(CNN) Bangkok’s back!

The Thai capital has bounced to the top of an annual list of the world’s most popular travel destinations after spending several years in the wilderness (of second place).
Its return to the throne came at a cost to London which, after occupying pole position for two years, is trading places with its Asian rival.
Bangkok is projected to host 21.47 million “international overnight visitors” this year, according to the 2016 report by financial services corporation MasterCard.
That figure is more than two times the city’s population of about 10 million.
Bangkok’s 2014-15 fall from the top was largely put down to political instability in recent years. Its return comes despite 11 bombings in August that hit five provinces in a day and left at least four dead and dozens including foreigners injured.
But there’s no escaping Bangkok’s allure: a vibrant urban and culinary scene and proximity to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and islands.