Bangkok as travellers' top Asian city: Conde Nast
Bangkok becomes travellers' first choice among Asian cities in a survey by Conde Nast Magazine, while the northern city of Chiang Mai comes in the fifth.
To the readers, Bangkok beats Hong Kong, Kyoto and Singapore. Chiang Mai is ranked the 5th in the annual Readers' Choice Awards.
"The voting results will spread the positive image of Thailand to American and global readers," said Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Surapol Sawetseranee.
Reflecting Thailand's tourism, at the end of February, Doha-based Qatar Airways is due to introduce a fourth daily flight between Bangkok and Doha to meet growing demand towards the Thai capital. On February 20th, Qatar will then ply the skies 28 times per week the route Doha-Bangkok and return, making a significant rise on one of its busiest routes from its Doha hub to Asia. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport is one of Asia’s premier hubs and from here passengers can connect to destinations in neighbouring countries and across Thailand.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the additional flight was possible as more long-haul aircraft join the fleet.
“Bangkok has proved to be an attractive route for us with increased passenger demand from key markets around the world. Now with the additional capacity being introduced early next year, we will be able to offer passengers more choice when deciding to plan their holidays or business trips. From Bangkok, travellers can have easy flight access to cities across Thailand, as well as to neighbouring countries, making it an ideal choice as the first stop for a holiday in south east Asia," he said.
The Conde Nast survey, of which result was published in the November edition, won responses from over 46,000 travellers across the world.
In the Top 10 Islands in Asia category, Phuket is ranked the second, following only Bali. Koh Samui is ranked the fifth.
In the Top 15 Resorts in Asia category, four properties are in Thailand - Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai, Anantara Phuket Villas, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa.
Among the Top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is ranked the 41st while the Peninsula and St. Regis are tied in the 88th.
