Bangkok provides tourists with 24-hour street food, diverse lifestyles and unique experiences making it one of the best destinations in Southeast Asia, according to foreign travellers.

The Travel + Leisure Southeast Asian website this month recognised the "Top 10 cities in Southeast Asia" with its inaugural "Asia's Best Awards 2022", in which Bangkok came in top place.

The Bangkok Post talked to foreigners in town to understand why this city is the favourite of so many.

Nico, a 30-year-old Austrian tourist, said she was on her fourth visit. It is an exciting and surprising city where travel experiences are unpredictable, she said. She can ride a Bangkok motorbike taxi that is very inexpensive.

Bangkok also has many wonderful attractions, she said, especially temples.

''Around Bangkok I have been to an ancient city, and also visited some of the temples here. It is very calm and relaxing,'' she said.

The city is also renowned for its variety of street food, where she finds unusual eating experiences. "Even at night after a couple drinks, I can walk through the alley and have some of the best food in the world; papaya salad is one of my favourites."

Marc Jay, a 22-year-old American tourist, who is here for a summer trip, said he likes Bangkok because it is "a city of diversity".

"There are so many tourist attractions in Bangkok that attract tons of people worldwide while there are numerous destinations around the region.

''Coming here from America is a huge culture shock because everything is different, from the food to the people to the way people live.

''Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities I have visited. There are so many activities you can do whether visiting shopping malls, walking streets, temples or night bars,'' Mr Jay said.

Elsewhere in Thailand, Phuket was recognised as the "Best Island in Southeast Asia 2022". Koh Samui also made it the list at second place.