TripAdvisor recognises Asia’s best destinations with Travellers’ Choice awards

TripAdvisor, the travel planning and booking site, announced recently the winners of its Travellers’ Choice awardsfor destinations, with Thai destinations dominating Asia’s Top 10: Phuket, Ko Samui and Bangkok placing third, seventh and eighth respectively.

“We’re delighted that Phuket, Ko Samui and Bangkok have been named as among Asia’s Top Destinations in the esteemed TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards,” said Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya.

“Phuket and Ko Samui are among our most beautiful and laid-back island resorts while Bangkok offers unparalleled shopping, dining experiences and an infinite variety of entertainment. These three destinations remain beloved by visitors year after year, showing that Thailand can continue to surprise people by offering unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.”

“Thailand has is a forever favourite with travellers all over the world and this is evident with three of its most-loved destinations placing in Asia’s top 10,” said Janice Lee Fang, Communications Director of TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “Millions of travellers visit TripAdvisor daily for inspiration and to make decisions on where to go, what to do and what to eat when they visit the country, and they then share their experiences with others through their reviews. We are so delighted to see these Thai destinations doing so well on an international scale.”

Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period, as well as traveller booking interest on TripAdvisor. The awards honour 418 outstanding destinations in 24 lists across the globe.

TripAdvisor has also identified top-rated hotels, iconic attractions and popular restaurants that travellers love in when they visit Asia’s award-winning destinations.

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Destinations in Asia:

1. Bali, Indonesia
The beautiful island of Bali has something to offer all travellers: Seminyak for the spa and boutique shopping lover, Nusa Dua for families and idyllic Ubud for travellers seeking peace and tranquillity. Travellers new to the island should explore the Scared Monkey Forest and stay at the Junjungan Ubud Hotel and Spa which overlooks rice paddy fields.

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has become a popular destination over the past two decades, with its rich history and diverse range of accommodations, dining and shopping options. Travellers can relive Siem Reap’s storied past with a visit to Bayon Temple for its fascinating ruins and bas reliefs and complete the local experience by ordering a plate of beef lok lak at Haven and staying at the charming Golden Temple Residence.

3. Phuket, Thailand

Home to two award-winning Travellers’ Choice beaches, Kata Noi and Nai Harn, Phuket is a great holiday spot with plenty of natural attractions to explore, like limestone cliffs, caves and clear blue waters. Start the day with a trek to see the Phuket Big Buddha, a glorious 45-metres tall Buddha statue located on top of Nakkerd Hills, stop for a plate of authentic pad Thai at the Pad Thai Shop and spend the afternoon taking a lesson in Thai cooking before returning to the warm hospitality at Navatara Phuket Resort.

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An’s humble beginnings as an old sea port can still be felt today. The well-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town with its riverside settings and colonial architecture is a major draw for travellers looking for old-world charm. After a day of sightseeing, travellers can snack on white rose dumplings and spring rolls at the family-run Wooden House Cafe & Restaurant and retreat to the budget-friendly Pham Gia Boutique Homestay Villa.

5. Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is an astonishingly beautiful destination featuring majestic Himalayan mountains, alluring temples and vibrant town squares. Popular with travellers seeking spiritual pursuits, tours of iconic Buddhist sites such as the Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Temple are a must. Feast on local dumplings, momos and enjoy Nepalese hospitality at the Aryatara Kathmandu Hotel.

6. Hanoi, Vietnam

The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is famed for its art and architecture, with numerous colonial buildings and art galleries scattered across the city. Old Quarter remains a favourite amongst travellers wanting an authentic local experience, with rows of shops and food stalls offering local delicacies and wares. Order a pork sandwich, or as locals call it banh mi pate, and experience roadside dining on small stools and tables at Banh Mi 25. Travellers can end their day at the upscale Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, located at the edge of the historic Old Quarter.

7. Ko Samui, Thailand

Travellers head to idyllic Ko Samui to restoration and rejuvenation at its many beautiful beaches and spas. For food and shopping, visitors can head to Fisherman’s Village on Friday nights for the local night market or head to Khaw Glong Thai Restaurant for fresh mango salad and stay at the modern and secluded Code.

8. Bangkok, Thailand

One of the busiest metropolis in the world, Bangkok features lively markets, vibrant nightlife and attractions that reflect its Buddhist heritage. Travellers can walk through the temple grounds of Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha) to appreciate the craftsmanship and elaborate details of one of Bangkok’s most exquisitely decorated Buddhist temples. Refuel at local favourite Ama and stay at the wallet-friendly Bangkok Loft Inn.

9. Lombok, Indonesia

Just a stone’s throw from Bali, Lombok is ideal for travellers looking for natural sights and outdoor adventure. From a lazy sunbathe at Tanjung Ann Beach, a refreshing dip at Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall, to hiking the steep terrains of Mount Rinjani, there are plenty of activities for any tourist. Travellers can try local warung dishes such as gado-gado at Nugget’s Corner and spend the night at the small and intimate The Lombok Lodge.

10. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a dizzying whirl with its futuristic skyscrapers, neon signs and crush of people, interspersed with centuries-old temples and traditional gardens. Travellers can take in the beauty of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, taste Hakushu’s signature Kobe beef and rest at the award winning Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.