Taxis a drag on Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi survey rankings
While Qatar Airways bagged top spot in 2018 as the Best Airline Worldwide with the Best Business Class just ahead of perennial favourite Singapore Airlines, THAI salvaged some pride with a No 6 showing for Business Class (the same as last year) and Cabin Service (down from No 3 in 2017), according to the results of the 2018 Best in Travel Poll by the online Smart Travel Asia magazine.
AirAsia was back as the No 1 Budget Airline in Asia (with Jetstar Asia No 2 spot) while Nok Air featured in the Top 10.
Singapore’s Changi Airport, where the new Terminal 4 is now in operation, once again ranked the Best Airport Worldwide, with a wider margin this year.
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi dropped off the Top 10 for the second year in a row, with passengers complaining about overcrowding, poor traffic flow within the airport, and problems with taxis offering package deals instead of using the meter.
Delightfully laid back and breezy Samui Airport, which made it to the Top 10 in a number of previous years, just missed the cut, finishing at a still creditable No 12.
While Shanghai took the top spot in this year’s Top 10 Holiday Destinations in Asia (with Bali and Taipei squeezing in at No 2), Bangkok weighed in at No 4 (down from No 3 in 2017 and No 1 the year before).
Again, taxi cheats appeared to be the major complaint among frequent travellers.
The airport decline has also affected Bangkok’s perception in travellers’ minds. Still, four Thai destinations made it to the Top 10 Holiday Destinations in Asia – Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai.
Hong Kong placed as the No 1 City for Meetings, while Bangkok held its ground at No 5, same as in 2017. Singapore stayed at No 2, having received a small fillip with recent world events focusing on the city.
Several Bangkok hotels fared well against regional competitors with several names in the Top 25. These included the St Regis Bangkok (joint No 1 for Business and cited for service excellence, F&B, quality amenities and location), Park Hyatt Bangkok, the Athenee Hotel Bangkok (No 5 for Conferences) and InterContinental Bangkok (No 6 for Conferences). Also on the Top 25 Lists were several Anantaras, Trisara, Santiburi and three Centaras.
Another excellent showing in a very heavily contested field for the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Asia was the elegantly marbled Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, which weighed in at No 3.
The hotel was a very popular choice across the board for a variety of reasons, with a Top 10 ranking as well for Best Wedding Hotels in Asia. The hotel was cited for service, food and proximity to shopping and dining.
On the Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Asia, the stunning 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai shot to No 1, with Twinpalms Phuket and Indigo Bangkok also appearing on the list.
