




Currency: 

Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (THB). The approximate exchange rate is:

1 EUR equals 39 Thai Baht
1 USD equals 36 Thai Baht

Electricity:

For electronic appliances, Thailand uses the 220v-electricity and 2- or 3-leg plugs (flat & round plugs – as shown on picture). If this is different from your country, you can find a universal adapter/converter at department stores.




Food and drink:


Thailand is famous for its exotic cuisine prepared by various cooking methods including steaming, boiling, scalding, frying, roasting, grilling, baking, preserving, etc. Thai food generally has strong taste and some of the dishes are known for being spicy. 

In Bangkok and most parts of Thailand, it is quite easy to eat out or buy take-away food. Cooked food and drink are offered at restaurants, malls, convenient stores, local fresh markets, food stalls as well as on streets.



Public transportation:

BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System): BTS is the main sky train that allows people to commute around the center of Bangkok. It has 2 lines: Silom Line (service between National Stadium Station and Bang Wa Station) and Sukhumvit Line (service between Mo Chit Station and Bearing Station). The train operates from 06.00 to 00.00.

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit:) MRT is the main underground train that allows people to commute between Bang Sue Station and Hua Lamphong Station. It is connected with BTS via 3 stations: Mo Chit, Asok and Sala Daeng Stations. The train operates from 06.00 to 00.00. A number of MRT extended lines are now under construction.

BRT (Bus Rapid Transit System): BRT is a special bus route that connects between 2 BTS Stations: Chong Nonsi and Talad Phlu Stations. Payment system is the same as BTS & MRT, and the operating hours are also the same.

Tuk Tuk: is a unique 3-wheel car that is popular among tourists. It can contain 2-3 passengers. You can find Tuk Tuk in some areas such as the Bangkok city center and tourist attractions.

Peak hours in Bangkok: 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:00

More information about public transportation:  www.transitbangkok.com

Tourist attractions in Bangkok:

Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is famous for unique culture, friendly people, exotic food, shopping and entertainment. There are many interesting places for you to visit based on your personal interest. For example:

Must-See Places: Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), National Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Rattanakosin Island (Old Town Bangkok)

Cultural Places: China Town (Yaowarat), Thailand Cultural Center, Siam Niramit Theatre, Chao Praya Riverside, temples and local floating markets

Shopping: Central World, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, MBK, Emporium, Chatuchak Market (JJ Market), Asiatique The River front and Panthip Plaza (for IT products). 

Eating Out & Nightlife: Tong Lor, Ratchada, RCA, Silom, Sukhumvit, Khao San Road, Asiatique The Riverfront and China Town

Business districts: Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn areas.

More information: 

Bangkok travel guide: www.asinah.net/thailand/bangkok.html

Shopping: www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Bangkok/Shopping

Traveling outside of Bangkok

You can easily travel outside of Bangkok on a day trip or an overnight trip. Traveling to other parts of Thailand is a great way to escape from a city buzz to explore different places and experience interesting cultures:

Northern part is famous for forests, mountains and local traditions.The major tourist destinations in this region are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Sukhothai, Lampang, etc.

North-eastern part is famous for national parks, local cuisine and traditions.The major tourist destinations in this region are Khao Yai, Loei, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, etc.

Central part is famous fortemples, rice paddies and traditional riverside lifestyle.The major tourist destinations in this region are Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Lopburi, Suphanburi, etc.

Eastern part is famous for beaches, sea and islands. The major tourist destinations in this region are Pattaya, Koh Samed,Koh Chang, etc.

Western part is famous for forests, beaches and sea. The major tourist destinations in this region are Hua Hin, Cha Am, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, etc.

Southern part is famous for beaches, sea and islands. The major tourist destinations in this region are Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Similan, etc.

You can travel to other provinces by public van, public bus, train, airplane, rented car, etc.

Information about Eco Tourism in Thailand

Link to travel guides:

www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Chiang-Mai

www.thailandparadise.com/krabi.htm

www.discoverythailand.com/Pattaya.asp