Venue
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Bangkok
Thailand’s capital is south-east Asia’s most enigmatic city, a head-on clash between tradition and modernity. First-time visitors may be a little taken aback by the concrete canyons and futuristic, billboard-covered skyscrapers, but take a few steps away from the main roads into one of the city’s countless alleys and traditional Thai culture is everywhere – an urban cornucopia of smells, tastes, sounds and sights that one is unlikely to forget.
True Digital Park
True Digital Park. is Thailand’s first and Southeast Asia’s largest startup and tech entrepreneurs campus. Spanning over 200,000 sq.m, the emerging innovation district “Bangkok CyberTech”, gives vast expansion opportunities across digital domains and geographic spaces.
True Digital Park. is a critical driver to the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem in Thailand all under one roof with startups, entrepreneurs, tech companies investors, accelerators, incubators, academies and government agencies. It features a wide range of world-class business and lifestyle offerings with a combination of campus area, lifestyle area and residential area.
Map
Situated in the East of Bangkok, True Digital Park. is only 5 mins walk from BTS Punnawithi Station and 10 mins BTS ride from City Center [Asoke].
Transportation
Train/BTS
By the far the easiest way to reach TDPK is via BTS. Exit Punnawithi Station by continuing on the skywalk (near exit 3/4) for 5 minutes and you will see the venue on your left.
You can use cash or buy a travel card, see Getting around Bangkok for details.
Step for how to go to the venue
Coming down from the train at Punnawith Station.
Follow the sign that lead you to Exit 6
You’ll see unicorn that belong to True Digital Park when you walk on skywalk.
Then go straight and find the sign that lead you to inside of building.
Take the escalator down until you see the pycon direction banner.
Follow the banner until you found the entrance of event.
This Banner will show once you arrive at the escalator. Follow the banner to arrive at the entrance.
Google Maps Directions works well for navigating public transport.
Driving & Parking
Parking is free all day at True Digital Park during the conference.
Taxis in Bangkok
Taxis are metered, starting at 35 baht. 100-150 baht should get you anywhere in the city center. Language and pronunciation can be an issue, so to avoid any hassles, get the address of your destination in writing (e.g. a business card or Google Maps). Drivers are normally good at turning on their meters, unless you're in a major tourist nightlife area like lower Sukhumvit or Silom at night. Avoid parked taxis.
On many corners are moto-cy or motorcycle taxis wearing orange vests. For between 15-80 baht they will take you the extra 1-2km you need to go after you get off a BTS, often avoiding traffic jams. Ask the price before you get on and hold on tight (to the bar behind you, not the driver).
Grab (uber)
Grab also operates in Bangkok, and tends to be a bit more than taxis but often will follow GPS so can be easier to explan where to go.
They also operate motorbikes which will get you there faster by avoiding traffic jams at an increased chance of personal injury.
Suvarnabhumi airport
To get to the venue from Suvarnabhumi Airport via train, go down to the basement level and get the airport link train to Phaya Thai (45 baht, terminal station). The airport link station connects to the Phaya Thai BTS (skytrain) station.
The whole journey takes about 90 minutes. Trains stop running at midnight.
You can use cash or buy a travel card, see Getting around Bangkok for details.
An airport taxi from airport shouldn't cost more than around 250 baht including airport surcharge and tolls, and take about 30min, depending on traffic.
Don Mueang airport
If you're taking a domestic or regional flight, you may be coming from Don Mueang airport. There isn't a train from there (yet), though you can take bus A1 to connect to the BTS at Mo Chit. A taxi to the venue should take around 40 minutes.
Accommodation
Bangkok is a major metropolis, with a vibrant mix of old and new. It is quite safe for tourists. For some details about getting around in the city, see the section on Transportation.
Hotels
T|H|A City Loft Hotel (http://www.tha6.com) has given us a discount rate of 1000baht a night. Email Info@tha6.com and mention PyCon.
see Map for other hotel suggestions
Eat/Drink/Do
See Map for activity suggestions.
Connectivity
Most restaurants, cafés and bars in Bangkok have free WiFi. As long as your phone is not provider-locked, it is also possible to get a tourist SIM. (You have to register with passport.) The easiest is to get it at the airport, all the major providers have kiosks at Arrivals. See the Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki for all the details.
Note that the venue has TrueWifi hotspots, so if you're getting a SIM card, then True is a good option.
Safety and security
The most dangerous thing in Bangkok is probably the traffic. Stay calm and polite, and you really shouldn't have any problems. Outside of tourist areas, you might have trouble making yourself understood, so it's a good idea to carry a business card or map of your accommodation to show a taxi driver if you need it. Some super-crowded places like Jatujak Weekend Market may have pickpockets operating. It's always a good idea to have a copy of your important documents, like passport and tickets.
The tourist police can speak at least Thai, English and Chinese. They are reachable by phone at 1155, on Facebook, or via their website.