The ranking was part of the third Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific. This year, the magazine again asked its readers to vote on Asia's best cities and islands.
According to its statement released this week, the best city in Asia frequently equates with street food, friendly people, five-star service, and a non-stop 24/7 culture. Meanwhile, the best islands in Asia are those where readers strike a balance between accessibility and remoteness, local character and global sensibilities.
This year, Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, was voted first because of its flawless integration of gilded temples, modern architecture skylines, and the sounds and smells of various street foods to fine dining.
Despite its reputation as a chaotic capital, Bangkok is consistently voted one of the best cities, and food is a highlight.
Aside from food, Travel + Leisure noted that Bangkok's specialties include a pulsing nightlife, an unrivalled selection of plush resorts and hotels, and a diverse range of shopping options. A softer, more spiritual side, defined by ornate temples and palaces, canals, and artsy culture, serves as a counterbalance to the city's brasher aspects.
Meanwhile, Thailand's three islands were voted among the best in the Asia-Pacific region. The three are Koh Samui, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi.
The best cities in the Asia-Pacific region this year 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, the best islands in the Asia-Pacific region this year are:
1) Koh Samui, Thailand
2) Bali, Indonesia
3) Palawan, Philippines
4) Boracay, Philippines
5) Phuket, Thailand
6) Sri Lanka
7) Sumba, Indonesia
8) Penang, Malaysia
9) Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
10) Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Travel + Leisure, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine, established the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific three years ago to name the best cities in the Asia-Pacific region for global travellers. The awards are determined by conducting a survey among its readers over a specific period. This year's survey was conducted from January to March.