Bangkok was absent from the top 20 of last year’s ranking where Valletta, Malta’s capital, took the No. 1 spot.
“There’s no denying the Thai capital is one of the world’s most exhilarating cities, where buzzy markets, glittering palaces and captivating religious sites unite – street food sellers dishing up tasty food between them.
From Michelin-starred restaurants and stylish rooftop bars to world-class entertainment venues, Bangkok has plenty to keep travelers coming back to the sprawling metropolis again and again.
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The view at the Mahanakhon Skywalk rooftop in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by Reuters |
However, Bangkok tourism is likely undermined by flooding damage in the near future. The city was declared a disaster-affected zone late last month after nearly 300 mm (12 inches) of rain fell in three days — roughly the amount the city typically receives throughout September, Reuters reported.
The flooding disrupted travel at Suvarnabhumi, the city’s main airport, causing severe delays and a large number of flight cancellations.
The city is expected to see more heavy rains in the coming days.
Paris in France ranked the second best city for tourists, followed by Istanbul in Turkey and Rome in Italy.
Valletta in Malta rounded out the top five.
The rest of top 10 were Shanghai in China, Tokyo in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, Sydney in Australia and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
The Readers’ Choice Awards, selected by over 800,000 readers, is the longest-running honor in the travel industry that recognizes excellence in hotels, resorts, and destinations worldwide.