SINGAPORE — A recent survey confirmed what many travellers already know: Bangkok is just awesome. The Thai capital snatched the title of world’s top travel hotspot in MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities, pipping last year’s winner, London, to the post. A steady, effortlessly cool vibe permeates the city even as new additions change its urban landscape. Here are three new places to insert into your address book.

SERENE LIM

1. Chill: Maggie Choo’s

Step into Shanghai of the decadent 1930s at Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom. Part cabaret, part noodle shop, the bar, which welcomed its first guests last month, is a fantastically decked-out space that could only come from the imagination of Ashley Sutton, the man behind Fat Gut’z and The Iron Fairies. Soak up the sexy atmosphere and jazz tunes while tucking into the addictive egg noodles with crispy pork.2. Taste: Paste

Billing itself as an “Innovation Thai Eating House”, Paste at Soi 49, Sukhumvit Road, is helmed by a husband-and-wife team serving classically-inspired modern Thai food. The chic, contemporary decor matches dishes like the tamarind and caramel kurobuta pork belly with green mango. Try the speciality cocktails, such as the popular Paste My Thai, a vodka infused with fresh kaffir lime and lemongrass, to go with your meal.

3. Experience: Six Senses Spa

There are spas galore in Bangkok, of course. But this is the first Six Senses Spa in its home city from the same company behind the famed Six Senses resort in Koh Samui and Maldives. Opened just last week, it’s conveniently located in the Pacific City Club (Nana BTS is right in front) and offers four treatment rooms where you can indulge in their signature massages including a 30-minute express treatment if you’re pressed for time. But why would you want such a condensed treat?