Thailand’s capital still reigns as the No.1 destination for foreigners in Thailand, according to survey by Bangkok University.

The source of this finding might not sound impartial, but its sampling of tourists’ opinions fits with other recent studies – despite a sometimes lurid reputation, Bangkok really is one of the best places in the world.

This year Travel and Leisure magazine took Bangkok off the top spot of its global ranking of top destinations, following the blockade of the city’s airport by ‘yellow-shirt’ protesters.

Yet Bangkok still came third among Travel + Leisure readers, with Thailand taking another top-ten place with Chiang Mai at fifth.

Bangkok smacked down 9 other Asian cities to win in the Bangkok University survey, getting an average rating of 7.19 out of 10.

The 500 respondents put food as the main attraction, followed by historical sites and ancient remains. Hospitality came third, followed by local culture and shopping centres.

The tourists gave Bangkok’s best attractions as the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple.

Read the story in the Pattaya Daily News