Bangkok and Chiang Mai have been voted the two Best Cities in Asia in 2006, according to an Internet survey conducted by Travel + Leisure Magazine, a publication of the American Express Publishing Corporation. At a global level, Bangkok came in as third Best City in the World and Chiang Mai fifth.
Other high-level ranking attained by Thai products services in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards Readers' Poll included Chiva-som International Health Resort as the World's Best Destination Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai as the Best hotel spa in the Asia / pacific/Africa/Middle East.
Commenting on the awards, Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan , TAT Governor, said “This is clearly a testimony to the hard-work , professionalism and creativity of the entire industry. I compliment all the award winners and urge everyone to continue their efforts to reap more such awards in future.”
In addition to the cities and spas, six Thai hotels were in the top-100 hotels of the world, with the Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok , being ranked number four Mrs. Juthamas noted that the criteria for “best cities” had included sights, culture and arts, restaurants/ food, people, shopping and value of money.
She said, “This shows how Bangkok and Chiang Mai have changed. The awards reflect their great success in terms of both product development and marketing. Just 10 years ago, Bangkok was known more for its traffic and nightlife .And Chiang Mai has also improved phenomenally. “
She complimented all the award winners, noting that it is their commitment to high standards and professionalism that helps attract more visitors to Thailand and encourages them to stay longer.
Bangkok owes its success to a number of factors. It is a great cosmopolitan city with a rich history and heritage, an excellent image, a solid economy, fabulous hotels and excellent tourism products recognized the world over.
It is the center of Thailand 's economy but retains a lot of its old charm, allowing high-rise buildings to co-exist harmoniously together with the impressive array of glittering temples and palaces.
Visitors who once faced severe traffic problems now easily get around via two new mass-transit systems like the Skytrain and the subway. In recent years, the quality of movie theatres and shopping centres has also improved.
In addition, Bangkok's second airport, Suavarnabhumi, is projected to open for commercial operations in September 28, 2006 . It will vastly facilitate the development of Bangkok as a major aviation hub of the Asia-Pacific region.
Chiang Mai, known as the Rose of the North, is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand . It is peaceful, calm and uniquely charming little town with a historic heritage of hill tribes, woodcarving factories and the country's largest village of traditional handicrafts, including the famous umbrella-painters.
Later this year, Chiang Mai will gain even more global prominence when it hosts the International Horticultural Exposition known as the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 from 1 November 2006 from 1 November 2006 to 31 January 2007.
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