Visiting the Angels

Bangkok, the City of Angels, is now the most visited city in the world by international tourists, according to MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities, edging out “The Smoky” London, by less than 1 per cent. Bangkok’s surge, with 15.98 million visitors, to the top makes it the first Asian city to earn the distinction. Part of the reason for Bangkok’s increase in visitors is from its many air links to some of the fastest-growing cities across the world, especially in China and Japan. 

 

Dusit goes to Qatar

Thai hotelier Dusit International is soon to open a Dusit hotel in Doha, Qatar’s capital. Located in the heart of Doha’s diplomatic district overlooking the Doha Corniche, the Dusit hotel offers views across the Arabian Gulf. The building’s proximity to the Malls, Doha Exhibition Centre and the upcoming Doha International Conference and Exhibition Centre makes it appealing to both short and long-stay guests travelling on leisure or business. The hotel will open in the last quarter of 2013. Visit www.Dusit.com.

 

Isaan gets fruity

Si Sa Ket offers visitors a sweet break at its annual Rambutan and Durian Festival, which this year runs from June 14 to 20. The festival takes place at Agriculture and Technology College, Muang Si Sa Ket where local fruit vendors and farmers offer their delicious tropical fruit. Durian, rambutan, mangosteen and longan are the highlights of the festival. Thank to the fertile organic soil, the fruit from Si Sa Ket has a unique taste. Durian, for example, is firm and meaty and noted for its nutty and sweet flavour. Si Sa Ket is about 550 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. Call (044) 514 447 or visit www.TourismThailand.org/surin.

 

Jetstar ups the ante

Jetstar Asia is adding eight additional services to its weekly schedule between Singapore and Bangkok from July 8 to cater to the increased demand from leisure and business travellers. The new services will see Jetstar Asia fly up to five times daily to the capital of the Land of Smiles, adding an additional capacity of more than 2,800 seats each week between the two popular gateways. With more flights to offer, passenger will have more choices and better connections to destinations.