With 48 countries, spanning magical tropical islands to snow-capped mountains, Asia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. In fact, earlier this year, three Asian cities ranked among the top 10 most-visited cities in the world, and more than 300 million people visit Asia on holiday every year. Each year, the people at Smart Travel Asia release their renowned report on the travel industry in Asia, and the 2025 report has just dropped. We’ll be covering the key findings from the report – first up, these are the top destinations in Asia for 2025.
The Best In Travel top destinations in Asia for 2025
1. Bangkok
A city that hums with energy day and night, Bangkok is where gilded temples brush up against neon-lit night markets, rooftop bars and bowls of spicy noodles that taste like pure joy. With its buzzing cultural scene and excellent hotel landscape, it’s no wonder this Thai city took the top spot for the second year running.
2. Tokyo
Tokyo is a sensory feast; from the quiet perfection of its sushi counters to the chaos of Shibuya Crossing, it’s a city that balances the future and tradition like nowhere else. Tokyo also ranked in second place in last year's report.
= Bali
Jumping one place from third place in last year's reprot, Bali ranked joint second with Tokyo. With lush rice terraces, surf-ready beaches and hyper-trendy cafés serving smoothies that look like works of art – Bali’s got a holiday glow that’s hard to shake off.
3. Chiang Mai
Up north in the mountains, Chiang Mai is slower, greener and cooler than Bangkok, with golden temples, lantern festivals and some of the best street food in Thailand.
4. Seoul
This is a city that never really stops – in Seoul, you’ll find addictive street snacks, K-pop beats, cutting-edge fashion and nightlife that stretches until sunrise.
= Luang Prabang
A dreamlike town of misty mornings, saffron-robed monks and French-colonial charm, Luang Prabang feels like a step back in time (with the delightful addition of excellent cocktails).
5. Hong Kong
Skyline views, dim sum feasts and ferries gliding across Victoria Harbour – Hong Kong offers cosmopolitan buzz with a side of breathtaking hiking trails and charming country parks.
= Phuket
Beach clubs, boat trips and a coastline of white sand and turquoise water make Phuket the ultimate no-brainer for a tropical escape.
= Rajasthan
Palaces, forts and desert landscapes straight out of a storybook – Rajasthan is colourful, perfectly chaotic and impossibly romantic.
6. Taipei
Night markets piled high with dumplings, hot springs in the hills and a café culture you’ll want to move in for – Taipei is Asia’s underrated cool kid.
= Kyoto
Cherry blossoms, tea houses and temples draped in maple leaves – Kyoto is Japan at its most poetic.
= Da Nang / Hoi An
Golden beaches by day, lantern-lit old town by night – Da Nang and Hoi An deliver that seamless mix of relaxation and magic.
7. Singapore
Futuristic gardens, high-end hotels, exceptional hawker food and a bar scene that’s among the world’s best – Singapore is small but seriously mighty.
= Siem Reap / Angkor
Home to the majestic Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a heady mix of ancient wonder and buzzing nightlife.
= Penang
Street art, heritage shophouses and the best street food on the planet – Penang is vibrant, messy and completely delicious.
8. Phu Quoc
Think palm-fringed beaches and sunsets that feel like a movie – Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s island paradise.
= Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers steal the skyline, but it’s KL’s food courts, hidden bars and cultural mash-up that keep travellers coming back.
= Maldives
Overwater villas, reefs teeming with neon fish and sunsets so good they don’t look real – the Maldives is the ultimate indulgence destination.
9. Macau
A playful blend of Portuguese charm, Cantonese flair and flashy casino glamour, Macau is as delicious for foodies as it is for risk-takers.
= Kerala
Palm-lined backwaters, Ayurvedic retreats and spice-laden cuisine make Kerala one of India’s most soul-soothing escapes.
= Hangzhou
West Lake alone is worth the trip, but Hangzhou’s tea culture and silk-laden history make it quietly intoxicating.
10. Bhutan
A kingdom in the clouds where Gross National Happiness is a metric and cliffside monasteries seem to defy gravity – Bhutan is pure magic.
= Palawan
Jagged limestone cliffs, surreal turquoise lagoons and some of the world’s best diving – Palawan is a next-level island paradise.
= Sabah
Rainforests, orangutans, coral reefs and Southeast Asia’s tallest peak – Sabah is adventure central with serious natural beauty.
You can read the full report over here.