Bali Island in Indonesia topped the list.
Nicknamed the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is renowned for its intricate dances, vibrant rituals, and ancient temples that reflect a harmonious blend of Hindu and Balinese traditions.
Bali welcomed an estimated 7.1 million foreign visitors in 2025, surpassing the previous 6.5-million figure.
Last year, the island introduced new guidelines for foreign tourists to curb misbehaviors and improve its tourism image amid travel boom.
The 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
The awards highlight travelers’ favorite destinations, helping people plan unforgettable trips and discover the world’s best experiences.
Photo by Trinh Nam Thai
Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi ranked second.
In 2025, Hanoi welcomed more than 33.7 million visitors, up 20.8% from 2024.
International arrivals exceeded 7.82 million, a 22.7% year-on-year increase.
Tripadvisor readers recommended key attractions such as theThang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Photo by Giang Huy
Thailand’s capital Bangkok secured the third place.
“Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires… you’ve never seen a capital city quite like Bangkok,” Tripadvisor wrote.
Bangkok was once again named the No.1 city worldwide for international arrivals after it welcomed 30.3 million visitors last year, according to global market research company Euromonitor International.
The annual Songkran Festival in Bangkok, set for mid-April, is a massive, city-wide celebration of the Thai New Year, symbolizing renewal and purification and famously featuring the world’s largest water fight.
Photo by Reuters
Cambodia’s Siem Reap came in fourth.
The iconic Angkor Wat complex and the 12th-century royal city of Angkor Thom are among the top reasons to visit Siem Reap.
“When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event,” Tripadvisor describes the place, recommeding visitors to visit the Cambodian Cultural Village and the Angkor night market, a hub of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.
Cambodia attracted a total of 5.57 million international tourists in 2025, down 16.9% year-on-year due to concerns over kidnapping.
Photo by AFP
Japan’s Tokyo ranked fifth.
“Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar,” Tripadvisor recommended.
Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle, it added.
Tokyo is world-famous for its stunning cherry blossoms (sakura), which bloom from late March to early April, transforming the city with shades of pink.
Photo by Reuters
Nepal’s capital Kathmandu came sixth.
The city is nestled in a valley rich with historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and charming villages.
Wander through Durbar Square’s iconic monuments, mingling with locals and wandering animals, or immerse yourself in the lively Thamel District, a hub for mountain trekkers, Tripadvisor recommended.
Photo by AFP
The ancient city of Hoi An in central Vietnam ranked seventh.
Tripadvisor highlighted Hoi An, a central Vietnamese city, as “a well-preserved example of an important Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries.”
On the 14th and 15th days of the lunar month, full moon days, visitors will have an opportunity to partake in the Lantern Festival to see hundreds of lanterns gently float along the Hoai River, creating a mesmerizing sight, it said.
Photo by Unsplash
The Maldives, a cluster of over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, was eighth.
Renowned for its long, sandy beaches and luxury resorts, many accessible only by private charter, the Maldives has long been a favorite getaway for celebrities and the elite.
The best time to visit the Maldives is during its summer season, from December to April, when the weather is at its most pleasant. This period also marks the peak travel season.
Photo by Reuters
India’s New Delhi ranked 9th.
The 17th-century Red Fort impresses visitors with its sprawling domes and imposing turrets, while the bustling Chandni Chowk market offers a lively experience filled with friendly haggling.
Nearby, Jantar Mantar features massive sundials and astronomical instruments that were historically used to track celestial movements and assist with weather forecasting.
Photo by AFP
South Korea’s Seoul finished the list.
Seoul is renowned for its seamless blend of ancient tradition and futuristic technology, where 600-year-old palaces such as Gyeongbokgung stand alongside modern skyscrapers.
The South Korean capital is a major hub for K-pop and K-drama culture, and is known for its vibrant street food scene at places like Gwangjang Market, as well as extensive skincare and fashion shopping in Myeongdong.
Its lively nightlife and ultra-fast internet infrastructure further reinforce its reputation as one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Photo by Reuters
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