You see lots of these "best lists" on the Internet but most have Thai cities in them. The New York Times lists has 2 Thai cities on the list.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html?hp

Well thought out list with lots of tantalising places that makes you realise that, despite evidence to the contrary (globalisation etc), there are still plenty of genuinely unique places in the world. Good mix of the obvious and not so obvious.

 

Abang will be pleased to see Singapore on the list. Interesting one of the places in Thailand is Koh Phangan - it must remain a wonderful place if you've got money to spend on getting away from it all.

 

Here's the entry for Koh Phangan:

 

"For years, the island of Koh Phangan, in the Gulf of Thailand off Koh Samui, has been the site of Thailand’s most notorious party, when thousands of hedonists let loose under a full moon. But with its first airport and direct flights from Bangkok slated for 2013, along with an increasing number of luxury- and family-friendly accommodations popping up, Koh Phangan’s extended hangover is finally relenting. New hotels like the simple, stylish beachfront Buri Rasa; the all-villa tropical-chic hideaway Kupu Kupu; and the mod-Asian Anantara Rasananda are introducing more subdued travelers to Phangan’s emerald-green rolling hills and aquamarine waters, which are teeming with marine life. There are Buddhist temples and hidden waterfalls to check out, along with feel-good options like the Canadian-run Yoga Studio and its vegan cafe. Try a seafood curry with your toes in the sand at the family-run Beachlounge, and have some homemade coconut ice cream." — Naomi Lindt

 

Here's the entry for Bangkok:

 

"Forget red light district bars and half-a-star hostels. This Southeast Asian capital is experiencing a renaissance with a sophisticated vibe embodied in spots like the Siam Hotel, a fashionable 39-room property on the river opened by the pop star Krissada Sukosol Clapp, which offers kickboxing and cooking classes along with restaurants like Smith from one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, Ian Kittichai, the latest to take on nose-to-tail dining. Drinking spots like Sky bar, 63 floors high, has a spectacular view of the city while the Bed Supperclub has international D.J.’s and a sexy crowd. Two Sofitel properties just opened; a W is planned for February." — Ondine Cohane

Yippie, Singapore is one of the preferred places to visit this year.

I am so thrilled.

 

I am sure you (my fellow friends) will have a wonderful time here.Yes, it is expensive when you compare with other neighbouring countries.

 

One more Broadway fetish coming:

 

 

Here's the entry for Singapore:

 

"As one of the world’s richest nations and a capital of global finance, Singapore has been awash in green for decades. But lately the densely populated city-state is burnishing its credentials as another type of green center — the ecological kind. A study released in 2011 by The Economist magazine’s Intelligence Unit and Siemens ranked Singapore as the greenest city in Asia, and this year the metropolis of glass and steel inaugurates two vast nature projects guaranteed to boost the green quotient further and to enhance the city’s image as a destination for environmental tourism. Gardens by the Bay, an ambitious 250-acre nature reserve, won the building-of-the-year prize at the World Architecture Festival for its glassy, hill-like main building, which houses attractions like the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Not to be outdone, the new Marine Life Park is already touting itself as “the world’s largest oceanarium.” It features a huge water park with rides and an aquarium showcasing some 800 species of underwater life. " — Seth Sherwood

 

800 species of underwater life! any sharks I wonder?