Bangkok Named World’s Best City in 2026 Readers' Choice Awards
Bangkok has secured the top spot in the Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 UK Readers’ Choice Awards, while Thailand also ranked among the world's top culinary destinations.
According to a report from Khaosod Online, Bangkok has been voted the 'Best City in the World' for 2026, achieving a score of 97.68 in the Condé Nast Traveller’s UK Readers’ Choice Awards. The city surpassed other major global destinations, including Paris, which took second place with 97.14 points, and Istanbul.
Government Deputy Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Laksameesangchan highlighted the achievement on October 9, 2026, noting that the recognition comes despite recent challenges with flooding in parts of the capital. In addition to the city's top ranking, Thailand was recognized as the eighth-best country globally for its culinary offerings. Furthermore, six Thai hotels were featured among the top-rated accommodations in Southeast Asia.
For travelers and residents, this accolade underscores Bangkok's enduring appeal as a premier global destination. While the award reflects high visitor satisfaction, those planning travel should remain aware of local conditions, as the government acknowledged that some areas of the city are still experiencing residual flooding. It remains to be confirmed how these rankings might influence tourism traffic in the coming months or if specific infrastructure improvements will be prioritized to address the ongoing water management issues mentioned by officials.
