Go here, go there. This place rocks, this place sucks. We always get to do all the talking and give places the thumbs up, or send them into oblivion with a single one-star rating. Oh the power, the rush, the thrill... But once a year, we get off our soapbox and let you call the shots. Most of the time, your opinions are pretty much in line with ours. But sometimes, the experience is sobering. “What? That’s your favorite Japanese restaurant?” some of us choked when we saw the results (scroll down to "Dining" too see which one that is). But hey, we printed it, because in this issue, you’re in charge. Read on to see what makes you shiver, leap with glee, or want to pack your bags and leave Bangkok forever.

Nightlife

Favorite Bar: Q Bar

A repeat winner, this hotspot continues to attract top international talent as well as offer a solid weekly lineup of local DJs. 

4 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-252-3274. www.qbarbangkok.com. BTS Nana. Open daily 8pm-1am.

Favorite New Bar: BarSu

It’s sleek, upscale and easy to get to, and it beat out the very popular Club Culture perhaps thanks to their oyster martini.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8353. www.barsubangkok.com. BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit. Open daily 6pm-2am.

Favorite DJ: DJ OCTO

After arriving in Bangkok in 2003, he’s been thrilling the crowds from Koh Tao to SuperFly.

Favorite Venue For Live Music: Saxophone

Yet another year that Saxophone takes the top live music spot from our readers. Twenty-one years and still going strong. Nice one!

3/8 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-245-3592. BTS Victory Monument. Open daily 6pm-2am.

Favorite Venue For DJs: Club Culture

Well, after Astra (R.I.P) was number one last year, it makes sense that this Astra-incarnate would get the top honors.

Sri Ayutthaya Rd., 08-9497-8422. BTS Phaya Thai.

Favorite Gay Hangout: The Balcony

It’s getting stronger with age, growing old with grace.

86-88 Silom Soi 4, 02-235-5891. BTS Sala Daeng, MRT Silom. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Favorite Pick-Up Joint: Starbucks

We were actually thinking of nightspots when we came up with this category, but apparently caffiene is doing more for your lovelife than alcohol.

Favorite Beer: Heineken

Considering what else is usually available in Thailand, this selection makes sense. Hats off to the green marketing machine that puts it in front and center in drinkers’ brains.

Favorite Spirit: Johnnie Walker

It was a close one, though. JW edged Chivas with a margin of less than 1%.

Favorite Place To Dance: Bed Supperclub

Route 66 won this category last year, but Bed is your new top spot for shakin’ your booty.

26 Sukhumvit Soi 11 , 02-651-3537. www.bedsupperclub.com. Open daily 7:30pm-1am.

Favorite Place To Chill: Starbucks

They’ve got a winning formula, which includes cheery baristas and BK Magazine.

Party Of The Year: Black Planet

With the heaps of money that they spent on this event, the Black Planet jam earned first place, beating out the International DJ Festival and even the full moon party on Koh Pha Ngan.

Favorite Jazz Bar: Saxophone

Another winning year for Saxophone in this category over strong competition, such as Brown Sugar, The Living Room and the Bamboo Bar.

Most Overrated Bar: Bed Supperclub

Despite the fact that our readers love dancing at Bed, there are apparently enough of you out there who don’t believe the hype.

Travel

Favorite Weekend Getaway: Hua Hin

Favorite Beach: Hua Hin

Neither the excitement of Pattaya nor the beautiful island atmospheres of Samet and Koh Chang could beat Hua Hin in the weekend getaway and beach categories. It’s an easy two-hour drive, it has a nice, quiet beach and there’s khao niew mamuang, too.

Favorite Hotel/Resort: Evason Hua Hin & Six Senses Spa

We had our company retreat there, and we love the place. So do you.

Paknampran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 032-632-111, 032-631-603. www.sixsenses.com/evason-huahin.

Favorite Way To Travel: By Air

Readers’ favorite way to travel is still by air, maybe because we have two airports now. Flying beat out buses by a large margin—although those super VIP ones with massage chairs can be quite enjoyable.

Favorite Local Airline: THAI Airways

Well, you knew it wouldn’t be One-Two-Go. But we thought Bangkok Airways would mount a stronger challenge to TG.

02-356-1111, www.thaiairways.com.

City Living

Person of the Year: King Rama IX

No surprise here. You still see a lot of yellow every Monday (and every other day), and His Majesty’s upcoming 80th birthday on December 5 will be another giant celebration, similar to the festivities surrounding his 60 years on the throne last year. Through all the political turmoil in the past year, we’ve taken comfort in our king.

Next Big Thing: Elections

Whether you supported the coup or not, everybody wants to move on and to restore some sort of democracy and stability back in the Kingdom. That is, until Mr. T (not the Mr. T with the mohawk) makes his inevitable comeback attempt, and all hell breaks loose.

Movie of the Year: Pirates of the Caribbean III

Yarrrr har har… ‘Twas no contest here, Captain Jack and his mates made ye so-called contenders like Harry Potter, Spider Man and The Simpsons walk the plank.

My Quality Of Life In This City Would Improve If…: No Pollution

We’re not talking litter on the streets. We’re talking big black plumes of smoke emanating from buses and tuk tuks, which is horrifying to say the least. (When are these eco cars that everyone is talking about going to finally be here?)

Favorite Blog: MySpace

Hi5 and MSN Spaces are soooo 2006, and it seems that Facebook is too 2008. There does seem to be something about MySpace, though, that seems to yield more hookups than the other sites. And Facebook is a bit too in your face with all the side programs.

www.myspace.com.

Favorite Thing About Bangkok: The Food

Whether it’s star chefs serving up top-notch cuisine at international restaurants or hole-in-the-wall spots serving delicious Thai food, there’s no shortage of great grub here. Shopping was second, followed by “the people” and nightlife.

Favorite Website: Google

Well, no one will argue with the usefulness of Google, which perhaps was the reason it edged out popular Pantip.com. YouTube had a strong showing on the list, despite being banned for most of the year. For those of you who voted for AziaCity.com, thanks, but our redesigned portal, which we’re launching soon, will be even better.

Most Ridiculous Fashion Trend: Jeans Worn Too Low

This hip hopper/raver look, first seen more than 15 years ago in the West, has managed to stick around, regardless of how ridiculous it looks to have your underwear and ass crack visible to all. This will be one of those trends that people will look back on someday and wonder how it happened. Apparently readers thought this look was so bad that it beat out the omnipresent Crocs shoes, leggings and tight university uniforms.

Neighborhood With The Most Buzz: Thong Lor

Whether you are at a Japanese karaoke joint, hitting one of the clubs, strolling along the street browsing the wedding dress shops or even just hanging out eating a sandwich at the Au Bon Pain on J Avenue, there’s something that feels more special here than in other ‘hoods in the B-K-K.

Concert That Blew You Away: Rain

Was it the music or the six-pack? The funny Thai diva Jennifer Kim came in third, the only Thai to figure in this vote. Also, on the list: Christina Aguilera and Black Eyed Peas.

Most Overrated Phenomenon: ­Jatukam

When the trend first started, prices soared to hundred of thousands of baht and people got hurt fighting for them. Now? You can get one at 7-Eleven.

Favorite Gallery: Tang Contemporary Art

The art scene in Bangkok is growing and there are many galleries opening around town, but the old Tang Gallery still maintains its top rank, although following very close behind is the excellent TCDC.

The Silom Galleria, 919/1 Silom Rd., 02-630-11114

Haven’t Been There Yet, But I Definitely Plan On Going: Maldives

Paradise on earth—or at least everyone says so. Better get there soon, because the Maldives might not be around much longer.  

Dining

All-time Favorite Restaurant: Fuji

Like Starbucks, apparently they have a winning formula. Runners Up: Sirocco, Greyhound Café

Favorite Japanese Restaurant: Fuji

Not to seem snobby, but Bangkok has a lot of great Japanese restaurants. But there’s something to be said for location and advertising. Koi and Ootoya were not too far behind.

Favorite New Restaurant: Red

Pandanus was second.

124 Thong Lor Soi 9, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-259-7590. BTS Thong Lor. Open daily 10:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-1am.

Favorite Sunday Brunch: Crepes & Co.

With the homey food and setting, Crepes & Co remains the favorite Sunday brunch of our readers. It is also the winner of the longest brunch hours ever—15 hours. At 6pm, isn’t that Brupper? 

18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-653-3990. www.crepes.co.th. BTS Asoke. Open Mon-Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 8am-midnight.

Favorite Vegetarian Restaurant: Anotai

Yummy baked goods, a lovely atmosphere and food that can make a meat-eater ravenous, Anotai got the most votes from readers, with Tamarind Café and Whole Earth (which is only half-vegetarian) not far behind.

976/17 Soi Rim Klong Sam Sen, Rama 9 Rd., 02-641-5366. Open Sun-Tue 10am-9pm.

Favorite Burger: Mos Burger

If people are lining up for it, then it must be good, right?

3/F, Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1494. www.mos.co.jp/english. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Favorite Dim Sum Restaurant: Shang Palace

The upscale Shangri-la’s Shang Palace beat out the not-very-expensive dumplings at Choke Dee Dim Sum.

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-236-7777. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm.

Favorite Venue For Dessert: Le Notre

Last year’s runner up, Le Notre, beats former winner Coffee Beans by Dao, as the sweetest dessert spot. The warm chocolate pudding is totally worth the time you will need to spend burning it off. 

61 Langsuan Rd., 02-250-7050-1. BTS Chidlom. Open daily 6am-10:45pm.

Favorite Thai Restaurant: Blue Elephant

We received a wide range of responses (300 different places!), but Blue Elephant won out with almost 28 percent of the votes. Readers’ other favorite Thai restaurants are Chili Culture, Greyhound Café and Cabbages and Condoms.

233 Sathorn Tai Rd., 02-673-9353. BTS Surasak. www.blueelephant.com. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm.

Favorite Korean Restaurant: Kong Ju

No offence, but please read our comments in the Japanese category.

2/F, 444 Phayathai Rd., 02-216-3700 ext. 20230. BTS National Stadium. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm.

Favorite Pizza: Basilico

It was very close, but Basilico edged out Limoncello and Zanotti by a very, very small margin.

8 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-662-2323. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-3:30pm, Sun-Thu 6pm-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-midnight.

Favorite Italian Restaurant: Zanotti

The renowned Zanotti gets the prize for your favorite Italian restaurant, with Gianni a close second.

1/F, Saladaeng Colonnade Condominium, 921/1 Silom Rd., 02-636-0002. BTS Sala Daeng. www.zanotti-ristorante.com. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-11pm.

Restaurant With Nicest View: Vertigo

Riverside, or on the top of a building? Our readers prefer the latter. Vertigo is at the top of the list, which also includes runner-ups like Sirocco and Baiyoke Tower.

61/F, 21/100 South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 6:30pm - 10:30pm.

Most Stylish Restaurant: Koi

Surprisingly, last year’s champ, Bed Supperclub, didn’t even make it into the top three. This year, our readers chose Koi, the slick Japanese fusion eatery, as the most stylish of them all.

26 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-258-1590. www.koirestaurantbkk.com. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

Favorite Outdoor Dining: A Garden

A Garden’s combination of its lush greenery and tasty European cuisine makes it the favorite outdoor dining spot.

64 Soi Sukhumvit 51, 02-260-4492. BTS Thonglor. Open Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, 6pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11pm.

Favorite Cheap Eat: Street Vendors

Street food vendors are the way to Bangkokians’ hearts, and stomachs. You also voted for food courts in shopping malls and even McDonald’s.

Favorite Hotel For Dining and Wining: The Oriental

It’s three years in a row for the venerable riverside property, thanks to its five-star outlets like Le Normandie, Lord Jim’s and China House. 

Most Overrated Restaurant: Sirrocco

Despite its popularity among international tourists, you picked (on) Sirrocco, once again.

Shopping and Technology

Favorite Fashion Brand: Zara

Living in materialistic Bangkok, who would have thought that the designer-brand knock-off from Spain, Zara, would come out ahead of other in-your-face designer labels.

Favorite Mall: Siam Paragon

Even after Central World Plaza opened its doors late last year, Siam Paragon has managed to maintain its top position. And it’s still the favorite despite it’s major contribution to Bangkok’s problematic street congestion.

Favorite Market: Chatuchak

It’s giant, it’s open air, it’s got everything you want, plus hundreds of thousands of more things. It’s Chatuchak.

Favorite Bookstore: Asia Books

For the brainier bunch of shoppers, Thailand’s own Asia Books is the favorite place to pick up a good read, but Kinokuniya wasn’t far behind.

Most Wanted Item: iPhone

It’s not even legal here! Apple is hot: Last year our most desired product was the iPod; this year it’s the next evolutionary step for Steve Jobs and Co., the iPhone. Available illegally at thrice the legal price at MBK’s mobile phone outlets.

Favorite Video Game: Anything with Wii

It’s now understood that gaming is no longer just for geeks, although people kind of look geeky when you see them maneuvering their Wii game controllers in the open air.

Wellness

Favorite Fitness Club: Cascade Club

The tactics used by those pushy fitness people really don’t work, as the winning fitness club isn’t a venue that makes you go “wow” or one that insists that they’re “true”-ly healthy. The Cascade Club outruns them all.

6-7/F, The Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, 87 South Sathorn Rd., 02-676-6969. www.cascadeclubandspa.com.

Best Way To Stay In Shape: Swimming

Nothing fancy here, according to you, as you say the best way to get in shape for us isn’t a body combat session or a spinning class; it’s just wai nam.

Favorite Yoga Studio: Absolute Yoga

For yoga fans, Pa Ji’s Absolute Yoga is the place to practice your asanas.

4/F, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-252-4400. BTS Chidlom. www.absoluteyogabangkok.com.

Favorite Spa: Devarana Spa

You really do love Devarana Spa, don’t you? This is five years in a row now!

The Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd.,02-236-9999. >http://bangkok.dusit.com.

Regional Winners

We asked you to think broadly about your regional favorites—here’s what you came up with. Seems you all didn’t want to think outside the box, though, or at least outside of Thailand. Or maybe things here are just the best…

Best Airline in Asia: Thai Airways

Well maybe if you’re flying Royal Silk Class, or even economy if it’s on that BKK-New York non-stop flight. Thanks for that one, TG!

Runners Up: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific

Best Shopping Destination in Asia: Bangkok

Bangkok is the top destination? But you’re already here! OK, we can understand the answer, because we do have great shopping. And Hong Kong makes sense as a runner up.

Asia’s Best Overall Hotel: Mandarin Oriental

You all seem to either just like hotels in Thailand, or you’re just not getting out enough. The first non-Thai hotel listed was the Genting Malaysia, which came in 30th!! Runners Up: The Four Seasons, Marriott

Favorite Party City in Asia: Bangkok

Well, it’s clear you love this town. And, really, who are we to argue, especially in this category. Even though our curfew sucks, we still know how to get DOWN! This contest wasn’t even close, and out of all the categories in the entire survey, this got the most votes for any entry. Runners Up: Singapore, Hong Kong.

You Said It!

Favorite Way to Stay in Shape

• Gay sauna

How I Unwind on the Weekend

• Masturbation
• Throw tomatoes out of my fifth floor apartment
• Grab a Starbucks non-fat latte and read BK magazine while getting a foot massage

Most annoying trend

• XXXS Skirts
• Straight women that look like tom boys
• “Leaked” video clips
• Chin jobs that make girls look like katoeys

Favorite beauty product

• Huh? I’m a dude!

Person of the Year

• Me

Lucky you!

Thanks to everyone who took part in our survey—and here’s how we show our gratitude!

Grand prize: 3 nights at the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai

Chusana Konvindha

1st Prize: 2 nights at At Panta Phuket

Sasiyada  Boonyapatsiri

2nd Prize: 2 nights at  Amarin Victoria Resort Samui

Apisit Susmakulvong

3RD PRIZE: Dinner for two at Colonnade Restaurant

Sittichong Maneerumpun

Cascade Club: One-month memberships

Andrew Clark

Karnlert  Udomcharoenchaikit

Suchada Chuenchuwit

Chalett Vichinrojjarul

Lisa Leatphaibool

Aldo’s: Dinner voucher for two

Kriangkrai Maatsibma

The Square, Novotel Suvarnabhumi: Buffet dinner for two and one child

Avalon Juliana

Oasis Spa Group: Massage packages

Sid Sehgal

Karnpitcha Suklerdvanich

Piyanee Rungrattwatchai

Harnn: Gift set

Wacharawan Wanichanond

Thann: Gift set

Sukij Udom

Salsa Hacha: Salsa and Latin dance workshop tickets

Nithivadee Punnahitanont

Jenny Kamolvisit

Poonyathorn Bhenbhargkul

Ms. Rapattra Hurunrungssit

Varintra Sansing

Suphawadee Krisadee

Porntip Buranagarnjareun

Siriporn Pookaves

Elizabeth Reynolds

Suthanit Suriyotai

CPS Café: Gift voucher

Patchara Choengwilat

Bed Supperclub: Dinner voucher for two

Thidarath Jaisin

Flix: Gift vouchers

Wannasiri Kuhapramkit

Thanachai Kornchannong

Red Bangkok: Gift voucher

Chomphunut Kaewthongma

Yupaporn Kunanant

Tony Roma’s: Gift voucher

Chalermvut Soongsak

Kittipob Kornkulroj

Ezeoji Olisa Paschal

Pilatestudio: Gift vouchers for Pilates or reformer classes

Anchalee Singhnarula

Praveen Phithaksinghsakul

Pacharawan Boonpromkul

Patcharat Chairojrat

Nat Vaidyanuvatti

Kritika Chaidee

Tarruthai Thamvongsin

Jeffrey Chow

Monkey Chinois: Gift voucher

Puvapun Paojinda

Kasemsak Kitiprasit

Arthit Nitkrathok

Sinchai Lekwanitchakul

Aremica Jane Ramos

Chusana Konvindha

Thamrong Piyanaraporn

Saksorn Sarika

Jirasakdi Chaiviriyakul

Theera Chavasirikultol

Beauty Shot: Gift set

Suphawadee Krisadee

Jarunee Chanprasit

Viwantorn Chantawong