Travel & Leisure has named Thailand’s capital Bangkok the top metropolis in the world in the category “Big-city Thrills” in its “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024” issue, topping rivals such as Paris, Las Vegas and Montreal.

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” Southeast Asia specialist Jack Tydeman told Travel & Leisure (T&L) about the city locals call Krung Thep, which translates to City of Angels.

While travel magazines, writers and websites frequently point to the capital’s shopping, nightlife and food as among its chief and enduring attractions, T&L praised Bangkok’s new hotel megaprojects, expanding green space and growing wellness centers and industry.

“Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five ‘emerging self-care destinations’ worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage,” the magazine wrote.

Among the new hotel projects, T&L singled out the Dusit Central Park, slated to open in 2024 on the site of the now-demolished Dusit Thani hotel that was among the first modern luxury hotels in Thailand. The 259-room caravansary will have a multi-terraced roof park even as it sits directly opposite Lumpini Park.

T&L labelled Lumpini “Bangkok’s original public green space,” and reported that it “is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial.”

Cities in the United States performed well in the category, with Cleveland, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Louisville and Kansas City, Missouri all making the top ten.