As we wrap up 2024, new calendars, long weekends, replenished office leaves, and more visa-free countries surface. To ensure your 2025 adventures are out of the ordinary, we at Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia have shortlisted the 25 best places to visit in Asia: admire the cultural gems of Bukhara – an essential stop on the Silk Road trade route, luxuriate in the coastal resort city of Nha Trang, check-out the rice paddy art on the fields of Gyoda, or pose at your favourite K-drama shooting locations in Jeju Island: our list will leave you spoilt for choice!
Also, check out our story on the best underrated destinations for a white Christmas in Asia.
Destination directory: Best places to visit in Asia in 2025
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Whether you seek culinary flair, thrilling treks, or a circuit of beautiful ancient temples, Thailand’s Chiang Mai — also called the Rose of the North — won’t disappoint. Owing to its good internet speed, cost of living, and co-working opportunities, this Thai city ranks high among digital nomads, too!
When in Chiang Mai, make sure to sample grilled meat skewers at hawker centres, Khao Soi (local curry noodles), Gaeng Hang Lay (pork curry), and Sai Ua (sausages).
Also read | Chiang Mai Shopping Guide: Must-Visit Markets And Malls And Products To Buy
Things to do: Visit Wat Chiang Man (Chiang Mai’s oldest temple), go hiking at Doi Inthanon National Park, visit the night markets, and enjoy the best views from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Best time to visit: November to February
Book your flight from HongKong to Bangkok
Singapore
Explore the Lion City’s hip neighbourhoods like Orchid Road, Duxton Hill, and Haji Lane, where boutiques, antique stores, and quirky bars and eateries abound. Enjoy the city’s best views from the Singapore Flyer, witness wildlife encounters unlike ever before at Singapore Zoo, and guzzle skewers, satays, and laksas at Michelin Star hawker centres.
Things to do: Admire the natural splendour of Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens, explore the bustling bylanes of Chinatown, Orchid Street and Haji Lane, take an artsy detour at the ArtScience Museum and National Gallery Singapore, and spend a day at Universal Studios.
Best time to visit: December to June
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Singapore
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Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Among Central Asia’s most culturally and historically prosperous cities, Bukhara lures visitors with its ancient citadels, madrasas, unparalleled mosques, and museums. Bukahra, a pivotal stop on the Silk Road trade route, also enchants with its picturesque markets like Toki Zargaron and Toko Sarrafon.
Things to do: Catch a puppet show, participate in carpet weaving and embroidery, admire the Bolo Hauz Mosque and Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and visit the Ark of Bukhara.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to November
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Bukhara
Also read | Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan: A Modern-Day Journey Through the Silk Road
Udaipur, India
Udaipur is next on our list of best places to visit in Asia in 2025. Embrace the city’s royal history with grand palaces, vintage car collections, and indulgent lake-front hotels that’ll pamper all your senses. The temples, forts, and wildlife sanctuaries further enhance the range of attractions in this regal city.
In Udaipur, sample local staples like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabji, ker sangri, and laal maas. Also, check out our ultimate guide to exploring Udaipur.
Things to do: Go boating at Lake Pichola, savour the picture-perfect frames of Bagore ki Haveli and Saheliyo ki Bari, explore the City Palace, and pay respects at Jagdish Temple.
Best time to visit: September to March
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Udaipur
Gyoda, Japan
Located in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture, Gyoda reels in tourists with its ancient, laidback charm. Sprinkle your peaceful holiday with flower-strewn parks, castles, inspiring museums, and, most importantly, the annual rice paddy field art — a visual spectacle that’ll stump you!
Things to do: Check out the Oshi Castle, soak up the genius of Gyoda’s rice paddy field artwork, visit the Water Castle Park and Kodai Hasu No Sato (Ancient Lotus Park), and admire the Gyoda Hachiman Shrine.
Best time to visit: June to October
Book your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Dripping in charm, this coastal resort city is ideal for beach-combing, water sports, or sundowners with innovative tipples. When in Nha Trang, don’t miss taking a dip in hot springs, hitching a ride on the luxe Vinpearl cable car, and visiting art galleries. Seafood lovers will also enjoy discovering hidden cafes and brunch spots.
Things to do: Rejuvenate your senses at the Thap Ba Hot Springs, admire the beautiful Buddhist temple, Long Son Pagoda, catch some waves at Nha Trang Beach (popularly called the Riviera of the South China Sea), and take a cultural detour to XQ Historical Village.
Best time to visit: January to August
Book your flight from Kuala lumpur to Vietnam
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Kathmandu — declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 — is a melting pot of intricately carved temples, museums of art and history, quaint maze-like alleys that exude an unassuming charm, and shopping bazaars. In Kathmandu, binge on local momo, yomari (steamed rice flour dumplings shaped like fish and served with sweet sauce), and Aloo Phing (vegetables and potatoes in flavoursome chicken broth and glass noodles).
Things to do: Must-visit places in Kathmandu include Buddha Stupa, Durbar Square, Taudaha Lake, and Pashupatinath Temple.
Best time to visit: End September to November
book your flight from Hong kong to kathmandu
Vigan, Philippines
Soak up Hispanic culture with Vigan’s well-preserved Spanish architecture and cobbled lanes – best explored on a kalesa (horse drawn carriage). Cathedrals, museums, and bell towers add to the old-world charm of Vigan, which is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines, and one of the New7Wonders Cities.
Things to do: The main attractions in Vigan include the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo, Calle Crisologo, Plaza Salcedo (Luneta Park Musical Dancing Fountain), and Plaza Burgos.
Best time to visit: December to February
book your flight from Hong Kong to Philippines
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Hoi An, Vietnam
A thriving trading port from the 15th to 19th century, Hoi An is famed for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancestral town (think ancient architecture, quirky souvenir shops, and brightly lit lanterns illuminating the streets). We also recommend embarking on epicurean adventures, paying respects at the blissful temples, and taking countryside cycling tours.
Hoi An’s lip-smacking local delicacies, such as Cao Lầu, White Rose, Hoành Thánh, and Mì Quảng, are just one reason why it’s among the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.
Things to do: Veg out at Hoi An’s serene shores at Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach, watch a cultural show at Hội An Lune Center for the Performing Arts, admire the beautiful Quan Cong Temple, and visit the famous Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
Best time to visit: February to April
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Hoi An, Vietnam
Kochi, India
Explore the touristy streets of Jew Town, studded with vegan cafés, wine bars, spice markets, and home decor shops. Next, admire the Chinese fishing nets, charming churches, and the Mattancherry Palace. Cultural experiences like Kathakali dance performances and kalariyapattu further enhance the visit. Take your holiday several notches higher with our guide to the best places to visit near Kochi.
Things to do: When in Kochi, visit the Mattancherry Palace, the colourful streets of Jew Town, the Kerala Folklore Museum, the Paradesi Synagogue, and Cherai Beach.
Best time to visit: October to February
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
The central highlands of Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delight with botanical gardens, national parks, and hikes through waterfalls and dewy pathways. Here, check out one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, running from Ella to Kandy.
Things to do: Visit the Horton Plains National Park, the Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Dalada Maligawa, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya.
Best time to visit: December to April
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Sri Lanka
Malacca, Malaysia
Explore the remains of A Famosa (a 16th-century Portuguese fort), savour the architectural marvels on the Dutch square ‘The Stadthuys’, and admire the restored Peranakan Houses and quaint stores on Heeren Street.
Also read | Petronas Towers And Beyond — These Are Malaysia’s Must-Visit Tourist Attractions
Things to do: Visit the Shore Oceanarium, Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, and Jonker Street Night Market.
Best time to visit: March to October
book your flight from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur
Samosir Island, Indonesia
Savour the best of tropical charm and Batak culture at Samosir Island. Go kayaking on Lake Toba, take a dip in the hot springs near Pangururan, spend laidback mornings fishing and learning regional weaving techniques, or go café hopping and sample local delicacies like nani arsik (spiced fish) and sakaang (meat stew).
Samasir Island is undoubtedly among the best places to visit in Asia in 2025 for a vacation soaked in sun, sand, and surf.
Things to do: Visit Holbung Hill, King Siallagan’s Stone Chair, Tomok Village and Market, and the Efrata Waterfall.
Best time to visit: May to September
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Simmering in old-world charm, Buddhist temples, and natural beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos should be on your radar. Here, explore the whisky village of Ban Xang Hai, catch a show at the Royal Ballet Theatre, and unwind with a traditional Laos massage.
Things to do: Must-visit destinations in Luang Prabang include Phousi Hill, Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang Night Market, Wat Sensoukharam, and Wat Xiengthong.
Best time to visit: November to March
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Vientiane
Beyond the best places to visit in Asia in 2025, these are the top destinations for 2025, according to Amex Travel to fuel your wanderlust in the new year.
Suncheon, South Korea
Go biking along the Dongcheon River, pay respects at Songgwangsa Temple – among Korea’s Three Jewel Temples, and spend a day at Naganeupseong Folk Village. When in Suncheon, sample Ddeokgalbi (grilled pork or beef), Namul Bibimbap (rice sautéed in vegetables and sauces), Dak-gui (grilled chicken), and Jeolla-style banchan.
Things to do: Visit the Suncheon Bay National Garden, Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve, and Jukdobong Park for a tryst with the city’s lush outdoors. Also, add Suncheon Japanese Castle, Songgwangsa Temple, Suncheon Bay National Garden Bridge of Dream, and Nagan Eupseong Folk Village to your bucket list.
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Suncheon
Best time to visit: September to November
Chengdu, China
When in Chengdu, your first port of call must be the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – where you can watch these fur friends nap, play and eat! Next, catch the famous face-changing technique at Sichuan Opera, visit the thatched cottage of Du Fu (among China’s greatest poets), and hike through Qingcheng Mountain – the birthplace of Taoism.
Things to do: Key attractions in Chengdu include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Leshan Giant Buddha, Wu Hou Shrine of Chengdu, and Shufengya Yun must be on your itinerary.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Book your flight from Hong Kong to China
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
At Cambodia’s capital city, admire the Royal Palace – the Cambodian King’s gilded residence featuring Khmer architecture. Or, head to the Silver Pagoda, where a floor crafted with 5,000 silver tiles houses the holy Buddha statue in emerald.
From days spent skirting markets and museums to evenings that wind with al fresco diners, Phnom Penh will leave you perennially enamoured.
Also, check out our 10-day Cambodia itinerary for a wholesome getaway.
Things to do: Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Langka. The city’s iconic museums, such as the National Museum of Cambodia and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, should also be on your radar.
Best time to visit: November to March
Fukuoka, Japan
Tucked away on the Northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is synonymous with splendid shrines, regal castles, and culinary adventures that are hard to resist!
For the best experience, visit the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, which features ginormous kazariyama floats and races.
Things to do: Visit the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle at Maizuru Park, admire the 10 m tall wooden Buddha statue at Tōchō-ji Temple, and spend a day at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Book your flight from hong kong to Japan
Borneo Island
The third largest island in the world, Borneo, indulges the discerning tourist with floating markets, wildlife encounters at the dense Tanjung Puting National Park, cerulean lakes, and velvety white sand beaches of the Derawan Islands. If you seek a holiday away from the fast lanes and glitzy skyscrapers, Borneo Island is among the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.
Things to do: Hike the highest peak in Southeast Asian and a UNESCO World Heritage site ‘Mount Kinabalu’, spend a day at the secluded beaches and nature trails of Bako National Park, and immerse in local marvels at the Mari Mari Cultural Village.
Best time to visit: March to October
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Thimphu, Bhutan
Nestled in the heart of Bhutan, Thimphu shines through with its high-altitude motorable terrains, the vibrant Motithang Preserve, where you can spot the country’s national animal ‘Takin’ and diverse cultural museums and workshops.
Things to do: At Tashichho Dzong, you can admire the grand throne room, the King’s officers, and a monastery. You can also soak up the beauty of the 51-metre-tall golden Buddha Dordenma Statue. Or, you can try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery, at Changlimithang Archery Ground.
Best time to visit: September to November and March to May
Book your flight from Hong Kong to Bhutan
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Visit Taiwan’s largest and busiest port city for a touristy dose of art galleries, hot springs, and national parks. The city is also home to Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monastery, Guang Shan, which houses a 36-metre statue of Amitabha Buddha.
Things to do: Visit the Lotus Pond, admire art installations and exhibits at Pier-2 Art Centre, or immerse in the regional culture at Kaohsiung Museum kg Fine Arts and Guang Shan Buddha Museum. Add to the fun and frolic with our guide to 10 free things to do in Taiwan.
Best time to visit: September to November
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
From riding the world’s longest zip line at Jebel Jais Zipline and luxuriating at Al Marjan Island (the emirate’s first man-made archipelago) where palm-fringes beaches, resorts, and spas await, to learning about pearl farming at Suwaidi Pearl Farm, Ras Al Khaimah is among the most popular destinations in the Middle East.
Things to do: Witness the Jais Sledder, climb 234 steps to the 16th-century hilltop Dhayah Fort, and indulge in desert adventures like an all-terrain vehicle circuit, dune-bashing, and a Bedouin-style barbecue.
Best time to visit: November to March
Also read | Forget Dubai And Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah Is The Place To Be In The UAE
Jeju Island, South Korea
Your next port of call must be Jeju Island, one of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this island is touted for its luxury resorts, volcanic landscapes, and golden beaches. From the ever-blossoms Camellia Hill and artsy museums to mountain treks, there’s never a dull moment in Jeju!
Things to do: Sign up for unrivalled adventure at Hallasan Mountain, visit the Jeju Arte Museum, enjoy go-kart racing at 9.81 Park, and prioritise wellness at the Seogwipo Forest of Healing.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
Hong Kong
If a holiday in Hong Kong is on the cards for you, you’re in for untamed shopping experiences – we’re talking about toy streets, flower markets, the iconic Temple Street night market, Cat Street, and everything in between! Beyond retail adventures, spend a day at Hong Kong Disneyland, spend a morning at the zen wonderland of Tian Tian Buddha, and unwind amidst botanics at Hong Kong’s myriad parks.
Things to do: Key attractions in Hong Kong include the Peak Tram, Victoria Harbour, Ocean Park, and Victoria Peak.
Best time to visit: October to December
Krabi, Thailand
Best known for its Tiger Cave Temple, located atop a limestone cliff at 270 m (and 1,260 steps away), Krabi invites tourists into a world of hot springs, national parks, and pristine beaches offering rock climbing and snorkelling, among other aquamarine adventures.
Also read | The Real Cost Of Spending A Weekend In Hong Kong Vs. Bangkok
Things to do: Feed and walk with elephants at the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary. Go diving at Phi Phi Islands and Railay Beach. Take a dip at the Emerald Pool, a natural hot spring enveloped by jungle foliage, or spend a day at the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park.
Best time to visit: November to March
(Feature image credit: Võ Văn Tiến/Pexels)
Related: 11 Totally Wild, Above-and-Beyond Honeymoon Ideas in Asia
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
