The best places to travel in Asia in 2025 named a Vietnamese city, as voted by the American magazine CN Traveler.
Explore the diversity of Asia from the ancient ginkgo forests of Zhejiang, China to the old streets of Osaka, Japan. Asia is not only famous for its rapidly developing cities but also for its vast natural landscapes and rich cuisine. In particular, Vietnamese cities also offer a unique combination of history and modernity that visitors cannot ignore. Let’s experience the exciting spiritual and historical journeys here.
Here are the top 9 must-visit destinations in 2025, as voted by CN Traveler .
Aseer, Saudi Arabia
The mountainous region of Aseer, in the remote southwest of the country, has long attracted visitors from across the kingdom thanks to its centuries-old villages and palaces, spectacular natural scenery and cool summer weather, while the rest of the Arabian Peninsula swelters. In the valley below is the 900-year-old village of Rijal Alma’a, surrounded by multi-storey stone buildings that resemble ancient skyscrapers (pictured).
Hangzhou, China
It is already one of the most visited cities in the country, with its snow-covered Broken Bridge, picturesque West Lake, rows of spring willows along Su Road and Leifeng Pagoda reflected in dramatic sunsets.
In 1996, UNESCO recognized Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve as a biosphere reserve. The historic area in Lin’an is home to the world’s largest ancient Cryptomeria forest and the oldest natural ginkgo forest.
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
This remote city on the Chinese border is not only famous for its cultural diversity, but also for being the adventure capital of Central Asia. From the Tien Shan Mountains to the vast Issyk-Kul Lake, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and paragliding are just some of the popular activities here.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, all eyes are on Independence Square, the vast central city square known locally as Dataran Merdeka, where Malaysia was first declared an independent nation in 1957. The area is the focal point of a number of cultural rejuvenation programmes, including Kreatif KL, an annual event featuring exhibitions, workshops and themed walks in and around the city centre.
Muscat, Oman
For centuries, Muscat has been known to Indian Ocean sailors as the gateway to the rugged, pristine beauty of Oman’s limestone formations, majestic castles and wind-sculpted deserts.
Osaka, Japan
When visitors to Japan look to cosmopolitan Tokyo, they often turn their gaze west to the stately and tranquil Kyoto. But make time for energetic and friendly Osaka, the vibrant hub of the Kansai region, easily accessible by 30-minute train ride from Kyoto.
Pererenan, Bali
Sandwiched between the volcanic black sand beaches of Canggu and Bali’s hot surf spot Seseh, the rice-field-fringed Pererenan is fast becoming the island’s most exciting corner. Pererenan is slowly starting to rival its neighbours on the dining scene, with a number of new restaurants and visiting chefs from around the world .
Prayagraj (Allahabad), India
Every 12 years in the city of Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, more than 100 million people gather on a sandbar at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. The Kumbh Mela festival – one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages – is touted as the world’s largest human gathering, and the next one is in January 2025.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This southern metropolis has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism hubs, shattering pre-pandemic records at a high rate, and there’s no better time to visit than 2025…
Beyond its urban and tourism infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City shines brightest as one of Southeast Asia’s cultural hubs – the region’s commercial, culinary and fashion hub. Notably, in 2023, the first Michelin Guide to Vietnam awarded the city’s first star to the new Vietnamese restaurant Anan Saigon. Yet for all its newness and novelty, the city retains much of its traditional charm and ancient architecture, from bustling markets to rustic street vendors, ancient buildings…
