5 Southeast Asian cities named among world's 50 best: Time Out

Updated: 20:24, 21/01/2025

Thailand's Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Vietnam's Hanoi, Singapore, and Indonesia's Jakarta have been named among the world's 50 best cities in 2025 as compiled by British magazine Time Out.

The Thai capital, Bangkok, ranked second on the list, based on insights from more than 18,500 city-dwellers who evaluated cities on food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, and overall vibe.

Foreign tourists pose for photos with a group of students dressed in ao dai and holding flags in the walking zone around Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, January 2025.

Visitors to Bangkok are recommended to explore iconic temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, which offer a glimpse into the city's rich culture and captivating history.

Markets like Chatuchak highlight the city's renowned street food, while the dining belt of Yaowarat serves up dishes packed with bold flavors, according to Time Out editors.

Hanoi ranked 21st, earning recognition as the cradle of Vietnamese culture.

The thousand-year-old city is noted for producing Vietnam's most iconic thinkers, poets, and artists, as well as its globally celebrated cuisine.

Time Out recommends visitors wander through the Old Quarter, following the aromas of charcoal-grilled bun cha (pork grilled to perfection over charcoal paired with vermicelli, sweet and sour dipping sauce) from Bun Cha Hang Quat and pho (noodle soup) from Pho Bung Hang Trong.

Tiny cafes hidden in alleyways and atop century-old shophouses around Hoan Kiem Lake also come highly recommended.

Singapore, ranked 25th, was described as a small but vibrant city that compensates for its size with endless attractions and activities.

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s largest city in the north, ranked 28th.

Once called the "Rose of the North," the city boasts over seven centuries of history and a reputation for authentic handicrafts, including silver, silk, and traditional arts.

Jakarta, Indonesia, ranked 29th. Known for its preserved colonial Dutch buildings in the Old Town, modern skyscrapers, and upscale malls in Sudirman Central Business District, the city offers a blend of old and new.

Cape Town, South Africa, claimed the top spot on the list.

Other major cities, including New York (U.S.), Melbourne (Australia), London (U.K.), and Sydney (Australia), also secured spots on the list, standing out for their appeal in arts, music, cuisine, and lifestyle.