Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok has been named the world’s most popular tourist destination this year and the most visited among tourist friendly provinces in Thailand, following two surveys by MasterCard andTripadvisor.com.
Bangkok has surpassed the world’s renowned iconic locations like Paris, New York and London. It came out on top in 2013 thanks to the city’s generosity, hospitality and kindness which have contributed to the global top spot.
Last year, Bangkok only ranked 3rd as the world’s best tourist destination, according to the MasterCard Worldwide Global Destination Cities Index 2013 survey, but it topped the rank in the Asia-Pacific region. The award was presented to Bangkok Governor, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paripatra, on May 27th.
According to Mr. Matthew Driver, president for Southeast Asia at MasterCard Inc., the ranking is based on the number of international visitor arrivals and their spending, exclusive of airfare, in each of the 132 destination cities. Bangkok beat out London, Paris, Singapore, and New York, which came in second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
When it comes to the best city in Thailand, Tripadvisor.com has ranked Bangkok the most favorable destination in the country before Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya City, Patong beach, Hua Hin, Phuket’s city center, Kao Lak, Karon and Boh Phud beach. Bangkok has also gained its popularity from comments and reviews on the website.
The capital city of Thailand is known for its street food, entertainment, tuk-tuk tricycle taxis, shopping malls and the hospitality of people which draw a large number of tourists from overseas each year. Several foreign films featuring locations in Bangkok have also contributed to the rising fame.
Travelers can get around the Bangkok city easily by using the BTS sky train service. Most of the train stations are located in the vicinity of shopping malls, corporate buildings, markets and hospitals. Bangkok remains an affordable destination to tourists despite the rise of urban development and stronger baht.
