Bangkok, 11 March 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Bangkok has been named Best City in Asia for the third consecutive year at the 2026 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards, reinforcing the Thai capital’s enduring appeal among international travellers and its position as one of the region’s most compelling urban destinations.
Thailand also recorded strong results across multiple categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of the Kingdom’s tourism offering. In the Best Islands category, Phuket ranked fourth and Ko Samui fifth. Suvarnabhumi Airport placed third in Best Airports, while Thai Airways International secured fourth place in Best Airlines.
Thailand’s hospitality sector also earned prominent recognition. In Best Boutique City Hotels, Capella Bangkok ranked first, followed by 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok in third place and The Siam Bangkok in seventh. In Best Boutique Resorts, Banyan Tree Krabi ranked seventh, while Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, also in Krabi, placed eighth.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Bangkok’s recognition as Best City in Asia for the third consecutive year is a proud achievement for Thailand and a strong reflection of the city’s enduring appeal, vibrancy and capacity to deliver meaningful experiences for travellers from around the world. Equally important are the outstanding performances of Phuket, Ko Samui, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airways International, and our leading hotels and resorts, whose continued excellence highlights the collective strength of Thailand’s tourism industry. These honours reaffirm the pivotal role that our destinations, aviation gateways, national carrier and hospitality operators play in strengthening Thailand’s global tourism reputation and driving quality growth across the sector.”
Now in its 19th edition, the 2026 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards are based on more than one million votes cast by 45,000 readers worldwide across 38 categories, ranging from airlines and airports to cities, islands and hotels. The awards ceremony took place on 5 March 2026 at The St. Regis Bali Resort, marking a particularly significant year for DestinAsian as the leading travel magazine celebrates its 25th anniversary.
