The Art and Technology of Perfumery™ Workshops
10.00 Monday 10th June to 17.00* Friday 28th June 2024
Get to Bangkok at least 1 or 2 days before AND please don't plan to leave the workshop before 18.00 on the Friday Week 1 (Foundation) or Friday Week 3 (Pro) OTHERWISE YOU WILL MISS COURSE CONTENT. The 17.00 finishing time should be regarded as the earliest leaving time as it may be extended especially in the third week (Pro)
MAIN THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING HOME:
1) Print out this whole page with the Workshop Location, times and tips.2) If you have a laptop, then bring it along. The Perfumer's Workbook desktop software (Windows/Mac) & The Perfumer’s Wizard (All devices, inc. pads & phones) will be demonstrated.
WORKSHOP LOCATION:
Check Out The Perfumer's VillageThe Perfumer's Village @ PerfumersWorld Units E-789, BUILDWELL DEVELOPMENT, Rangsit (just before "Boon-Ta-Worn")
DRIVING DIRECTIONS - Move to the left-hand service lane immediately as you come off the elevated expressway or the latest BEFORE Thai-Wasadu 2-3 Km before Boonthavorn! otherwise you will have to do a 30 min double U-TURN.
Turn left immediately after the Goodyear Factory, at the footbridge over the road 100 metres BEFORE THE BOONTHAVORN Rangsit SIGN
(Boonthavorn pronounced "Boon-Ta-Worn" is a huge home decor store with red Thai lettering on a HUGE white billboard sign that can be seen from 500-1,000m before)
Address:
PerfumersWorld Ltd. Partnership,
Units E-8 Buildwell Development,
(62/43 Mu.3)
Phaholyothin Frontage Rd,
Tambon Khlong Nung,
Khlong Luang District,
Pathum Thani 12120,
Thailand.
Tel: +66(0)2-99-800-80
Google Maps Location
(Warning: Apple Maps is 3 years out of date- Roads not shown)
DATE and TIME: Monday 10th July to Friday 28th June 2024. Sessions 10.00am to 5.00pm+, No early finish on Fridays.
5 days Monday-Friday 10th-14th Foundation Plus Workshops
10 days Mondays-Fridays only 17th-28th Professional Level Workshops.
If you want the most from the content - Don't be late, don't leave early.
IMPORTANT: ESPECIALLY DON’T BE LATE FOR THE FIRST SESSIONS MONDAYS AT 10.00AM
PLEASE: IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING FROM A LONG WAY PLEASE GET TO BANGKOK AT LEAST A NIGHT OR 2 BEFORE.
HEALTH and FOOD:
If you have medications or special foods prescribed for any medical conditions please be sure to bring enough for your WHOLE STAY.
The exact same medication may not be available here.
If you have allergies to perfume or find the smells overwhelming take frequent “fresh-air” breaks outside the study room.
These are intensive courses and it is quite normal to get a mild headache sometimes.
Vegetarian or special food diets - you should be able to find most things - but if you have a severe allergy (e.g. nuts) - be aware that foods are not labelled as rigorously as in Western countries. So, caution is necessary.
Mosquitos
The mosquitos in Bangkok are said not to carry Malaria and so unless you plan to travel to the borders or jungle then oral medications, which can have unpleasant side affects are not recommended, but please consult your own doctor for current recommendations. The best prevention is a spray or cream. DEET or DMP are the most effective but Citronella is a natural alternative and we can also offer you a slightly nicer smelling alternative using a blend built around Eucalyptus Citriodora. The most susceptible areas to mosquito bites are the ankles, wrists and neck areas so these are the primary areas to defend. Dark clothing especially dark green or black clothing and of course exposed skin tends to attract mosquitos so bear this in mind in your choice of wardrobe.
Clothes to bring:
Note that June is the last month of the hot season so temperatures mid-day are likely to be 35 to 40°C (c. 100°F). Most places and taxis are air-conditioned but double check if you are staying in an air B&B or really cheap hotel/hostel. Thailand is a tropical country and the temperature rarely falls below 25°C even at night so a light jumper is the warmest clothing you are likely to need. It will be colder on the flight here so you might want to put the light jumper in your carry-on luggage. Even though it is officially the hot (& dry) season here there can be rain and storms especially around 5pm-6pm so try to get a taxi door to door. Flip flops (despite our note below) are the most practical if there is flooding so a good idea to have with you just in case.
Something to note: People in smart casual clothes vs. string vest and flip-flops are automatically given higher status and given more respect by Thai people so this is something to bear in mind. Taxis are more likely to stop for you. There may be some restrictions if visiting temples, palaces or fine dining restaurants. Essentially no bare legs, shoulders or flip-flops but they may have wraps to cover yourself if you do forget.
Materials to bring:
All the materials required for the workshops are provided by us but if you have special materials (e.g. essential oils or extracts) you would like to incorporate in your creations or suggest to fellow students, please bring them along.
Studying to complete before attending the FOUNDATION PLUS WORKSHOP:
There is nothing to prepare for the Monday morning, except be there on time and be ready for an intense week. So relax, chill out, sleep on the plane if you can on your way over.
Studying to complete before joining the PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WORKSHOP:
Make sure, unless you have booked the whole 3 weeks together, that you have previously completed a live FOUNDATION LEVEL WORKSHOP. If you have not yet completed a live Foundation Level Workshop then contact us before coming.
Wireless Access:
Wireless internet access is available throughout the day.
Mobile phones:
Mobile phones ideally should be turned off during sessions to avoid being distracted or disturbing other participants. Rather than pay roaming charges - consider buying a pre-paid SIM card for your mobile at the airport on arrival or the PerfumersWorld Angels will help you with this if necessary. Note if people phone you from abroad on a local SIM card it’s free for you so if they phone via WhatsApp, Skype, Line or Viber it’s a really cheap way and you will be well connected. Great Apps to load on your phone here are 'GRAB', 'LINE Man' or "BOLT". You can book a driver or order food and no need to worry too much about not speaking Thai. Consider installing 'WhatsApp' or 'LINE' for Video or regular calls with friends back home.
Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to your hotel:
Taxis: We recommend you get a taxi (around Baht.700 - US$20 as it's all the way across Bangkok from the PerfumersWorld area).
Note: From Don Mueang International Airport to your hotel in the Future Park area, only about Baht.150-250 as you are already near PerfumersWorld.
Follow the signs to the public taxis down a level from the arrivals hall. There are usually several hundred taxis waiting at any time so it is unlikely there will be much of a wait. Print out a slip from the machine and note the bay number on the ticket and walk over to that bay. Show the driver the hotel map (download from the hotel site). The airport charges 50 Baht to the driver for this 'service' which the driver will collect from you later if you do not pay then and there. As they record the driver's plate number it makes it pretty safe to get a taxi from the airport.
Cost: Around 700 Baht (400-500 Baht on the meter for the Taxi, 50 Baht for the airport fee + 25 Baht + 50/60 Baht + 10 Baht for the three toll booths - usually the passenger gives the money to the driver just before the toll booth). Tips: 20 Baht to 100 Baht is fine but the bigger the tip, the bigger the smile :-)
Limousine: You may be offered Limousines in the airport - they normally charge you 2,000-2,500 Baht. In Thailand "limousine just usually means a slightly better car not a stretch limo.
VIP Fast Track & Limousine Service: Pre-book the VIP Fast Track Immigration and Limousine service at least 48 hours before your departure if you hate queuing at the airport and like feeling special.
Fast Track with buggy is a recommended option as you'll get a golf cart from near the plane door to Fast Track Immigration which is usually at least a 500 meters to 1km walk from the plane.
Fast Track Immigration Service
Airport Limousine Service
Select under Pickup location: “Suvarnabhumi Airport with VIP FastTrack Service” Drop off location: “Bangkok” 2,000 Baht (up to 4,000 Baht if you get the golf cart from the plane door and porters).
Mostly the system works but if you don't see anyone waiting for you near the plane for the Fast Track or near Gate 4 in the arrivals hall then rather than stressing out just continue as normal and claim any fees back later.
Workshops:
The workshops run Monday to Friday from 10.00 sharpish each morning until 17.00 plus. We usually take a lunch break around 12.30-13.30 and a tea/coffee break around 15.00. Please don’t be late on the first morning for the Foundation Plus Workshop the first session is the MOST important of the whole week. Really! If you are late on other mornings, come late back from lunch, nip out to use your phone or leave sessions early you may miss the “PLUS” parts of the workshop. You have been warned!
Please try not to leave sessions early:
During the workshops important sessions are usually on the last days of each week when the most important techniques are bought to a climax. So please do not expect to finish anytime before 18.00 on your last day and please don’t book a flight that evening to return home unless it’s departure is after 22.00. Otherwise you will miss course content.
Clothes for the workshops:
There are no rules regarding dress-code, smart casual is good, you may want to have your jumper handy in case the air conditioning gets too cold. Bear in mind that you may spill perfume on yourself (there is always one!) so your Sunday best is not advised.
Face Masks:
As physical smelling of samples and materials is a necessary part of a perfumery workshop. We cannot compel anyone to wear a medical mask during the workshops no more than we could during eating. So if you prefer to wear a mask then that is your personal choice but understand before you come that other attendees may not. For these reasons we request that participants are mindful of each other’s personal space and choices. If you do prefer to wear a mask then consider 3M carbon impregnated ones especially if you are finding the smells overwhelming.
Workshop Video & Alumni Photos:
Photos and videos may be produced of the instructor leading the Workshops and you will be able to get a copy of the presentation after post production has been completed, if made. If you do not wish to appear in any shots then please let us know and we will seat you accordingly.
Thai Language & Culture:
There will be plenty of occasions for misunderstandings (that's half the fun, if you let it be!) but in general Thais are very polite and the most important communication you will ever need is just a warm SMILE. If the taxi driver doesn't immediately give you your change just SMILE and hold your hand out. If you get pestered in the street by peddlers then just SMILE and say "MY-OW KA" (if you are female) or "MY-OW KRAP" (if you are male) it’s very polite and firm (it literally means NO TAKE). Both of those methods will work many times more effectively than getting agitated.
Tip: If asking for something do not make it complicated. Don't say "Could I have a hot cup of tea please" just say slowly "HOT TEA". Unless they speak pretty fluent English they won't know what's important in a long sentence. A genuine SMILE will take the place of the "please".
Giving Tips:
Giving Tips is not compulsory, but are appreciated.
A 20 Baht note is a typical general tip but for good service 50-100 Baht is regarded as a good tip. This applies to restaurants, taxis, porters etc.
If you are tipping for a massage (not a naughty one) then 100 Baht per massage or 100 Baht/hour on top of the fee is a good tip. More than that can be seen as 'big face', and doesn't necessarily win you any extra respect.
A genuine SMILE and thank you is always the best tip you can give.
Bargaining/negotiating:
If you have a rough idea of what the price should be for something then you can negotiate in most situations. Most traders, but rarely in department stores, will be happy to knock off a little on a price for goodwill and actually respect you for it but if you are buying a big price item then do a little research first. Only ever pay what it is worth to you then you can't really be ripped off.
Please don't buy jewelry or get involved in card games or drugs unless you really know what you are doing and understand the risks.
There are reputable and not so reputable jewelry stores in Thailand.
Gambling is illegal in Thailand, unless its the government lottery.
Illicit drugs historically can carry horrific penalties here. Even though Cannabis (but not other drugs) was legalized in Thailand in 2022 - do not be surprised if the law changes overnight with little warning! And definitely do not have any with you on a flight, to or from Thailand.
Scams:
A good summary of most of the scams you might encounter in Thailand.34 worst SCAMS in THAILAND Please don't let this video scare you. I have lived here for over 35 years and a few have been attempted on me. Overall, I have found Thai people generally to be the most honest and goodwilled people I have come across anywhere in the world - the reason I stayed - but there are some bad apples. Don't agree to pay more for something than you think its worth to you, never go upstairs in a bar especially in the red light districts and always be polite. If somebody doesn't give you change or tries to rip you off, just smile and go along with it and extricate yourself. It's never a good idea to get angry, shout or fight, they have a bigger gang than you!. If you really feel you've been mistreated and want to pursue it then contact the Tourist Police Tel: 1155 They speak English and have access to translators for some other languages. The good news is that they usually take the side of the complainant and may return with you to the location to resolve it. But make sure you are sober and calm and you don't have any illegal substances on you.
HOTELS:
NOTE: Be sure to book in at least a day or 2 (Saturday or Sunday) before and after the Workshop. PLEASE especially do NOT not leave on a flight on the evening of last day of the Workshop taking off before 22.00. It ALWAYS ends in last minute panic and disruption of the class and you missing some important course content. Don't say we didn't warn you!
The closest international standard hotel for this Workshop is Novotel Hotel - Future Park, Rangsit about a 10 minute taxi ride away. c.$100/night
Q. What is Future Park? A huge shopping mall complex - take a 45 minute walk around it in this YouTube video
A 20 minute taxi ride away is the Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, an old hotel for the chain so it’s a little cheaper than most of their hotels.
For many alternatives in the area try a google seach from c.$25/night Google search “hotels near future park rangsit” .....the results after the adverts tend to be better. Note: They will all be a short taxi ride away.
THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND BANGKOK ON YOUR WEEKENDS (not all have links - copy and paste into Google)
Best Things to do in Bangkok 2024 (25mins)
The Bangkok List to Rule Them All (2 and half hours!)
Places for day trips outside of Bangkok.
Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights (1 evening in early November)
Beach: Jomtien beach (2.5 hours from Bangkok)
Beach: Cha Am (2 hours from Bangkok)
The Ancient City: Scaled historic buildings near Pattaya (2 hours from Bangkok)
Historic -2nd World War: Kanchanaburi "The bridge on the river Kwai" (3 hours)
Lopburi: monkeys all year round (2 hours) - feeding ceremony only in November
Floating Market (1.5 hours)
Historic Ayutthaya: The old capital : Ancient Ruins & Temples (1 hour)
Places in Bangkok:
Popular Temples: The Emerald Bhuddha (Wat Pra Keaw), The Golden Bhuddha (Wat Trimit), The Golden Mount, The Reclining Bhuddha
The Snake Farm. Produces anti-venom serum for snake-bite victims nationwide. Don't miss the snake handling shows!
MBK "Emm-Bee-Kay" (Mah Boon Krong shopping Centre) - a huge Mall with thousands of shops and stalls in a single building. Many peoples favourite, more of a traditional Thai feel, and not so inflated prices.
Underground Aquarium: Siam Paragon Department Store.
Silom Night Market. Dark to Late
Roof Top Bars for panoramic views of Bangkok Check out "The Hilton Millenium Hotel 360 Bar" on the Chao Praya river or luxurious "LeBua at State Tower Sky Bar" of the Hangover movie fame.
Baiyok Tower: 76(+?) storey building in heart of Bangkok with revolving viewing platform.
Somboon Seafood Restaurant not fancy but the best seafood in the world (my opinion).
Other places to visit and useful tips and info can be found here Thai369.com
CONTACTS: If you or your family need to contact us:
Jing (Thai/English language): +66-86-320-1387 (in Thailand 086-320-1387)
Ryan (English): +66-85-118-1094 (in Thailand 085-118-1094)
Steve (English): +66-86-372-0427 (in Thailand 086-372-0427)
Have a nice trip over and see you in class.
Happy smelling
The PerfumersWorld "Angels"