A new global poll by Time Out has named Chiang Mai the 14th happiest city in the world, ranking it ahead of dozens of major world cities, underscoring its appeal as one of the best places to live.
The survey, which polled more than 18,000 city-dwellers, asked urbanites across the world how their city makes them feel – including whether they find joy in everyday life, perceive neighbours as happy and feel their sense of happiness has grown recently.
From that, we compiled a definitive list of the top 20 happiest cities, with Chiang Mai emerging as Thailand’s sole entry and the highest-ranking city in Southeast Asia.
The happiness index was based on the percentage of positive responses to five key statements: ‘My city makes me happy’; ‘I feel happier here than in other places I’ve lived or visited’; ‘People in my city seem happy’; ‘I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers’; and ‘The sense of happiness in my city has grown a lot recently’.
This latest ranking follows Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World 2025 list, published earlier this year, where Chiang Mai placed 28 thanks to its growing reputation for excellent cuisine and third-most affordable place to eat out at a restaurant in all 50 cities.