Bangkok & Chiang Mai voted among world’s best at Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards

Bangkok was voted as the 3rd best city in the world for 2009 at Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards

Two cities in Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, were voted among the top 10 cities in the world for 2009, at Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards, the results of which were published in the August 2009 issue of the magazine. Travel + Leisure readers selected Bangkok and Chiang Mai as the 3^rd and 5^th best cities in the world, respectively - as well as 2^nd and 3^rd best cities in Asia, while the popular islands of Phuket and Ko Samui were awarded the 3^rd and 5^th best islands in Asia. Among The Top 100 Hotels in the world, 8 were in Thailand, including the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai (#7), the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok (#20) and the Anantara Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai (#53). Additionally, 11 Thai hotel properties were also named among the top 40 resorts and city hotels in Asia.

Pramoth Supyen, Director - Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai & Middle East, said, "The UAE is a strong Market for Thailand where many visitors come seeking the famous Thai hospitality, as well as for medical tourism. Despite what is happening in the worldwide tourism industry, travelers from the UAE have increased by 21.9% over last year."

The 14th Annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards ranks the best cities, hotels, resorts, cruises and airlines worldwide. The awards are the results of an annual, impartial survey that allows its readers to vote for their favorite travel destinations around the world.