These Southeast Asian Cities Voted as Best Cities in The World

A popular destination with both local and foreign tourists, some of top Southeast Asian cities has been recognised as among the World's Top 15 Cities among readers of the influential travel magazine Travel + Leisure. 

"There’s so much for tourists to do here [in Chiang Mai], from cultural exploration to adventurous treks and food tours. I’d like to thank the readers of Travel + Leisure for rating the city so highly and naming the capital of Lanna one of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Top 15 Cities 2017,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. 

The T+L website recommends Chiang Mai, as it is home to “some of Thailand’s greatest cultural treasures” and boasts “a more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok’s”.

The magazine also recommends that visitors admire the “traditional crafts at the Bo Sang Umbrella Factory” and get “lost in the magic of the Night Bazaar.” These are just some of the attractions that have led to the city winning many Thailand Tourism Awards.

Hoi An, Vietnam follows in 7th place with Ubud, Indonesia and Luang Prabang, Laos are in 9th and 10th place. Siem Reap in Cambodia concludes the list in 13th place.

These winning cities shared the common characteristics of being pedestrian friendly, having large areas of green space nearby, and boasting a rich history that is being preserved as the city grows and develops.

T+L readers also rated cities on their sites and local landmarks, culture, food, the friendliness of the people, shopping opportunities and overall value for tourism.

The score is based on over 300,000 international T+L readers who were asked to rate the “best of the best” in international travel experiences and destinations and contribute to the globally respected, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.