Travel:
Arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the best way to get to the venue. There are also daily train rides from Bangkok, with stops at different tourist destinations such as Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, and Lampang.
Since we will provide accommodations starting the night of June 23rd, 2024, you may plan to arrive on June 23rd, 2024.
We will partially reimburse the participants' travelling costs (~50% of the airfare, train tickets, and bus fees). The amount will be merit- and need-based, and the decision of the LOC is final. If the participants' home institute can cover the travelling cost, we strongly recommend the participants get support from their institutes.
Ground Transportation:
The venue/hotel is in the heart of Nimman Area. Travelling from the airport to the hotel would take around 15 minutes by car.
There are a few choices of transportation, such as Airport taxis (a less-stress choice for first-timers), rideshare apps (mainly Grab from the airport), and the "red jeepney" (needs expert-level negotiation skills and is subject to availability).
Anywhere else aside from CNX airport, the popular rideshare apps in Chiang Mai include Grab, Maxim, and Indrive. These services may require a working SIM card (or proper roaming services), which can be purchased at the airport or any 7-Eleven.
Chiang Mai RTC runs an infrequent bus service from the airport to Nimman area. Get on the yellow line (24B) to the Nimman 12 stop, which is in front of the hotel. An all-day ticket is 50 baht. A large bag may be subject to an additional fare of 30 baht. The bus stop is outside of the domestic terminal. The buses can be tracked using the application ViaBus. More information can be found here: https://rtc-citybus.com/
Venue:
The Kantary Hills Hotel and Serviced Apartments, Chiang Mai.
Accommodation:
We provide a shared hotel room (2 persons per room) for participants not local to Chiang Mai. Please inform the front desk of your name and that you are a participant in the workshop when you arrive.
However, participants could book and pay for their accommodations if they choose to. But, there will be NO reimbursement for the hotel fee.
Check-in time: 02:00 PM onward
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Meals:
Complimentary breakfast comes with accommodations.
Lunch will be served during the workshop.
Dinner will be a mixture of group meals and pocket money.
*Participants would only be responsible for their breakfasts if they opt out of the provided accommodations.
Laundry:
There are several laundromats and laundry services in the area. The closest laundromat is TWJ Coin Laundry which is 300 meters away. It is open 24 hours and costs about 80 baht (wash and dry) per load.
The Area:
The venue is in the vibrant area of "Nimmanhaemin Road", or Nimman. This mile-stretch main strip is homed to many Michelin bib gourmand restaurants, department stores, cafés, coffee shops, arts and crafts stores, and street food stores. It is also just a hop away from the old town, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Zoo.
Still a cash-dominated society:
Thailand is still cash-dominated. Credit cards may be welcome at department stores and well-established restaurants. However, we recommend you bring some cash to try street foods and snacks, buy souvenirs, or get a short ride around town. You may get an exchange at the airport and money exchangers in the town.
