Travel Chiang Mai Crowned Asia's Best City, Bangkok Shines in Third

[webfact]

Photo of Sasikan Wattanachan courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand’s tourism splendour has been firmly recognised, with Chiang Mai being crowned Asia’s best city for 2025 by Travel + Leisure, scoring an impressive 91.94 out of 100. Not to be overshadowed, Bangkok also earned praise, securing third place with a score of 91.34, while Tokyo snagged the second spot with 91.39 out of 100.

 

This accolade has set travel enthusiasts buzzing and promises to boost Thailand's tourism sector significantly.

 

The Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Sasikan Wattanachan, celebrated the achievement as evidence of Thailand’s growing allure as a top global destination. She credited the people of Thailand for their dedication to safety, city development, and warm hospitality, highlighting the country’s potential to become the region’s tourism hub.

 

The recognition points to a bright future for Thailand's tourism industry, built on quality experiences and cultural richness.

 

Chiang Mai’s appeal lies in its unusual combination of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, according to Travel + Leisure. The city is famed for attractions like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and its expansive national parks.

 

Chiang Mai’s commitment to conservation through its elephant sanctuaries and eco-tourism initiatives has captivated visitors seeking authentic and ethical adventures.

 

The timing of this accolade coincides with a robust surge in tourism across Thailand, with officials eager to leverage this opportunity to showcase the nation’s diverse attractions. From the peaceful temples of Chiang Mai to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the country offers something for every tourist.

 

The inclusion of other popular destinations on the list, like Jaipur, Hoi An, and Kyoto, reinforces Asia’s reputation as a favourite among international tourists.

 

Top 15 cities in Asia for 2025:

 

• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Tokyo, Japan
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Jaipur, India
• Hoi An, Vietnam
• Kyoto, Japan
• Ubud (Bali), Indonesia
• Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Mumbai, India
• Agra, India
• Osaka, Japan
• Hanoi, Vietnam
• Taipei, Taiwan
• Singapore
• Seoul, South Korea

In response to the announcement, Chiang Mai’s local tourism operators are gearing up for an influx of visitors. Reports indicate a spike in hotel bookings and tour enquiries as curious tourists rush to explore the city deemed the best in Asia. The momentum promises a record-breaking year for Chiang Mai, while Bangkok’s strong performance reinforces Thailand’s standing as a leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia.

 

Sasikan concluded with optimism, stating, "This is just the beginning for Thailand." Thailand is ready to welcome the world.” We expect the global spotlight on these Thai cities to draw millions of travellers, further solidifying the country's position in the global tourism landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-17

 

 

[BayArea]

when you have THREE Indian cities in the Top 15, all credibility is completely lost. 

and 2 of the 3 are ahead of Osaka and Singapore. 🤣

[dinsdale]

Not when it's burning season.

[blaze master]

How does the pm2.5 factor into that score ?

[DonniePeverley]

Wow they're really spending some $$$ on these nonsensical polls.

[sqwakvfr]

Chiang Mai beats out Singapore and Seoul?  Is  Travel + Leiusure anything like Skytraxx (sometimes known as Scamtraxx).  Scamtraxx I mean Skytraxx rates airlines the same way cities in Asia are rated. 

 

Also, putting a city like Chiang Mai and Singapore in the same poll is like comparing apples to oranges.  The size of the two cities is not similar in anyway. 

[Harrisfan]

13 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Wow they're really spending some $$$ on these nonsensical polls.

Free website polls

[daveAustin]

What is this sudden resurgence?

Love Chiang Mai but it just has too many downsides to be classed anywhere near Asia’s best. For starters, clogged roads, appalling public transport and terrible air (at times worst in the world). 

[bkk6060]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Chiang Mai’s appeal lies in its unusual combination of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes,

Breathtaking True.  For several months every year you will choke.

[TedG]

Tokyo > Chiang Mai

Singapore > Chiang Mai

Taipei > Chiang Mai

 

How much did this ranking cost the city of Chiang Mai? 

 

[Celsius]

Went to the website. Chiang Mai comes to impressive second place and Bangkok 4th place in worldwide rankings. 

 

Wonder why Pattaya isnt mentioned. It certainly has many wonders, like Tiffanys and Alice Wonder to name a few.

 

 

[sammieuk1]

Surely Gaza City would have been robbed if was here 🤔

[henryford1958]

Asia's best city ha ha where you can't breathe for 3 months of the year

[Harrisfan]

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

What is this sudden resurgence?

Love Chiang Mai but it just has too many downsides to be classed anywhere near Asia’s best. For starters, clogged roads, appalling public transport and terrible air (at times worst in the world). 

Transport is great there. 63 baht to go most places.

[Harrisfan]

31 minutes ago, TedG said:

Tokyo > Chiang Mai

Singapore > Chiang Mai

Taipei > Chiang Mai

 

How much did this ranking cost the city of Chiang Mai? 

 

Singapore is boring. Tokyo expensive.

[nick supreme]

24 minutes ago, Celsius said:

Went to the website. Chiang Mai comes to impressive second place and Bangkok 4th place in worldwide rankings. 

 

Wonder why Pattaya isnt mentioned. It certainly has many wonders, like Tiffanys and Alice Wonder to name a few.

 

 

The Sanctuary of Truth is a fantastic tourist attraction. 

[Harrisfan]

11 minutes ago, henryford1958 said:

Asia's best city ha ha where you can't breathe for 3 months of the year

Be dead in minutes if you can't breath.

[JoePai]

Hhhh seems they forgot Pattaya ?

[DrJack54]

CM #1

Osaka #11

Now that made me laugh. 

[Gottfrid]

Sure! Welcome to Chiang Mai! Breath in, breath out!

[Cameroni]

The Guardian's food critic rated Chiang Mai  as the city with the best food in the world. There's elephant sanctuaries, Japanese Onsen's in the mountains, gorgeous mountain scenery, ATV camps, shooting ranges, Tiger Kingdom, Cobra shows, by far the best cafes not just in Thailand but the entire world, no place in the world has the cafe selection Chiang Mai has, there's almost no traffic issues, there's night clubs, restaurants, the best massages in the world...you even get baguette better than in France.

 

Of course Chiang Mai is the best city in the world. What other city comes close? None really. It's not even close. 

 

 

[Harrisfan]

38 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

CM #1

Osaka #11

Now that made me laugh. 

Osaka is a business city. Not much for tourists. Kyoto has lots for tourists.

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

The Guardian's food critic rated Chiang Mai  as the city with the best food in the world. There's elephant sanctuaries, Japanese Onsen's in the mountains, gorgeous mountain scenery, ATV camps, shooting ranges, Tiger Kingdom, Cobra shows, by far the best cafes not just in Thailand but the entire world, no place in the world has the cafe selection Chiang Mai has, there's almost no traffic issues, there's night clubs, restaurants, the best massages in the world...

 

Of course Chiang Mai is the best city in the world. What other city comes close? None really. It's not even close. 

 

 

Korat? Lol

Yep CM is great.

[Cameroni]

Just now, Harrisfan said:

Korat? Lol

Yep CM is great.

 

I still have to see the wonders of Korat, can't wait.

 

Everybody loves Chiang Mai. There's got to be a reason. 

 

The only problem is we'll be overrun with tourists even more now that we're officially the best city in the world.

[sqwakvfr]

5 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

The Guardian's food critic rated Chiang Mai  as the city with the best food in the world. There's elephant sanctuaries, Japanese Onsen's in the mountains, gorgeous mountain scenery, ATV camps, shooting ranges, Tiger Kingdom, Cobra shows, by far the best cafes not just in Thailand but the entire world, no place in the world has the cafe selection Chiang Mai has, there's almost no traffic issues, there's night clubs, restaurants, the best massages in the world...

 

Of course Chiang Mai is the best city in the world. What other city comes close? None really. It's not even close. 

 

 

Almost no traffic?  Have you seen Huay Kaew Road in the afternoons from CM Ram Hospital to Nimmanhaemin Road.  Often it is faster to walk.  Also how long does it take cross the street Sirimungklajarn road during the day.  One last thing is road safety.  Like most places in Thailand a Red Light is optional.  Best food? Does this include all types of food? I have been in CNX for 7 years and it has the good, bad and ugly. But in no ways does come close to some of the finer large cities in all parts of Asia.  Possibly CNX is the best city in SE Asia that is comparable to other smaller cities.  How is Singapore, Osaka or Seoul on the same level as CNX? For instance CNX has a single runway airport and it's overall infrastructure is poor at best. When a red truck is one of the parts of "mass transit" then it says a lot about it's infrastructure.  

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

Osaka is a business city. Not much for tourists. Kyoto has lots for tourists.

Have lived in both + other places in Japan. 

Thanks for parrot info.. 

[Cameroni]

3 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Osaka is a business city. Not much for tourists. Kyoto has lots for tourists.

 

Good luck finding a world class massage in Osaka for 1600 Baht.

 

How's the elephant sanctuaries in Osaka? You don't hear so much about them?

 

No mountain scenery in Osaka? That's sad.

 

But you have a big choice  of sprawling themed cafes in Osaka, right? Oh you don't? 

 

Best come to Chiang Mai then.

[MalcolmB]

This thread will trigger all the Thai haters who chose to live in Thailand but can’t stop whining about Thailand.

[Harrisfan]

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Have lived in both + other places in Japan. 

Thanks for parrot info.. 

Been to both. I found Osaka a bit dull. Japan is also expensive. 2000 baht for a tiny room. Chiang Mai has larger rooms for 400 baht and 150 baht massages.

[sqwakvfr]

3 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

Good luck finding a world class massage in Osaka for 1600 Baht.

 

How's the elephant sanctuaries in Osaka? You don't hear so much about them?

 

No mountain scenery in Osaka? That's sad.

 

But you have a big choice  of sprawling themed cafes in Osaka, right? Oh you don't? 

 

Best come to Chiang Mai then.

Yes, Chiang Mai is a relatively good cheap city to visit.  That title cannot be disputed. This does not make a "Thailand Hater".