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Few venues can boast
extensive facilities and sheer size
as the IMPACT in north Bangkok, 20 minutes from city center. Originally opened in 1988
for the Asian Games,
the facility has developed
into a colossal event space. With several structures
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for different uses, the massive venue has helped Thailand
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attract many large scale events, and continues to draw more. Most notable are the XV International AIDS Congress
in 2004 with some 15,000 participants and the Lions International Convention
in 2008 when some 30,000 Lions worldwide will converge.
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Here are the dazzling figures to impress;
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IMPACT Arena, a 12,000-seat amphitheater in 3 levels,
ideal for AGMs, opening
or closing ceremonies,
launch events and concerts.
The ceiling is 24 metres/78 feet high and the hall has special lighting panel and sophisticated audio-visual systems. There are also 25 private suites IMPACT Exhibition Center, 8 event halls with a combined total space
of 47,000 square metre/
505,900 sq.ft, supplemented
by 6 meeting rooms
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IMPACT Convention Center, 30,000 sq.m/320,000 sq.ft with
2 exhibition halls, a grand ballroom and 12 meeting rooms
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IMPACT Challenger,
the largest (as of 2007) column free exhibition hall in the world.
There is 60,000 sq.m /645,785 sq.ft in area, larger than 8 football fields. The Royal Jubilee Ballroom is one of the grandest in town with 3,500 sq.m/37,000 sq.ft
of column-free space
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and 16 sub-meeting rooms.
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Outdoor areas include
Aktiv Square with 37,900 sq.m / 407,800 sq.ft and a vast lakeside space which accommodated the grand firework extravaganza in June 2007 to celebrate HM. The King’s 60th anniversary
of accession to the throne, televised worldwide.
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Bangkok has all the attributes of a grand meeting
destination. Events taking place here attract participation, provide enjoyment to delegates, visitors and accompanying persons and result in success for hosts and planners.
Contact CDM for solutions of successful events in Thailand.
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More eateries have sprung up and are helping visitors enjoy Bangkok in many more ways. The stylish MahaNaga
has caught on rather well,
with the distinctive middle eastern ambience and decor
to go with Thai fusion cuisine.
The combined 2 houses plus
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the outdoor garden can comfortably accommodate
up to 220 guests on a night out.
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Supatra River House’s sister restaurant Fisherman’s Seafood is on the Bangkok side of the Chao Praya River, serving delectable seafood cooked Thai style or in western ways.
The casual atmosphere makes for leisure and enjoyable
dining – or lunch -
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by the River of Kings. Capacity is 120.
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100 Rajdamri is hugely popular with parties and product launches, with 2 restaurants
in the garden compound:
Tai Thai and Fallabella, complemented by lovely landscape next to the exclusive Royal Bangkok Sports Club,
a prime location in downtown
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Bangkok. The restaurants and outdoor area can host
up to 300 for drinks and dinner.
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High above it all is Vertigo
on the 61st. floor of the Banyan Tree with a panoramic view
of Bangkok at night.
Offering a creative menu
of Mediterranean cuisine with superb service and the ambience to match, this is top choice for a function to impress.
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The multilevel platforms can accommodate sit down dinner
for 150, with space for a band.
A unique place to dine in combination with a night out on the town, perhaps after a visit of a Thai Boxing stadium, is an old favorite, the one and only Seafood Market.
Often referred to as The Psychedelic Supermarket with bright fluorescent bulbs and exhibiting all kinds of seafood
there is, and more, it lives up to the catchy slogan
“If It Swims, We have it”. Diners pick fresh seafood which is sold
by the weight and consult the staff on how each item
is to be cooked. The capacity of 2,000 makes it a very impressive venue that is fun and different.
Thailand is a destination made for incentive travel programs. Contact CDM for program proposals to motivate and inspire.
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Lanna, meaning Land
of a Million Rice Fields, is the capital of north Thailand that flourished some 7 centuries ago. The fertile area is rich in culture influenced by Siam (Thailand’s former name), Burma and Laos during various eras of the past. North Thailand is known for
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cooler climate, beautiful women, hand made arts and crafts produced as they were originated ages ago and handed down from generation to generation.
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All of this and more
is to be experienced at
the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, an incomparable resort that has placed Chiang Mai high on the list of must-see destinations.
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Set on 60 acres of verdant tranquil ground the resort’s buildings bear three styles of architecture, from graceful Thai to delicate Burma to opulent colonial. Facilities include Thai, Chinese, French and international restaurants,
the heavenly 33,000 square feet
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spa/holistic centre, Thai culinary academy, meeting facilities,
art & culture centre, library, a shopping village
and even an amphitheatre.
The grounds are spacious and well manicured, with great possibilities for memorable functions complete with entertainment to impress.
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Chiang Mai is just an hour’s flight from Bangkok and is convenient to connect with other north Thailand destinations such as
the Golden Triangle and Mae Hong Son, or even with a direct flight to Phuket as a perfect final portion of the ultimate incentive travel program.
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Activities include elephant safari, bamboo rafting, mountain trekking, craft village exploration, etc.
Contact CDM for travel programs in Thailand’s north
that will enchant and inspire your incentive achievers
with an unforgettable experience.
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Thailand’s newest pride opened for flights on September 28, 2006. It is aimed to serve 45 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo per year, with future plans to increase to 100 million passengers and 6.4 million tons of cargo. The steel & glass structure is stunning in design
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and equipped with state-of-the-art operations systems,
and parts of interior beautified by Thai art. It is 30 kilometres
or 19 miles east of Bangkok and is well served by a number
of motorways and expressways. It is also closer - now a little over
1 hour's drive - to Pattaya, Thailand's most popular beach destination on the east coast.
Here are some facts and figures;
- The passenger terminal building has an area
of 563,000 square metres – world’s second largest single building in terms of floor space
- 200,000 sq. m of laminated glass is used – making it
the largest glass structure in the world
- Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn in Chicago is lead architect
- World’s tallest control tower at 132.2 metres or 434 feet
- 2 parallel runways and 2 parallel taxiways with long term plans for 4 runways
- 7 concourses and 120 parking bays with 5 capable
of accommodating the Airbus 380
- Capable of handling 76 aircrafts per hour
- It cost US$3 billion to build.
- The high speed rail link will be completed in late 2007 or early 2008, linking the city terminal with a 15-minute journey
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The name Suvarnabhumi
was chosen by
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej
which means
"The Golden Land",
specifically referring
to continental Indochina
"Golden Peninsula"
or "Golden Land" is a traditional
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name for the Thailand -Cambodia -Laos-Myanmar region.
It is pronounced "su-wan-na-poom" The airport is deemed
to contribute to the growth in visitor arrivals to Thailand and neighboring countries. Participants of incentive and meeting events will definitely appreciate the new facilities that this landmark airport has to offer.
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The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 in Chiang Mai is stagedto commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne and his 80th birthday.
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The exposition has been granted A1 status by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). An “A1” classification for an horticultural exposition as defined by AIPH
is “ an international exhibition
of long duration of at least
3 months; 6 months at most.
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Thailand will be the first country in Southeast Asia to host
an A1 exposition.
Apart from 80 gardens from state enterprises and domestic
and international corporations, 30 countries will showcase
their native plants and flowers as well as the cultural arts
and architecture. Expectations are that more than
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2.5 million plants and flowers from 2,200 different species
will be on show,
turning the almost 1 square
kilometer (about 250 acres) exposition grounds
into a dazzling sea of color.
The event will run 3 months long, from November 6, 2006
to January 31, 2007. When the event is over, the plants
and everything else brought in
by foreign participants will be presented to the Kingdom
of Thailand - creating a new permanent tourist attraction and natural learning centre,
a haven for horticulturists
and admirers of all things nice.
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Highlights include Gardens for the King which comprises International Garden and Corporate Garden;
Thai Tropical Garden; Expo Plaza and Orchid Pavilion,
a showcase of 50,000 orchid plants of nearly 10,000 orchid species. Conference sessions on various subjects of interest will be held during the expo period. Some 2 million visitors are expected
to spend enjoyable time at the expo.
An example of a special feature at the exhibition
is the Ohga Hasu, the lotus plant brought back from extinction from 2,000 year old seeds in Japan.
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Symbol of the event,
the Ratchaphruek – the Golden Shower Tree (Cassia Fistula L. or Purging Cassia or Pudding Pipe Tree or Indian laburnam) is considered
an auspicious tree in Thailand.
The dazzling yellow flowers signify
2 of the 3 most important institutions
of the Thai nation - the national religion, Buddhism, and
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
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who was born on Monday. Yellow is the color associated
with Monday. |
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That’s the pitch of
the Millennium Hilton on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
The very contemporary hotel
soft opened in February and is quickly making itself known in the marketplace. Whichever generation they may be, guests will certainly
enjoy a stay here.
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All 543 rooms & suites in the
32-storey tower offer a full river view, and a different Bangkok skyline from another angle.
The bend of the river provides
a generous vista of the City of - Angels, day time and night time.
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Some of the interesting features are the trendy design of interior, furnishings and lighting,
all day leisure dining on the riverside terrace with an inside open kitchen, contemporary Chinese restaurant,
signature steakhouse,
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a riverside tea room, state-of-the-art Hilton Meetings – 10 board rooms
on the 30th floor, executive lounge,
Zeta the award winning bar concept, Three Sixty bar & lounge with
a panoramic horizon on 32nd floor
and The Beach – the infinity pool deck on 4th floor with sand and pool chairs
in the water. The ultra modern
grand ballroom accommodates
650 for banquets.
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The Millennium Hilton is indeed a welcome addition to the Bangkok riverside scene, offering another choice for planners.
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The year 2006 is of regal significance as Thailand commemorates the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol’s Accession to the Throne. To honor the world longest reigning monarch, the government arranged a year-long Grand Festival of Events nationwide to share our colorful culture with our visitors.
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Monarchs of at least 29 countries will be witnessing
the Grand Royal Barge Procession on June 12 and be guests
at the Royal Reception on June 13. Major dress rehearsals
of the grand barge procession take place on June 6 and 9
and will be open for attendance. The procession with 52 exquisite barges, 2,082 oarsmen is an unforgettable sight
for those who have seen it.
Come and experience the grandeur of the realm as we showcase the pageantry, glorious traditions and culture in our many
Grand Destinations.
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Bangkok will be the heart
of the celebrations and the city with gilded palaces and
temples will be illuminated.
New attractions opening this year include the Siam Niramit Theatre with a spectacular
Thai cultural performance;
Siam Paragon shopping
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complex – a must-see world class complex and Suvarnabhumi International Airport, a major attraction in its own right.
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Other celebrations
are the Songkran – Thai New Year Festival, Music and Dance Festival in Pattaya, International
Boat Races in Ayutthaya,
an opera evening with light
& sound extravaganza,
also in the World Heritage Site
of Ayutthaya, Loy Krathong -
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the Floating Festival of Lights and H.M. the King’s Birthday
in December.
Plan your movement to Thailand in 2006 and join the Thai people in some of the Grand Celebrations we have in store.
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December 26 marks the first anniversary of the tidal waves which damaged coasts along the Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean and even East Africa. Theoretically scientists say such
a phenomenon may occur again in about 100 years.
For many planners, however,
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there is a need to feel secure and to keep our irresistible destinations on their mind, a complete warning system
has been put in place.
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Tsunami alert
technology includes deep water measuring devices installed on the ocean floor which monitors sea pressure and activity,
and relays wave movements
to surface buoy which monitors upper level conditions and relays data to satellite, which relays
to ground stations.
On the ground, warnings
are by radio and television broadcasts, amateur radio stations, local radio networks, cellular phone SMS and sirens from the watchtowers. Evacuation plans are in place
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with designated routes and safe zones on high grounds clearly marked at all beaches.
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Phuket, Khao Lak in Phang Nga, Krabi, Lanta Island and Trang
are as beautiful as ever and await to welcome visitors
to their delightful environs.
The tsunami actually turned over new sand on beaches
while coral reefs are largely unaffected. Developments
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are better planned with ecology a main consideration. Memorable incentive travel programs are assured at these breathtakingly beautiful destinations.
Across Phang Nga Bay from Phuket, Krabi offers unspoilt beaches, secluded islands, turquoise waters, impressive karsts and limestone cliffs – and very pleasing scenery.
Top of the accommodation list is the gorgeous Rayavadee
with 103 pavilion and villa units in 25 acres of coconut groves
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flanked by 3 national park beaches, and is accessible only by sea. Sheraton Krabi with 246 rooms and the soon to open Central Krabi Bay with 193 rooms will complement the area in its progress on becoming
a well-recognized beach destination.
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Activities are nature-based and mostly nautical-oriented, such as sea kayaking, island hopping and snorkeling boat trips. Quite a few national parks in the area
are lush year round, offering the essence of true tropical rainforests.
Elephant trekking and nature walks
with waterfall picnic are some land-based options, as well as a handful
of touristic sites and cultural attributes.
Krabi is world renown for rock climbing, with awe-inspiring scenery from up high!
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Access is convenient
with Krabi Airport served by THAI and other domestic carriers.
A boat trip fromor to Phuket
is an event in itself, with en route stops to explore sea caves, hidden chambers and powdery sand beaches.
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Lanta is a group of 52 islets off Krabi coast, and Lanta Yai
is the main island, with hotels along west coast beaches.
The Pimalai is the current finest hotel choice, with 91 rooms
and villas, soon to be added with 39 pool villas.
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Rawi-Warin with 182 rooms, cottages and suites
in sprawling landscape,
is opening in late 2005
and will become the prime choice for group programs. From Krabi airport,
it is a 50-minute drive plus 25 minutes by boat to most hotels.
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Krabi or Lanta Island is perfect for a ‘rest’ portion of perhaps
a soft-adventure or active itinerary of Thailand or Indochina,
for a nice ‘cherry on top’ part of a motivational
and memorable program.
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Bangkok is one of the most popular destinations for a motivational incentive travel program. While modern development continues,
the city maintains the unique oriental charm and yet is well endowed with endless attractions, world class hotels,
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great cuisines and superb shopping.
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Many planners take advantage
of the Chao Praya River which runs through Bangkok. Several “incentive class” hotels are locatedon the bank of the river, not only making it easier to plan activities, but also offering spectacular scenery.
Staying by the bustling, colorful
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river, incentive achievers really know they are in the orient.
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The legendary Mandarin Oriental is a repeat winner of best hotel awards of international magazines.
White glove service is impeccable in all of the restaurants and at banquets.
The historical Author’s Wing is a choice venue for exclusive,
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formal functions for up to 100 guests.
Shangri-la wing at the Shangri-La features 670 rooms
while the deluxe Krungthep Wing has 129 rooms
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and suites with balcony.
A range of restaurants
and lay out of meeting
and banqueting facilities
as well as outdoor function space completes the picture
– and the Event Service Department works with planners to ensure delivery of all details.
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The Peninsula
overlooks Bangkok
from ‘the other side’
with all 370 hi-tech rooms and suites featuring panoramic river view, complemented with choice restaurants and well appointed meeting rooms.
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Room count at the
Royal Orchid Sheraton is 740 including 69 suites. The unique “meeting rooms with a river view” and popular restaurants rounds up a complete venue under one roof, supported by the friendly event service department.
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At the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa,all 413 rooms and suites are with balconies.
The hotel emphasizes being a “resort in the city” with “uniquely Thai” touches.
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When open in February 2006, the 33-storey Millennium Hilton
will offer 543 rooms & suites with river view,
and some interesting restaurants and bars,
including a roof top function room.
It is quite practical and entertaining to plan transfers
and sightseeing by the river which has a complete network
of “klongs” or canals on the west side of Bangkok.
Creativity has no limit here. Programs can include
Dine-Arounds, luncheon cruises or sunset cocktails and dining
by the riverside. Temples along the banks and numerous types
of boats provide an inimitable natural backdrop.
The river is never the same any hour of the day or evening.
Contact us for an incentive program that will “sail” through
with great success.
The Gulf of Siam offers some wonderful island getaways
with white-sand beaches, sapphire blue seas and flowing palms – and Samui is highest on the list.
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Formerly known as the island
of coconuts, Samui had lately been discovered as paradise in Thailand’s gulf, an idyllic tropical retreat not yet crowded and offering an almost opposite climate to Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Best months for Samui are July to August and Decemberto February. Bangkok Airways operates frequent daily flights from/to Bangkok.
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Some of the hotels of incentive class are Le Royal Meridien
with 63 deluxe rooms, suites
and villas, Santiburi
with 71 luxurious villas and suites in 23 acres of garden, Anantara with 100 rooms and suites and the Napasai with 70 accommodation units.
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Activities include boat trips to the nearby Taen Island
for swimming and fresh seafood or Angthong Archipelago
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Marine National Park
20miles/ 1.5 hour speedboat trip away with some 40 islands grouped together for some rather breathtaking nautical scenery or a closer exploration with sea kayak. Other islands
are Koh Phangan, 5 miles
from Samui, more famous
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for full moon parties, and Koh Tao, a further 17 miles is best known as Gulf of Thailand’s diving capital.
Samui is a choice for many planners as the final destination
of a multi-stop travel program for small groups, perfect for relaxing and ‘directive freedom’ activities with boat trips, waterfall exploration, elephant treks and golf at Santiburi, destined to be one of the best in Asia.
Thailand’s north is an explorer’s paradise, representing age old culture amidst rolling hills, soaring mountains, cool streams
and rich greenery.
In Chiang Mai, accommodation options are rapidly improving, with the Four Seasons having been the prime choice for years,
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the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi has joined the rank, to be followed soon by a few more famous names. Chiang Mai is definitely getting the attention it deserves. Just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, convenient connections are offered by Thai Airways and other airlines.
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Activities abound.
Temples are in the graceful northern style with enchanting charm. Handicraft village visits
are always fascinating as these are where the popular hand made crafts are produced
in traditional methods handed down for generations.
Elephant camps provide educational experiences on seeing how the magnificent beasts are trained, and having a chance to ride them through lush vegetation and across streams is a highlight of a visit.
In the hills are villages where
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the 6 tribes reside with traditional ways of life, highly interesting
to visitors from the outside world.
Venues for functions are special and bring out the best
in northern charm. With cooler climate, it is very pleasant
to spend time outdoors with fine cuisine and memorable cultural presentations.
Traditional festivities are enjoyed at its best such as the Yi Peng lantern launching as a gesture to send away bad luck and receiving good fortune. A program to Thailand will be most complete indeed with a portion in north Thailand.
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The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system has commenced operation since April 2004.
Called the subway,
the underground or the metro, the 20-kilometre underground electric train is the latest addition of efficient, pollution free and a convenient mean
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of getting around in Bangkok, a much welcome addition
to the BTS Sky-train since its opening in 1999.
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The modern heavy rail
air-conditioned trains are
3 meters wide and run on electric power controlled
from the operations center. Average speed is 35 kilomerres /22 miles an hour although highest speed is 80 kms/50 miles an hour. All safety systems
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are most modern and well in place. Each train has 3 or 6 bogeys, each with 320-passenger capacity. They arrive every 2 to 6 minutes depending on the time of day.
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The 18 MRT stations
are conveniently located at residential, commercial and shopping areas with 2, 3 and 4 exit points. The stations are 2, 3 and some are 4-storey deep, all air-conditioned and equipped with escalators and elevators.
3 stations are close to BTS stations, making it more convenient to combine
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the two modes of quick and smooth transportation.
Fares range from US$ 0.35 to US$ 1 and,
like the BTS, can be purchased single journey or store valued.
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To travel the entire route takes just 30 minutes, so an average journey is merely 10 minutes.
The trains run from 6 a.m.
to midnight and are expected to help lighten road traffic
even more.
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Useful stops are Chatuchak Weekend Market,
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Saladaeng
(for Lumpini Park and Patpong) and Ladprao for Sofitel Central Plaza hotel and Bangkok Convention Center. More lines
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