June 24, 2024
BANGKOK – The rankings were made as part of the third annual Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, in which the magazine again asked its readers to vote for the best cities and islands in Asia.
According to a statement released this week, Asia's best cities are often associated with street food, friendly people, five-star service and 24/7 culture, while Asia's best islands are those that offer readers a balance between accessibility and seclusion, local character and global sensibility.
This year, Thailand's capital, Bangkok, took the top spot thanks to its perfect mix of golden temples, a skyline of modern architecture, and the sounds and smells of everything from street food to fine dining.
Despite its reputation as a chaotic capital, Bangkok is consistently voted one of the best cities to visit, and food is a highlight.
Aside from food, Travel + Leisure magazine cites Bangkok's vibrant nightlife, unparalleled selection of luxury resorts and hotels, and diverse shopping options. A calmer, more spiritual side, characterized by its ornate temples, palaces, canals, and artistic culture, serves as a counterbalance to the city's flashier side.
Meanwhile, three Thai islands were named the best in the Asia Pacific region: Koh Samui, Koh Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.
This year's best cities in Asia Pacific are:
1) Bangkok, Thailand
2) Osaka, Japan
3) Tokyo, Japan
4) Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
5) Kyoto, Japan
6) Hanoi, Vietnam
7) Hong Kong
8) Seoul, South Korea
9) Singapore
10) Taipei, Taiwan
Meanwhile, this year's best islands in Asia Pacific are:
1) Koh Samui, Thailand
2) Bali, Indonesia
3) Palawan, Philippines
4) Boracay Island, Philippines
5) Phuket, Thailand
6) Sri Lanka
7) Sumba Island, Indonesia
8) Penang, Malaysia
9) Phi Phi Island (Thailand)
10) Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Leading travel and lifestyle magazine Travel + Leisure launched the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific three years ago to select the best cities in the Asia Pacific region for global travelers. The awards are determined by surveying readers over a period of time. This year's survey was conducted from January to March.
