World's best city: Bigger Bang-kok for your buck

Bangkok: World's best city 2008

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Singapore: Bangkok was voted the world's best city for 2008 and the Galapagos was picked as the best island in an online poll by Travel +Leisure magazine. Last year's winners Florence, Italy and Bali, Indonesia fell to number 5 and number 2 respectively.

It was the first time that Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador topped their respective categories, said Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure. In 2007 Bangkok was ranked number 3 and the Galapagos number 8. "We're delighted to welcome so many new winners this year. Nature and adventure were clearly a draw in the selections,” she said.

Magazine readers also voted Singita Sabi Sand, at the Kruger National Park, South Africa, as the world's top hotel while last year's number one hotel, the Oberoi Udaivilas in India, fell to number 4 this year. Singapore Airlines grabbed the best airline award again.

Magazine subscribers in an Internet poll, which went live between January and March, compiled the results from votes. Travel + Leisure will honor winners on July 24 in New York City. The complete World’s Best Awards is available on www.travellandleisure.com

Following are some highlights: Best city - Bangkok, Best hotel - Singita Sabi Sand, Best island - Galapagos, Ecuador Best cruise line (large ships) - Crystal Cruises, Best cruise line (small ships) - Silversea Cruises, Best international airline - Singapore Airlines, Best domestic airline - Virgin America, Best tour operator - Micato Safaris, Best car-rental agency – Hertz, and Best hotel for $250 or less - Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Onzain, France.