9 Feb 2009
Thailand Again Best in Asia
Travel News Gazette www.ftnnews.com

Thailand has once again shown that it is the best place in Asia for family holidays. Not only is it best for families but also for the couples. At one side it is the best bargain and the other side it suits the tourists who want to have a luxury experience.

TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 32 million monthly visitors, 9 million members, and 20 million reviews and opinions. An online survey was recently conducted and Travelers’ Choice Awards 2009 were announced, the only honors representing the unbiased opinions of millions of real travelers. Thailand has topped its many categories.

Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta proved to be the best luxury in Asia while Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok and Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui were successful to be on 3rd and 5th position in the same category. Layana Resort and Spa did not only top the Asia list but also got 2nd place in the “Top 100 Best Luxury in the world”.

In the “Top 10 Best for families in Asia” and “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia” categories, Thailand ruled with capturing 5 places as Merlin Beach Resort, Patong stands on 3rd and Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon on 5th in the former category. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi; Rimping Village, Chiang Mai and LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta were being awarded with the first three places respectively in the later category.

Thailand became number 1 and number 2 in Asia in “Top 10 Best Bargains” and “Top 10 Best for Romance” categories respectively. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi is the top bargain in the Asia while SALA Samui Resort and Spa, Koh Samui is the 2nd best romantic place in Asia.

Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui got 3rd position in “Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia” and also 5th position in “Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia”. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta was number 1 in “Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia” and number 6 in “Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia”. In the same way Rimping Village, Chiang Mai is number 2 in “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia” and number 9 in “Top 10 Best for families in Asia”.

Please find the complete list in of the awards below.
The 2009 Travelers’ Choice Awards

Top 10 Best Bargains in Asia

1. Oriental Kwai Resort

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

6. The Waterfront Bophut

Koh Samui, Thailand

7. Rimping Village

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top 10 Best for families in Asia

3. Merlin Beach Resort

Patong, Thailand

5. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Karon, Thailand

6. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Mai Khao, Thailand

7. Laguna Beach Resort

Thalang, Thailand

9. Rimping Village

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia

1. Oriental Kwai Resort

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

2. Rimping Village

Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. LaLaanta Hideaway Resort

Ko Lanta, Thailand

8. Rabbit Resort

Pattaya, Thailand

9. The Waterfront Bophut

Koh Samui, Thailand

Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia

2. SALA Samui Resort and Spa

Koh Samui, Thailand

3. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel

Koh Samui, Thailand

5. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

Krabi, Thailand

6. Layana Resort and Spa

Ko Lanta, Thailand

Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia

1. Layana Resort and Spa

Ko Lanta, Thailand

3. Peninsula Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

5. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel

Koh Samui, Thailand