Travel + Leisure, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine, has been organizing the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific for the past three years to determine the best cities and islands in the Asia-Pacific region for global travelers.
The awards are determined through a survey conducted among its readers over a specific period. The 2024 survey was conducted from January to March of this year.
According to the released statement, the best cities in Asia are often associated with street food vendors, friendly locals, five-star service, and endless cultural offerings.
Meanwhile, the best islands in Asia are those that readers believe strike the perfect balance between accessibility and remoteness, local character, and global sensibility.
Bangkok Takes the Top Spot
In 2024, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, took the top position as the best city due to its perfect blend of gilded temples, modern architecture, and the sights, sounds, and aromas of lively street food and delicious cuisine.
Beyond its food scene, Travel + Leisure also noted that Bangkok boasts a vibrant nightlife, unparalleled choices of luxury resorts and hotels, and a diverse selection of shopping destinations.
Furthermore, Bangkok has a softer and more spiritual side, marked by numerous ornately decorated temples and palaces, canals, and an artistic cultural heritage.
On the other hand, three islands in Thailand made it to the list of the best islands in the Asia-Pacific region. These three islands are Koh Samui, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi.
For the complete list, here are the top 10 best cities in the Asia-Pacific region according to Travel + Leisure magazine:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Osaka, Japan
- Tokyo, Japan
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Kyoto, Japan
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hong Kong
- Seoul, South Korea
- Singapore
- Taipei, Taiwan
And here is the complete list of the top 10 best islands in the Asia-Pacific region according to Travel + Leisure magazine:
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Bali, Indonesia
- Palawan, Philippines
- Boracay, Philippines
- Phuket, Thailand
- Sri Lanka
- Sumba, Indonesia
- Penang, Malaysia
- Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
