Frequently Asked Questions
IECM 2010 (Bangkok March 7-8)
CM Trade Mission to Vietnam (March 9-13)
Transportation
Accommodations
Post Conference (Phuket, Thailand)
Other
IECM 2010 (Bangkok March 7-8)
a. What is the purpose of the conference and why should I attend?
The IECM 2010 brings together professionals and practitioners from all corners of the globe to present current topics related to the worldwide practice of Engineering and Construction Management. In addition to upgrading your body of knowledge, there are also opportunities and assistance for those wishing to enter the SE Asian market.
b. Who is expected to attend?
There is a great diversity of participation including representation from all corners of the globe as well as local Thai and SE Asian Engineering and construction management personnel. In addition, 12 local CM students at AIT (Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok) and King Mongkul University have been sponsored and invited to attend the seminars and luncheons.
In addition, there is participation and endorsement by several leading professional associations includng:
CIOB Chartered Institute of Building (www.ciob.com)
CMAA Construction Management Association of America (www.cmaanet.org)
PWC Professional Women in Construction (www.pwc.org)
CMAK Construction Management Association of Korea www.cmak.or.kr/eng/html/greeting.asp
PMI Project Management Institute/ Thailand (www.pmithai.net)
c. What and where is the Trade Show?
There will be a 2 hour Trade Show table exhibit for registered attendees on Monday March 8. This will coincide with the IECM Luncheon on that date. Sponsoring organizations and company participants are invited to display their information and literature with prior arrangements.
CM Trade Mission to Vietnam (March 9-13)
d. What is the purpose of the CM Trade Mission to Vietnam and who can attend?
There will be a CM trade mission immediately following the IECM 2010 forum and visiting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is intended to explore the many construction related opportunities currently ongoing and available. There will be informational and educational sessions on current activities as well as means to secure work opportunities in the vibrant Vietnam economy. The mission is geared for the Construction Management community; however is open and welcome to any members related to construction industry including Architects, Engineers, contractors, suppliers, etc. In addition to the seminars and presentations, there be construction site tours of existing ongoing projects in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
e. What is the Gold Key Service?
The Gold Key Service is a a service from the US Commercial division of the US Department of Commerce. It is a specific opportunity for US companies to procure business opportunities in Vietnam and provides specific company contacts and meetings with relevant Vietnamese agencies and companies. A special arrangement has been made for this trade mission at a cost of $700/day for all size companies to participate on March 10 Hanoi and March 12 Ho Chi Minh City. See related direct link www.buyusa.gov/vietnam/en/gold_key_service.html
Transportation
f. What airlines travel to Bangkok and Vietnam?
Bangkok is accessible from all corners of the globe via all 3 airline network alliances (One World, Star, and Sky Alliance) as well as independents. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam are also major airports The new Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major hub in the SE Asia region. Many itineraries are available including flights into Bangkok and return from Ho Chi Minh City. Although all travel arrangements must be made independently, the conference organizers can assist with information and guidance upon request. Some of the carriers and their links are as follows:
One World carriers
American Airlines www.aa.com
British Air www.britishairways.com
Qantas www.qantas.com
Finnair www.finnair.com
Japan Airlines www.jal.com
Cathay Pacific www.cathaypacific.com
Star Alliance
United Airlines www.ual.com
Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com
Thai Air www.thaiair.com
Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com
Sky Alliance
Dellta Airlines www.delta.com
Continental Airlines www.continentalair.com
Northwest Airlines www.nwa.com
Korean Airlines www.koreanair.com
China Airlines www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm
You may also check airfares with independent travel websites such as
www.kayak.com
www.expedia.com
www.travelocity.com
g. How do I travel between Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
There are several available connections from Bangkok to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The recommended flights for the trade mission are as follows:
March 9 Air Asia flight FD3700
Dep 0655 Bangkok (BKK) to Hanoi (HAN) Arrive 0840
approximate cost $95 and up. Other carriers include Vietnam Airlines, Thai Air, Air France. Lufthansa
March 11 Vietnam Airlines flight VN 213
Dep 0900 Hanoi (HAN) to HCMC (SGN) arrive 1100
approximate cost $75 and up
Accommodations
h. How do I book my rooms at the selected conference hotels?
Yoy may contact us at info@iecmthailand.com or you may directly at the websites below. Use (promotion code “iecm”)
Bangkok, Thailand Hilton Millennium Hotel-
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/BKKHITW-Millennium-Hilton-Bangkok-hotel/index.do
Hanoi, Vietnam- Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/HANHITW-Hilton-Hanoi-Opera-hotel/index.do
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam New World Hotel
www.newworldsaigon.com/eng/home/main.php
i. Are there other hotels in the area?
There are other luxury hotels available nearby in all locations, as well as many other very economical clean, accommodations for as little as $45/ night. These can be provided upon request
j. Where is the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Bangkok located?
It is located on the west bank of the Chao Praya River in the Klongsan district of Bangkok. In addition to private and taxi service, the hotel is directly accessible to convenient public transportation via a free 5 minute ferry shuttle to the Saphan Taksin station of the Bangkok Skytrain system.
Post Conference (Phuket, Thailand)
k. What is available for leisure following the IECM 2010 and CM trade mission?
Rabco Construction Consultants is hosting an industry related networking reception following the conference. It will be on Tuesday March 16 at the Hilton Arcadia Resort at Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand. It is complimentary to all conference attendees who RSVP in advance.
l. Where is the Phuket Arcadia Hilton Hotel in located?
The Phuket Arcadia Hilton is located on the west coast of Phuket Island right on Karon Beach of the Andaman Sea. The taxi from the airport requires about a 45 minute drive.
www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/HKTHIHI-Hilton-Phuket-Arcadia-Resort-Spa/index.do
m. What is available transportation down to Phuket?
There are some nonstop overseas flights direcrtly into Phuket (Singapore, Korean Airlines, Cathay Pacific), however, most connections are through the capital city Bangkok. Carriers from Bangkok include Thai Air, Bangkok Airways, and Air Asia. Airfare ranges from as low as $125 economy up to $275 rountrip business. Flight time is about 70 minutes with several flights from Bangkok’s two operating airports.
Other than air transportation, bus and private auto are available from Bangkok to Phuket which is about a 12 hour scenic drive.
In addition, there is an Air Asia flight directly from HCMC to Phuket. Recommended flight is
March 13 Air Asia flight FD3965
Dep 2140 HCMC (SGN) to Phuket(HKT) Arrive 2355
approximate cost $45 (special rate) and up
Other
n. What is the historical weather in March?
Bangkok 92 F (33 C) high 78 F (25 C) Low little rain about 3 days/ month
Hanoi 74 F (23 C) high 63 F (17 C) Low mod showers 15 days/ month
HCMC 93F (34 C) high 75 F (23 C) Low little rain about 2 days/ month
Phuket 92 F (33 C) high 77 F (24 C) Low little rain about 4 days/ month
o. What is the currency used in Thailand and Vietnam?
The Thailand Baht (THB) and Vietnam Dong (VND) can be exchanged at all airports, most banks, and countless ATM machines throughout the country.
Approximate current rates as of 12/31/09 are as follows:
USD $1 33 Thai Baht (THB) 18,400 Vietnam Dong (VND)
EUR 47 26,300
BP 52 29,400
AUD (Australia) 30 16,700
p. Can I extend my journey beyond the time limits of the IECM 2010 forum and Trade Mission to Vietnam?
All travel and hotel arrangements are the responsibility of the individual or company traveler, however we may assist with all arrangements including additional stay before or beyond the March 7-13, 2010 time frame.
q. Do I need any special visas to enter Thailand and Vietnam?
Thailand- No special advance visas are required for US and most Western countries. A general valid passport and a 30 day visa on arrival for most passports is available
Vietnam- A 30 day tourist visa is required along with a valid passport with minimum 90 days validity beyond the expiration date. Visas and passports can be obtained directly through the country embassy/ consulate or via an expediting service. There is a visa on arrival available; however documentation must be forwarded and approved prior.
Useful links:
http://www.vietnamembassy.us/consular_services/visa_info/
http://www.thaiembdc.org
http://www.passportsandvisas.com/
http://www.visaexpress.net/
r. Can I extend my journey beyond the time limits of the IECM 2010 forum and Trade Mission to Vietnam?
All travel and hotel arrangements are the responsibility of the individual or company traveler, however we may assist with all arrangements including additional stay before or beyond the March 7-13, 2009 time frame. |
