Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Laos have been ranked among the top 10 must-visit cities and countries for 2025, respectively. This list, published by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel guide, highlights extraordinary places around the globe, with two Asian destinations earning well-deserved recognition.
In its newly released Best in Travel 2025, global travel guide Lonely Planet lists 30 must-visit destinations for the upcoming year, divided into three categories: countries, regions, and cities. Senior Director Nitya Chambers describes Best in Travel 2025 as Lonely Planet’s "annual love letter to the world.
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The rankings are crafted by top travel experts worldwide, who bring deep local insight. Destinations are chosen for their timeliness, unique experiences, wow factor, and commitments to sustainability, community development, and diversity.
In this ranking, Asian tourism is honored with the inclusion of Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Laos in the top 10 must-visit cities and countries, showcasing the region's vibrant culture and unique experiences.
Renowned for its serene landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, Laos stands out as Lonely Planet's 4th must-visit destination for 2025. Here’s a glimpse of the highlights and activities that make Laos unforgettable:
A UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang impresses with its golden temples and French colonial architecture. Visitors can join the peaceful morning alms-giving ceremony, explore vibrant night markets, and cruise along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves filled with Buddha statues.
A hotspot for adventure, Vang Vieng is known for its limestone cliffs, blue lagoons, and scenic river routes. Here, tourists can enjoy kayaking, explore Tham Nam cave by tube, or go hot-air ballooning over lush, panoramic landscapes.
If you're arriving from the south via Thailand or crossing from Vietnam or Cambodia, Pakse is the perfect base to explore the nearby natural attractions. The Bolaven Plateau has a captivating history as both a coffee production center and a target for extensive bombing during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s best known for its stunning waterfalls.
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👉 What To Do and What To See In Bolaven Plateau? Explore now!
Journeying farther south, you’ll discover Si Phan Don, a mesmerizing area where the Mekong River unfolds into an expansive archipelago of river islands. Known as the “4000 Islands” . It’s a place to lose yourself in the rhythm of the river, drifting between islands by boat and spotting wildlife, from Irrawaddy dolphins to diverse bird species.
Just a short journey away, the tranquil town of Champasak offers a cultural retreat steeped in rich history and charm. The crowning jewel of Champasak is the ancient temple complex of Wat Phu, a mystical Angkorian site dating back to the 11th century. With crumbling stone carvings, ancient statues, and a sacred aura that has drawn pilgrims and explorers alike for centuries.
The Plain of Jars is an extraordinary archaeological site, home to hundreds of massive stone jars that dot the vast, rolling landscape of Laos. As you walk among these imposing structures, you can delve into the region’s rich cultural heritage, learning about the people who crafted these jars and the secrets that archaeologists continue to uncover. This unique site offers an unforgettable glimpse into the past, inviting travelers to connect with a world that remains largely unexplained to this day.
👉 What are the best places to visit in Laos? Check now!
Known as Thailand’s cultural heart, Chiang Mai has earned a spot as Lonely Planet’s 4th top city for 2025, thanks to its blend of historic charm, festive spirit, and sustainable tourism below:
Chiang Mai dazzles with its Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns light up the night sky, creating an unforgettable visual experience. In 2024, Yi Peng festival will be held from November 15 to 16.
👉 Save these tips for enjoying the Yi Peng Festival in Thailand now!
Perched atop a lush mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai's most iconic temples, offering both spiritual immersion and breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. This sacred site, dating back to the 14th century, is adorned with intricate carvings, golden pagodas, and vibrant murals, embodying the beauty of Lanna architecture and culture.
Chiang Mai’s night markets are bustling centers of local life, culture, and flavor. The most famous, such as the Sunday Walking Street Market and the Night Bazaar, offer an array of local delicacies, artisanal crafts, handmade jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Walking through these markets, travelers can savor traditional Thai dishes, from freshly made pad thai to mango sticky rice.
The city leads in eco-conscious travel, with green accommodations and craft workshops that support local artisans, offering travelers a mindful and responsible visit.
👉 Not sure which places to visit in Thailand? Check out this Thailand Tourist Map now!
In short, Asian tourism is increasingly thriving on the global stage, highlighted by Laos and Thailand's inclusion in Lonely Planet's top 30 destinations for 2025.
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