BANGKOK: Bangkok has been ranked as the best city to visit in Asia for 2025 by Smart Travel Asia, a leading digital travel magazine, based on the opinions of hundreds of thousands of travellers and readers worldwide.
The city received the highest votes in the “Best Holiday Destination in Asia” category, retaining its top position for the second consecutive year.
Smart Travel Asia highlighted Bangkok’s strengths as its 24-hour vibrancy and diverse experiences, including food, culture, shopping and the friendliness of its people, describing it as a “city full of energy and colour, day and night.”
Key factors behind Bangkok’s top ranking
Food and nightlife: A paradise for food lovers, from legendary street food to Michelin-starred restaurants and 360-degree rooftop bars.
Culture and heritage: Iconic temples such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun and Wat Pho remain major attractions for international tourists.
Shopping destinations: From luxury malls in the city centre to the Chatuchak weekend market, Bangkok caters to every type of shopper.
Affordability and friendliness: Accessible living costs combined with welcoming smiles continue to charm travellers.
The top holiday destinations in Asia, 2025 were Bangkok, Thailand; Bali, Indonesia and Tokyo, Japan (tie); Chiang Mai, Thailand; Seoul, South Korea and Luang Prabang, Laos (tie); Hong Kong and Phuket, Thailand (tie).
Having three Thai cities — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket — in the top 10 highlights the diversity and appeal of Thailand’s tourism offerings for travellers worldwide.
The “Best in Travel 2025” award not only reaffirms Bangkok’s popularity but also demonstrates Thailand’s readiness to welcome tourists sustainably, encouraging all sectors to collaborate in the continued growth of the country’s tourism industry. - The Nation/ANN
