Is Bangkok Really The World's Best City For Visitors?

[backsoon]

Even in searing heat, Paris is still one of the most civilised places on earth. Too bad so many French live there.....

Totally politically incorrect, totally true!

Let's try to be civil. Many opposite viewpoints eloquantly expressed. Nobody even tried to establish some criteria for their assessment of BKK, Thailand or any other places as a tourist destination.

Cost criterium - Even this 'simple' factor is full of duplicity. You can compare prices of 5* hotels in BKK vs Europe. Or the price of a 40bt lunch from a street vendor in BKK vs 'cheap' pizza-al-metro in Venice. Or try comparing the ill-famous tuk-tuk cost to a f_cking gondoliere on a Canale Grande...

However, if the price does not matter, give me Europe anytime. Even in high season... Which brings us to another criterium - sightseeing. Whatever you are after - architecture, art, museums, history, -

it must be Europe all the way. I mean Europe + i.e. including Eastern Europe, GB, Turkey, etc. Thailand simply does not stack up, especially BKK.

Next criterium, not to be missed,- sex tourism. Here the personal tastes must be intertwined with costs, local lax attitudes, etc. plus safety. There are many places where lust can leave a horny tourist without his head or other extremity, not speaking of his wallet or freedom. I can understand a tourist choice favouring Thailand vs Islamic States, Latinoes, or good old Europe. Cheap and relatively safe... However, for this category of tourists, BKK is not THE place. Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Isaan are all willing competitors.

Enough said for the day. I only wonder which criteria rated BKK as #1? Personally, I avoid it as a Bubonic Plague. It is a sad day, when I have to go there.

[ovaltina]

I reject the competetive slant of the question, for starters, I don't see how any city can be the best, because everywhere has unique heritage and things to see. Second, I really hate the whole 'we are number 1' thing its just plain stupid & outmoded.

I've lived in Bkk for 8 years on short-stay visas travelling back to Europe for work etc. I love this city, the mix of old & new, the entrepreneurial spirit and general indefatigability of the Bangkok citizens. Also their tolerance & understanding, as witnessed when the Red Mob decended bearing weapons and petrol bombs, and were greeted with flowers & patience for 2 two months.

I don't think its worse pollution than large cities in general, I certainly don't think wood-burning stoves should be banned as was suggested earlier, it is tradition dating back forever and less harmful than say plastic fibres allover the place.

Bkk has got a lot more positives than negatives, which can't be said for many cities in Europe. I would say, its a good city for visitors, lots of beautiful buildings and well-maintained public spaces. Avoiding the drunk Westerners hang-outs and you can have a great holiday experience & learn about the abiding and exalted culture of majestic ancient Thailand. Great food, tranquil spaces, music, theatre....etc.

As a foreigner, I can say I've visted New York & been mugged there, visited London and had my wheelchair vandalised there, Ive lived in Bkk for 8 years as a vistor and never been mugged or robbed. On the contrary I've been greeted with warmth and respect and invited to meals in beautiful family homes maintained with tradional house-pride that I didn't see so much of in Europe for example. In London I politely asked for the time and got told to *off. In Bkk I get invited to strangers' homes for dinner.

Each to their own I suppose. I imagine if you come here and go to the red-light and drinking pits you will get what can only be considered a low-quality experience that will not enrich your life, but then you are not visitng the real Bangkok, just the decadent Westernised niche.

[captspectre]

sam 666. I agree totally ! it is nasty, dirty, and the last place to visit. I only go thru the place when I have to.

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

[jackinbkk]

Best ciy in the world for adults maybe?

I wouldnt rate it as the best but I do like the place.

p.s. yes sidewalks are not for walking. They are for street vendors to sell things from food to overpriced knock offs to self defense weapons

that are actually not legal to carry

It's like the way bridges are there for beggers to block your path and make you feel guilty.

[jackinbkk]

I think the smog is terrible. There's usually no cloud and the sun is blasting down on the city but

the sky isnt blue! It's kind of grey. Yuk!

The problems of all the scams, dishonesty and cons has to come down to the poverty of the majority.

If Thailand invested in better education, infrastructure....

Oh hang on. TIT, it's never going to happen. Why waste my breath.

sam 666. I agree totally ! it is nasty, dirty, and the last place to visit. I only go thru the place when I have to.

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

[jascopj]

Bangkok is the best city by far.

Agreed, it totally is. It can be tough at first though, so I can see why a inexperienced tourist might not enjoy it. But once you know how to make good use of the trains, travel off peak hour, fly down the expressway in a taxi beer-in-hand, then its great fun and there's lots to explore. One thing I don't agree with previous posters on is that Bangkok is seriously polluted -- an army of people sweep the streets each day and the air isn't that bad, much improved at least. I'm happy to sit by the road and eat my dinner. And its NOT expensive, unless you're a sucker.

[jbrewer]

Of course it isn't. It has its positive and its negative points, as any city has. But who cares about some stupid title? There are more important things in life I think!

[laconic]

BKK rules! And yes. I live here.

[crazygreg44]

maybe the question of the poll was actualy not asking about the top destination of the world, but rather asking for the top tourist destination in Asia . I can otherwise not understand the outcome of the poll. Bangkok ranking top with Chiang Mai on the second the best destinations in Asia, would make absolutely sense. At nightfall, after the day heat, the city becomes a burlesque place, strewn with excellent food stalls, low traffic, quiet parks, top restaurants , night clubs , bars and a huge amount of top discos. If you are a shopping freak, there is no better place in Asia. Maybe this is what you have in mind as a tourist , being single and better not dragging your wife behind. Families with kids, beware. You are invited to do a 2-3 day roundabout, but you d better hurry to get out of here.

The pollution, the bad sidewalks, the sparsely strewn green areas,all the dirt and the energy waste by airconditioning and a unecessary number of taxis driving around with no passengers, is a BIG minus , so I really wonder how the poll went for Bangkok. If you move away from the tourist areas, you will find Bangkok is a shithole which does not deserve any ranking among the top ten of the world. Fact, it absolutely depends on where the viewer roams in Bangkok, to be able to give a holler and thumbs up or being pissed off and determinately thumbs down.

[DP25]

Bangkok needs a few more skytrain and mrt lines before I'd say it's the best city in the world. But it's pretty darn close right now. Incredibly cheap, very safe (I'm not afraid to walk alone in BKK day or night, drunk or sober, which is NOT true of large American cities), interesting things to see and do everywhere, best taxis on earth, good public transit system (but needs to be expanded!), and amazing shopping. I know a lot of Chinese and HK famiies that have been here loads of times and love it, some having come here a dozen times.

Also love how one of his suggestions is teach the tens of thousands moo ping and khao pad street vendors English. THAT will make all the whining expats happy. English shouldn't even be a factor for expats, if you can't order basic food or use a taxi something is wrong with you

[asiawatcher]

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

So have you left? If not why not?

BKK has a fairly vibrant community which you obviously have not seen - the city is alive 24/7 and never really shuts down. Then you have the prospect of actually walking streets at any time of the night and know you are safe - tried that recently in any UK, US or Australian street?

And the people - frustrating, simple, inquisitive, some scammers and of course many beautiful in both looks and heart. Then you have a thing called family values which far supersedes anything the West is doing. Take a look along markets and rivers and even pokey poor villagers. They are a family and they are not broken up by rules, governments, social security handouts or interference by do-gooders trying to big note them selves.

But please - go back to whatever rock your crawled out from under and take your merry thoughts of tuk-tuks, sex for sale and hang on to your hard earned money. Thailand does not need it or you!

[flynn]

i love it.. read bangkok days by lawrence osborne gives a insight aboute living in bangkok.

[ajarnpot]

Bangkok better than any of the great and famous cities in Europe or USA or Asia Pacific????

Another proof that statistics can be totally wrong and useless!

C'mon, are we serious? Bangkok better than Venice or Florence????

Guess the definition of crack-head perfectly suits the writer!

I thought Venice was first created as a sewer system for Northern Italy? how come you think that is better than BKK,

as for Florence, yeah it would be fine if it were'nt for all them noisy eyeties eh!

if you don't like BKK then bugger off,

s'like London, you either love it or hate it

[Wozzit]

Agreed that Bangkok sidewalk is not made for walking. But most people in Bangkok have cars anyway, so no need to walk.

But this thread is about "visitors" and walking is part of the exploration of any city.

[Wozzit]

Bangkok better than any of the great and famous cities in Europe or USA or Asia Pacific????

Another proof that statistics can be totally wrong and useless!

C'mon, are we serious? Bangkok better than Venice or Florence????

Guess the definition of crack-head perfectly suits the writer!

I thought Venice was first created as a sewer system for Northern Italy? how come you think that is better than BKK,

Rather ridiculous comment IMHO. I have no ideas of the city's origins, but for centuries Venice was one of the world's most powerful and important cities.

[sam666]

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

100% agree with your post.I would rather live in the jungle than that sess pit.Racism,polution,nastiness,wannabe hi-so farangs,proper hi-so thais,who are beyond the law,traffic congestion,major flooding,rat infested,a bad edge about the place in general,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Then pack your bags and head off to the jungle Tarzan. It never ceases to amaze me at the whining by some foreign residents and tourists alike about the quality of life in BKK and Thailand in general. It seems as though folks like you want 1st world infrastructure, protections, service, etc but at 3rd world prices. A bunch of cry-babies. It is NOT expensive here if you have your head about you, a lick or two of common sense and are willing to adapt to a more indigenous lifestyle. I've been living here 5 years and before here, in Taiwan. You either get acclimated to it and find ways to make it acceptable to you, or don't let the door slap you on your behind as you leave. If it is so bad, why are you still here???

I''m not you penis, I live in Hua Hin and love it and yes it has a shitty infrastructure there compared to BKK, so that comment makes no sense? It is expensive, go to a restuarant in bangkok and restuarant here, buy the same meal, BKK will be 2-3x the price, taste no better and the staff will be out for your farang money'. Don't mention the filth, traffic and rest of the stuck up a-holes that live there.

[Dodobird]

Bangkok does have a beach - albeit not very nice!

Where? Samut Sakhon or Samut Prakan?

[TheWalkingMan]

One thing the, for lack of a better term, pro-Bangkok people seem to bypass in their defense of the city is how it is missing from the lists of best cities in the world to live in. Maybe the TAT promotion motto for Bangkok should be, "Great place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live here."

TheWalkingMan

[SamritT]

BKK rules! And yes. I live here.

Why are you a Newbie?

[metisdead]

You have got to be frigging kidding!!! Best city destination, LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL-

Maybe for sex, anything illicit, like child sex trade etc. etc. the list goes on and on.

LOL all you like, but please:

Some general guidelines for posting:

1. Please do not post in all capital letters, bold, unusual fonts, sizes or colors. It can be difficult to read.

[geriatrickid]

My guess is that if someone looked at statistics Bkk is much safer than London or any big city in the U.S. Pollution is part of a big city. The dregs of society live in the big cities all over the world - white collar criminals, drug pushers, drug addicts, prostitutes, etc. I would like someone to begin listing any big city in Europe or the Americas - more than 1 million pop. - that is not polluted from industry & that any safer than the streets of Bkk. Mexico City? L.A.? New York City? Detroit? London? Add some names & we can discuss it. Want to look at pure trash look at the big cities in Africa, Central & South America? Are they safe? Are they not polluted? Is it not dangerous to walk the streets at night? I don't like Bkk mainly b/c of the pollution in the air & the traffic but any big city has the same problems? Think about rat holes like New Delhi, Calcutta or any other city in India? Or the filth in Pakistan? Or the unbearable cold in Moscow or the filth in the cities of China like Shanghai & Beijing or any Asian country for that matter?

There are plenty of world class cities that are liveable and that come out on top. Copenhagen. most of Canada's major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and even Amsterdam. Dublin for all its heartache still does better. Barcelona is another gem. Huffington Post was running a list compiled from Lonely Planet as the happiest places and places like Hidakwa, Japan; and whole regions popped up. It's all about planning and a population's resolve to make the urban center a real community. NYC, London, and Shanghai are basically city states and are in a different league from Bangkok, so perhaps it is unfair to compare them. Size doesn't a city make. Bangkok is in the same league as Delhi, Lahore, Dhaka and Bangkok comes out on top, but look at what it competes against.

[phetaroi]

Well, I have to give "The Nation" credit for an article that does have balance. Or at least more balance than most of the individual people that responded in this thread, most of whom either love it OR hate it.

The survey itself...well, even after reading info on the magazine's website, I can't quite figure out how the survey was done in terms of everything from wording to number of people responding, and so forth. But let's face it, it's not THE answer. It's an answer.

As "The Nation" points out, "The recent survey result by the US-based Travel and Leisure magazine...ignited some debate among locals and long-term residents of Bangkok as to whether the city truly deserves such an accolade." Fair enough, and as the newspaper goes on to point out, "Bangkok is congested, polluted, not safe enough and not liveable enough." But, I can see the positives -- it's temples and the river traffic are exotic, the Skytrain and subway are extremely modern and efficient and make getting around some parts of Bangkok a breeze, the modern shopping malls outpace most malls in the U.S. (well, maybe not since most of Central World is now smoldering rubble), if you like Thai food you're in heaven, there are a wide variety of hotels at reasonable (not ideal) prices, and in many ways it's a fun city.

But as the article points out, there's the pollution. The relentless scam artists one still encounters in many tourist destinations in the city (in fact, the more touristy the area is, the more scam artists there are). After a while, you get used to it, and you avoid it. But it is a disgrace. The last time I encountered it, I had just walked outside from the Grand Palace/Wat Phra Keow -- supposedly the most historic and sacred place in the whole country -- and a scam artist came up to me and started in on his spiel, not realizing at the time I lived in Bangkok. What disturbed me was that a police officer was standing right there, definitely heard the whole scam, and was even laughing about it. In other words, like so many other negatives in Bangkok, scamming is seen as a way of life.

And then there's the sex industry, a large part of which caters to tourists. Bangkok is known world-wide as a sex destination. So, it brings lots of money into the country. But, I don't notice the TAT or the Prime Minister mentioning it. In fact, they literally pretend it doesn't exist. That's the superficiality of the Thais. Another example of which is the selling of illegal software and pornography -- both of which don't happen in Thailand anymore -- unless of course you walk into some place like Pantip Plaza where it is literally and openly shoved in your face -- sometimes while police officers stand right there watching.

Thailand and Bangkok have their charms. There is no question about that. But it has its seamy side, too. I was in love with Bangkok for over 20 years and even lived there for a while. But, with the takeover of the main business district and then the riots and arson of May 19, I fell out of love with it because I finally realized that when it comes right down to it, it's a lawless city. When push comes to shove, no one is really in charge. Not the government (as proven all those weeks when they couldn't end the demonstrations), not the army (because first they have to decide which side of an issue they're favoring), and not the police (who aided and abetted). But as a tourist you don't see that. You see the lovely temples, the friendly smiles, the cheap taxi rides, the nice hotels and shopping areas. Yes, I can understand how Bangkok comes out high on a survey of international tourists...but I no longer agree with that conclusion.

[tw25rw]

I love Bangkok, but then I don't have any mobility issues, squeamishness about less than perfect food hygeine or mind sitting in traffic for hours if the taxi is air conditioned.

Anyone who isn't a bit adventurous or tolerent of poor standards would suffer.

[ChinnyReckon]

I love Bangkok, but then I don't have any mobility issues, squeamishness about less than perfect food hygeine or mind sitting in traffic for hours if the taxi is air conditioned.

Anyone who isn't a bit adventurous or tolerent of poor standards would suffer.

If the standards are poor then I wouldn't rate it as a 'best city'

So anyway, where is this beach that someone mentioned?

[Ulysses G.]

One thing the, for lack of a better term, pro-Bangkok people seem to bypass in their defense of the city is how it is missing from the lists of best cities in the world to live in. Maybe the TAT promotion motto for Bangkok should be, "Great place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live here."

TheWalkingMan

That is why many of us choose to live in the smaller places and just visit Bangkok for a few days at a time.

[maxman71]

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

100% agree with your post.I would rather live in the jungle than that sess pit.Racism,polution,nastiness,wannabe hi-so farangs,proper hi-so thais,who are beyond the law,traffic congestion,major flooding,rat infested,a bad edge about the place in general,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Then pack your bags and head off to the jungle Tarzan. It never ceases to amaze me at the whining by some foreign residents and tourists alike about the quality of life in BKK and Thailand in general. It seems as though folks like you want 1st world infrastructure, protections, service, etc but at 3rd world prices. A bunch of cry-babies. It is NOT expensive here if you have your head about you, a lick or two of common sense and are willing to adapt to a more indigenous lifestyle. I've been living here 5 years and before here, in Taiwan. You either get acclimated to it and find ways to make it acceptable to you, or don't let the door slap you on your behind as you leave. If it is so bad, why are you still here???

I''m not you penis, I live in Hua Hin and love it and yes it has a shitty infrastructure there compared to BKK, so that comment makes no sense? It is expensive, go to a restuarant in bangkok and restuarant here, buy the same meal, BKK will be 2-3x the price, taste no better and the staff will be out for your farang money'. Don't mention the filth, traffic and rest of the stuck up a-holes that live there.

LOLO!!! The best meals I have eaten are at the sidewalk stalls and they don't charge me anymore than local Thais. Maybe that's because I treat them with kindness and respect, I employ local Thais and contribute more to this country than I take. Try THAT attitude instead of referring to people as private body parts and just maybe your whole outlook will change. Otherwise, good luck finding your "Jane" in the jungle and your incessant whining and complaining will come back at you...

[maxman71]

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

100% agree with your post.I would rather live in the jungle than that sess pit.Racism,polution,nastiness,wannabe hi-so farangs,proper hi-so thais,who are beyond the law,traffic congestion,major flooding,rat infested,a bad edge about the place in general,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Then pack your bags and head off to the jungle Tarzan. It never ceases to amaze me at the whining by some foreign residents and tourists alike about the quality of life in BKK and Thailand in general. It seems as though folks like you want 1st world infrastructure, protections, service, etc but at 3rd world prices. A bunch of cry-babies. It is NOT expensive here if you have your head about you, a lick or two of common sense and are willing to adapt to a more indigenous lifestyle. I've been living here 5 years and before here, in Taiwan. You either get acclimated to it and find ways to make it acceptable to you, or don't let the door slap you on your behind as you leave. If it is so bad, why are you still here???

Ahh, it never ceases to amaze me how some people will defend any negative comments about Thailand to the hilt. A statement of fact, not opinion, is that BKK is heavily congested and polluted, full of people trying to con you on every corner, plus racism and bad attitute.

However I agree, we cannot change it, but a shit hole it remains, and if you want to live there well you had better like living in a shit hole.

It's like someone who lives in the UK defending the English weather and telling everyone how lovely it is, yeah, just a few days a year it is, the rest it's lousy, as there are a few areas of BKK which are nice, but it's not the general picture.

You need to grow a real spine, and some balls to go with it. If you encounter a scam artist, regardless of where they come from, tell them to take a flying leap. You'd be surprised how that can turn around how they treat you. There is no "Mommy Government" here so get used to it or pack your bags and hit the road Jack...

[zzaa09]

That is why many of us choose to live in the smaller places and just visit Bangkok for a few days at a time.

Indeed. Great metropolitan cities have their place and exceedingly extend a place for stimulation, but are best viewed from a distance....even to use comparatives when judging the great cities, and their respective characters, of the world is quite futile. Rating is a ignorant nation that fodders needless competition. They are what they are.....good, bad, indifferent. One man's passion is another's dread.

[marios]

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

100% agree with your post.I would rather live in the jungle than that sess pit.Racism,polution,nastiness,wannabe hi-so farangs,proper hi-so thais,who are beyond the law,traffic congestion,major flooding,rat infested,a bad edge about the place in general,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Then pack your bags and head off to the jungle Tarzan. It never ceases to amaze me at the whining by some foreign residents and tourists alike about the quality of life in BKK and Thailand in general. It seems as though folks like you want 1st world infrastructure, protections, service, etc but at 3rd world prices. A bunch of cry-babies. It is NOT expensive here if you have your head about you, a lick or two of common sense and are willing to adapt to a more indigenous lifestyle. I've been living here 5 years and before here, in Taiwan. You either get acclimated to it and find ways to make it acceptable to you, or don't let the door slap you on your behind as you leave. If it is so bad, why are you still here???

I agree entirely. People just love Thailand and they adore Bangkok. So do the farang residents who are complaining now. One can only read the posts of anger and desperation for the difficulties in renewing the visa or the elation for having done an easy visa run. They dread the thought of having to leave Thailand. Thailand is magic. The same hotel in London would cost 250 pounds compared to 60 dollars. The food is superb, so is the shopping. Taxis appear at the speed of thought. In the advanced west someone must not get sick on the weekend. Why? simple, no doctors available, hospitals are manned with skeleton crews because in the west free time is (and rightly so ) revered. Take the hospitals in Bangkok, they are always fully staffed and available. Mercifully for us they value money more than leisure time so the medical staff are willing to work on weekends and public holidays. For an elderly person like myself this is important equally so for the rest of the farang whose mean age,I suspect, is middle age plus. The same applies for the market place. People are willing to work 7 days a week. So gentlemen enjoy Thailand as it is now because soon things will change. People will want leisure time and higher pay. For them is only fair, for us the beginning of the end of a wonderful story.

Yes, the poll was correct. Bangkok is a super destination

[DickFarang]

Funny, this story was in a Bangkok-based-English-language-newspaper-we-cannot-name-here some weeks ago.

Is that Travel and Leisure magazine for free or do you even get money with it ?

I live in Patters where you can buy everything you need, so if I can avoid Bangers, I avoid it.

Nice cities you find in Europe and, to a lesser extent, in Latin America.

Open your eyes.