- 1. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Reader Score: 91.94 A perennial favourite and WBA Hall of Fame inductee, Chiang Mai balances serene landscapes with vibrant culture. Nestled in northern Thailand, the city is home to ancient temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and bustling night markets offering local dishes such as mango sticky rice and khao soi. The surrounding mountains provide trails and ethical elephant sanctuaries, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. (Image: Canva)
- 2. Tokyo, Japan – Reader Score: 91.39 Modern marvels and timeworn shrines coexist seamlessly in Tokyo. The Japanese capital captivates with its refined culinary scene, cutting-edge fashion, and neighbourhoods that oscillate between futurism and tradition. (Image: Canva)
- 3. Bangkok, Thailand – Reader Score: 91.34 Dynamic and dizzying, Bangkok offers a sensorial overload. Whether it’s cruising the Chao Phraya River, exploring grand temples, or navigating its famed street food scene, this city rewards every kind of traveller. (Image: Canva)
- 4. Jaipur, India – Reader Score: 91.33 The "Pink City" of Rajasthan is an architectural symphony of forts, palaces, and old-world bazaars. Jaipur's enduring charm lies in its royal heritage and vibrant craftsmanship. (Image: Canva)
- 6. Kyoto, Japan – Reader Score: 90.61 Steeped in Zen tranquillity, Kyoto is the soul of traditional Japan. With moss-covered temples, seasonal gardens, and preserved teahouses, it offers a contemplative counterpoint to modern urbanism. (Image: Canva)
- 7. Ubud, Indonesia – Reader Score: 90.48 Bali's cultural epicentre, Ubud is known for its terraced rice fields, art studios, and wellness retreats. It's where Balinese spirituality and global creative communities intersect. (Image: Canva)
- 8. Siem Reap, Cambodia – Reader Score: 89.27 Gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap charms with its colonial-era architecture and artisan markets. Beyond the temples, its culinary and cultural offerings continue to grow. (Image: Canva)
- 9. Mumbai, India – Reader Score: 89.17 India's financial hub doubles as its cultural nerve centre. From Bollywood studios and Victorian Gothic buildings to street food and sea-facing promenades, Mumbai pulses with contrasts. (Image: Canva)
- 10. Agra, India – Reader Score: 88.44 While best known for the Taj Mahal, Agra also boasts the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. It remains a significant waypoint for those tracing India’s Mughal legacy. (Image: Canva)
- 11. Osaka, Japan – Reader Score: 87.67 Osaka delivers hearty cuisine and a down-to-earth charm. The city’s street food, historic castle, and bustling shopping districts give Tokyo a compelling rival. (Image: Canva)
- 12. Hanoi, Vietnam – Reader Score: 87.61 The Vietnamese capital weaves communist-era history with ancient temples and a dynamic café culture. Its lakes, boulevards, and Old Quarter are ripe for exploration. (Image: Canva)
- 13. Taipei, Taiwan – Reader Score: 86.89 With its famed night markets and scenic trails, Taipei offers the ease of a modern capital with the intimacy of a local town. The food scene is particularly irresistible. (Image: Canva)
- 14. Singapore – Reader Score: 86.47 This city-state epitomises innovation. Known for its green skyscrapers, diverse cuisine, and clean efficiency, Singapore remains a model for futuristic urban planning. (Image: Canva)
- 15. Seoul, South Korea – Reader Score: 85.85 From K-pop to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul is a confluence of global pop culture and deep-rooted traditions. Its districts are distinct microcosms offering everything from street fashion to hanbok-clad history. (Image: Canva)
In an era where long-haul travel is no longer a deterrent for culturally curious globetrotters, Asia continues to hold its place as one of the most sought-after continents for immersive city experiences. The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 reveal that travellers are increasingly drawn to cities that offer a confluence of time-honoured heritage and contemporary urban energy. From neon-lit metropolises to tranquil temple towns, these top 15 cities span nine countries and represent the continent’s kaleidoscopic variety. (Image: Canva)

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Reader Score: 91.94 A perennial favourite and WBA Hall of Fame inductee, Chiang Mai balances serene landscapes with vibrant culture. Nestled in northern Thailand, the city is home to ancient temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and bustling night markets offering local dishes such as mango sticky rice and khao soi. The surrounding mountains provide trails and ethical elephant sanctuaries, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. (Image: Canva)

2. Tokyo, Japan – Reader Score: 91.39 Modern marvels and timeworn shrines coexist seamlessly in Tokyo. The Japanese capital captivates with its refined culinary scene, cutting-edge fashion, and neighbourhoods that oscillate between futurism and tradition. (Image: Canva)

3. Bangkok, Thailand – Reader Score: 91.34 Dynamic and dizzying, Bangkok offers a sensorial overload. Whether it’s cruising the Chao Phraya River, exploring grand temples, or navigating its famed street food scene, this city rewards every kind of traveller. (Image: Canva)

4. Jaipur, India – Reader Score: 91.33 The "Pink City" of Rajasthan is an architectural symphony of forts, palaces, and old-world bazaars. Jaipur's enduring charm lies in its royal heritage and vibrant craftsmanship. (Image: Canva)

5. Hoi An, Vietnam – Reader Score: 91.00 Another Hall of Fame honoree, Hoi An blends French colonial structures with ancient trading port influences. Its lantern-lit evenings, riverside cafés, and tailor-made couture make it one of Vietnam's most enchanting cities. (Image: Canva)
6. Kyoto, Japan – Reader Score: 90.61 Steeped in Zen tranquillity, Kyoto is the soul of traditional Japan. With moss-covered temples, seasonal gardens, and preserved teahouses, it offers a contemplative counterpoint to modern urbanism. (Image: Canva)

7. Ubud, Indonesia – Reader Score: 90.48 Bali's cultural epicentre, Ubud is known for its terraced rice fields, art studios, and wellness retreats. It's where Balinese spirituality and global creative communities intersect. (Image: Canva)

8. Siem Reap, Cambodia – Reader Score: 89.27 Gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap charms with its colonial-era architecture and artisan markets. Beyond the temples, its culinary and cultural offerings continue to grow. (Image: Canva)

9. Mumbai, India – Reader Score: 89.17 India's financial hub doubles as its cultural nerve centre. From Bollywood studios and Victorian Gothic buildings to street food and sea-facing promenades, Mumbai pulses with contrasts. (Image: Canva)

10. Agra, India – Reader Score: 88.44 While best known for the Taj Mahal, Agra also boasts the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. It remains a significant waypoint for those tracing India’s Mughal legacy. (Image: Canva)


12. Hanoi, Vietnam – Reader Score: 87.61 The Vietnamese capital weaves communist-era history with ancient temples and a dynamic café culture. Its lakes, boulevards, and Old Quarter are ripe for exploration. (Image: Canva)

13. Taipei, Taiwan – Reader Score: 86.89 With its famed night markets and scenic trails, Taipei offers the ease of a modern capital with the intimacy of a local town. The food scene is particularly irresistible. (Image: Canva)

14. Singapore – Reader Score: 86.47 This city-state epitomises innovation. Known for its green skyscrapers, diverse cuisine, and clean efficiency, Singapore remains a model for futuristic urban planning. (Image: Canva)

15. Seoul, South Korea – Reader Score: 85.85 From K-pop to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul is a confluence of global pop culture and deep-rooted traditions. Its districts are distinct microcosms offering everything from street fashion to hanbok-clad history. (Image: Canva)

These 15 cities underscore why Asia remains an enduring magnet for global travellers—places where heritage and modernity are not opposing forces but complementary narratives. As the travel landscape evolves, these destinations continue to shape what it means to explore Asia today. (Image: Canva)