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Got plans to travel this year? If you're hunting for the best place to visit, you don't need to look too far. Bangkok has just landed a massive endorsement.
The New York Times has dropped its annual travel list, a sprawling 52 destinations for 2026, and Thailand's capital has snagged third place. Great choice for a city that's been grafting to shake off its reputation as one of Asia's least green urban centres.
Here's what's caught the NYT's attention. You can now walk between two of Bangkok's central parks, Benjakitti and Lumphini, along a brand new 20-acre green corridor that's dotted with sculptures. The city has also added a mile-long suspended walkway at Benjakitti Park where you can wander above lotus ponds and mangrove forests.
Then there's the art scene. The paper namechecks Dib Bangkok, a slick new contemporary art gallery showcasing 70 years worth of work from multiple continents. It's the first venue of its kind in Thailand, which is pretty significant.
These are the top 10 places to travel in 2026, according to the New York Times
- Revolutionary America
- Warsaw
- Bangkok
- Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Bandhavgarh, India
- Dallas
- Oran, Algeria
- Route 66
- Saba, the Caribbean
- Poblenou, Barcelona
The ranking comes down to more than just pretty parks and a thriving contemporary art scene. Key factors such as improvements in public transport from AI-managed traffic and electric buses were also praised.
The BMA said 'Third place in the world this time confirms we're on the right path. Having international media see the changes in both environment and technology is important encouragement for Bangkok to continue developing the city to be friendly, safe and liveable for everyone.'
So now you've got even more reason to finally book that trip to Bangkok. Time to start planning things to do here.
Plus: Get ahead of the game and start planning your holidays with our list of the top things to do on the weekend.
Recommend: Whether you're a regular gallery-goer or just art-curious, these are Bangkok’s best spots to live the art life.