Hong Kong, 07 February, 2018 – Bangkok has been voted as the “Best City Destination in the Asia Pacific” for the third consecutive year by readers of DestinAsian magazine, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine. The cosmopolitan capital of Thailand was recognised “for its vibrant mixture of historic sites, contemporary style, cuisine and nightlife”.
The award was conferred at the annual “DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards” Ceremony in Hong Kong held today. It was accepted on behalf of the entire Thai travel and tourism industry by Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Mr. Tanes said, “We thank all the readers of DestinAsian magazine for their confidence. All of us in the Thai travel and tourism industry are very proud to be recognised thus. It is both an acknowledgement and reflection of our well-established dynamism, and a fitting reward for all those who work hard day in and day out to enhance our tourism products, services and value proposition.”
He added, “Bangkok is known the world over for its superb attractions, outstanding cuisine and gastronomical delights, excellent hospitality, friendly people, exemplary service standards, exceptional shopping outlets, all at great value for money. Over the next few years, you will see even more positive changes and improvements in what is known as the “City of Life.”
Other Thai winners which received high ratings in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 include:
| Category | Winner |
| Best Airline | Thai Airways (3rd) |
| Best Low-Cost Airline | Nok Air (5th) |
| Best First and Business Class | Thai Airways (4th) |
| Best Economy Class | Thai Airways (5th) |
| Best In-Flight Entertainment | Thai Airways (4th) |
| Best Frequent Flier Programme | Royal Orchid Plus, Thai Airways (3rd) |
| Best Airport | Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok (5th) |
| Best City | Chiang Mai (10th) |
| Best Island | Phuket (2nd), Ko Samui (4th), Krabi (9th) |
| Best Boutique Hotel | The Siam, Bangkok (5th),
The Raweekanlaya Bangkok (8th) |
| Best Hotel Spa | Banyan Tree Spa Phuket (2nd),
Anantara Spa, Anantara Hua Hin (4th), Chiva-Som, Hua Hin (5th), The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (9th). |
| Best Hotel in Thailand | Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (1st),
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (2nd), Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel (3rd), Banyan Tree Bangkok (4th), Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok (5th), Banyan Tree Phuket (6th), Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa (7th), Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (8th), The St. Regis Bangkok (9th), The Peninsula Bangkok (10th). |
DestinAsian publisher Ronald Liem commented “We see the Readers’ Choice Awards as a litmus test of how travel industry brands are doing in our home region. After rolling out a system of country-wide rankings in last year’s edition, we have continued that approach, and it’s wonderful to see finalists representing both major cities and more idyllic holiday destinations.”
This year’s poll was conducted between August and October 2017. The voting process involved naming a winner in each of 31 different categories including hotels and resorts, service residences, spas, airlines, airports, and destinations. Optional comments about the winners’ standout attributes shed light on characteristics that readers deem the most important: friendliness of staff and services, convenient location, modern facilities, quality of dining options, comfort, and excellence in design.
The full results will appear in the February/March 2018 print issue of the magazine.
The DestinAsian Media Group began operations in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2001 and apart from DestinAsian itself, now publishes several lifestyle publications including DestinAsian Indonesia, Prestige Indonesia, and DA MAN.
