Discover the 10 best holiday destinations in Asia for 2025, from Bangkok and Tokyo to Bhutan and the Maldives. Explore vibrant cities, serene islands, cultural hotspots, and adventure-filled escapes across Asia.
With 48 countries spread across mountains, beaches, deserts, and tropical jungles, Asia is a continent that never runs out of surprises. It’s also the world’s favourite playground: more than 300 million travellers head here every year, and three Asian cities recently ranked among the top 10 most-visited in the world. Now, the Smart Travel Asia 2025 report is out, revealing the hottest destinations you’ll want on your radar. Some are timeless classics, others rising stars, but together they make up a dazzling shortlist of Asia’s best holiday spots for 2025. Here’s the lowdown. (Image: Canva)
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1. Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok refuses to be ignored. This is a city that never switches off—gilded temples glitter by day, while night markets, rooftop bars, and sizzling street food take over after dark. It’s chaotic, creative, and endlessly charismatic, which is why it’s once again crowned Asia’s number one city break. (Image: Canva)
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2. Tokyo (Japan) and Bali (Indonesia) Tokyo is a whirlwind of sensations, from the precision of sushi counters and the chaos of Shibuya Crossing to the serene calm of Shinto shrines, while Bali offers the perfect counterpoint with lush rice terraces, sunrise surf, and beach cafés serving smoothie bowls too beautiful to eat, earning it a shared second place with Tokyo this year. (Image: Canva)
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3. Chiang Mai, Thailand If Bangkok is all buzz, Chiang Mai is the calm after the storm. Tucked into northern mountains, this city charms with lantern festivals, golden temples, and street food so good you’ll dream about it long after you leave. (Image: Canva)
4. Seoul (South Korea) and Luang Prabang (Laos) Seoul pulses with adrenaline, from K-pop beats and addictive street snacks to cutting-edge fashion and nightlife that never stops, while across the Mekong, Luang Prabang offers a serene contrast with misty mornings, saffron-robed monks, and French-colonial streets where time seems to stand still. (Image: Canva)
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5. Hong Kong, Phuket and Rajasthan In Hong Kong, contrasts rule with soaring skyscrapers, tranquil hiking trails, dim sum feasts, and harbour ferries, while Phuket offers the classic island escape of white sands, turquoise waters, and nightlife that lasts until sunrise, and Rajasthan feels like a storybook come to life with desert palaces, vibrant bazaars, and the grandeur only India can deliver. (Image: Canva)
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6. Taipei, Kyoto and Da Nang/Hoi An Taipei may be Asia’s coolest underdog with bubbling hot springs, dumpling-filled night markets, and cafés that invite you to linger, Kyoto enchants as Japan’s most poetic city with cherry blossoms and serene tea houses, while Da Nang and Hoi An blend golden beaches with lantern-lit old-town charm, offering the perfect mix of romance and relaxation. (Image: Canva)
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7. Singapore, Siem Reap and Penang Singapore punches well above its weight with futuristic gardens, world-class bars, and hawker stalls serving Michelin-worthy noodles, while Siem Reap offers a heady mix of ancient temples—Angkor Wat remaining as breathtaking as ever—and lively nightlife, and Penang delights the senses with vibrant street art, heritage shophouses, and some of Asia’s most irresistible food. (Image: Canva)
8. Phu Quoc, Kuala Lumpur and Maldives Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s island paradise, dazzles with dreamy sunsets, Kuala Lumpur captivates with its soaring skyscrapers and hidden speakeasies, and the Maldives takes indulgence to another level with overwater villas and neon-hued reefs, proving it remains the ultimate fantasy escape. (Image: Canva)
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9. Macau, Kerala and Hangzhou Macau blends Portuguese charm with Cantonese flavours and a touch of casino glamour, Kerala lulls you into relaxation with houseboats drifting through coconut-lined backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic retreats, while Hangzhou enchants with its serene West Lake and fragrant tea fields, showing that beauty can be both subtle and unforgettable. (Image: Canva)
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10. Bhutan, Palawan and Sabah Bhutan, a kingdom in the clouds, enchants with cliffside monasteries and a philosophy where happiness takes centre stage; Palawan in the Philippines feels otherworldly with its limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and world-class diving; while Sabah in Borneo beckons adventurers with wild rainforests, orangutans, vibrant coral reefs, and the majestic peak of Mount Kinabalu. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
