Thread: Bangkok voted world's 6th best tourism city

Bangkok has been named the sixth best city in the world for visitors by the influential travel publication Travel+Leisure, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

In Asia, Bangkok placed third behind Kyoto and Siem Reap on a list that included some of the world's most culturally rich destinations chosen by readers of the magazine.

Readers were asked to judge destinations based on factors including culture, food, friendliness, shopping and landmarks.

Bangkok was popular with readers for its bustle, street food, and blend of ancient culture and modern luxury. Visits to serene temples and river tours were seen as must-do experiences, the TAT said.

"Bangkok keeps winning such accolades year after year and is rated so highly by tourists," said Juthaporn Rerngronasa, the TAT acting governor. "It is a testament to the excitement, warm hospitality and unique Thai experiences the city can offer.

"There is so much to do here, in terms of shopping, food and entertainment, not to mention some of the world's best hotels. Bangkok is a great destination for travellers of all ages.

Bangkok held the number one spot in the surveys by Travel+Leisure from 2010 to 2013.

This year, first place went to the Japanese city of Kyoto, which was praised for its shrines and historic quarter. It was followed by Charleston in South Carolina, Siem Reap, Florence and Rome.

Bangkok 6th in global travel poll | Bangkok Post: news

Originally Posted by Hans Mann

influential travel publication Travel+Leisure

Never heard of them. Influential?

It is indeed a must for tourists. If only to confirm that its reputation as a a turd covered in glitter is fully justified.

More like 66th, what's good about it apart from the (now) crappy sex scene?

It will be under the waves soon. Hang on, TAT might be able to do a promo with that - visit while you still can!

To add, maybe the reason for all the submarines obsession is the new way of getting the tourists in!

Originally Posted by Dragonfly94

More like 66th, what's good about it apart from the (now) crappy sex scene?

The market and restaurant scenes.

I can see the brochure now. Suk-by-the-sea.

^Suk-in-the-sea more like

20,000 ladyboys under the sea. Amazing adventure tourism.

^Swimming amongst the sharks?

I am surprised by all the negativity here.

Bangkok ranks amongst the best, always worth hanging around in for a few days, or years...

Originally Posted by stroller

Bangkok ranks amongst the best,

Sure ... the best example of a cesspit of corruption and a facade of the shiny materialism so beloved by the Thai.Surprised an educated geezer like you gets sucked in by it Stroller.

Lived there for 6 years and loved every minute of it.

That's a bit sad.

The only thing I ever enjoyed in Bangkok was a Teakdoor Xmas party a few years back.
Other than that, it has always just been a place that I had to transit through to get somewhere else.

Originally Posted by stroller

I am surprised by all the negativity here.
Bangkok ranks amongst the best, always worth hanging around in for a few days, or years...

Agreed...The sausage-toters must have had trouble getting into Gulliver's...That would seriously affect the world rankings...

Originally Posted by chassamui

I felt the same about London when I worked in the South East for 8 years. I have since developed an aversion to cities the world over. Bkk takes the biscuit though.

Well yes, if you don't like cities... I lived in London for 3 years, not bad at all even though I was skinned.

Different strokes for different folks.

Capital cities are all worth a visit. Bangkok is no different and benefits even more from its location but as a place to spend two weeks as a tourist? Nope, most certainly not.

The cultural sites are scarce, the teeming throngs subsisting amid urban squalour are a novelty that melts away soon enough in the sticky heat, the ersatz European restaurants are expensive and mediocre, the shopping malls are dispiriting in their sameness and the omnipresent traffic throttles incessantly without many oases to relieve the torment. Eating Thai food and watching cod cultural shows as one meanders down the river at dusk is an experience that soon palls and visiting louche venues is not worth a repeat trip for genuine visitors and decent folk.

Bangkok for a five day city break is about the limit for the average tourist.

On the other hand, as a place to live on a modest budget for a single chap with time on his hands it can be a reasonable billet interspersed with trips out and about.

Originally Posted by stroller

I am surprised by all the negativity here.

Bangkok ranks amongst the best, always worth hanging around in for a few days, or years...

I agree, I have enjoyed my few days in Bangkok, the rules are simple, if you dont like the place, dont go there.