Three Southeast Asian cities have captured global attention after being named among the Top 20 Happiest Cities in the World 2025, according to locals, by Time Out. The cities are Chiang Mai (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Jakarta (Indonesia).
In its report, Time Out highlighted that urban happiness isn’t determined solely by economic development or modern infrastructure, it’s also shaped by the quality of life experienced by the people themselves.
Each year, Time Out conducts a large-scale survey to assess urban living across the globe. In 2025, more than 18,000 city residents worldwide participated in the survey. They evaluated their cities based on several factors, including culture, nightlife, food, affordability, walkability, and overall quality of life. One of the most crucial aspects of the survey is how happy people feel living in their city.
The happiness criteria used by Time Out include how much the city contributes to residents’ personal happiness, whether people feel happier living there compared to other places, how they perceive the general happiness of others, how often they experience joy in daily activities, and whether happiness levels in the city have improved in recent years.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai ranked 14th on Time Out’s 2025 list, further solidifying its reputation as a friendly and vibrant city.
This year, Chiang Mai also earned the title of Best City in Asia in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025, achieving an impressive score of 91.94 points. Readers praised its warm hospitality, rich culinary scene, and authentic cultural charm.
Known as part of the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand has once again reaffirmed its position as one of the happiest countries in the world. According to the Ipsos Happiness Index 2025, about 79% of Thais reported feeling happy with their lives.
Life in Chiang Mai is never short of celebrations. Early in the year, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival showcases millions of vibrant blooms, while the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival brings color and festivity to the streets.
Towards the end of the year, the Yi Peng Festival lights up the night sky with thousands of lanterns, a breathtaking symbol of hope and renewal. In December, Chiang Mai Design Week attracts creators from around the world with exhibitions, creative markets, and workshops highlighting innovation and the unique Lanna culture.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Ranked 17th, Hanoi stands out as one of the happiest cities in the world according to locals.
This achievement aligns with Vietnam’s significant rise in the World Happiness Report 2025, where the country climbed to 46th place out of 147 nations—its highest position since 2012. The report measures people’s happiness based on various factors, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, individual freedom, and levels of social corruption.
Hanoi also received international recognition through the Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, securing 31st place among the world’s best cities, ahead of Bangkok (40) and Kuala Lumpur (68). With its unique architecture blending Eastern and Western styles, Hanoi is often described as a culturally rich yet modern city, where history and contemporary life coexist in harmony.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Another Southeast Asian city making its mark is Jakarta, which ranked 18th on Time Out’s 20 Happiest Cities in the World 2025. The Indonesian capital also claimed the 29th spot on the Time Out list of 50 Best Cities in the World 2025.
Jakarta’s inclusion in the list of the world’s happiest cities shows that behind the hustle, traffic, and urban chaos lies a vibrant pulse of life that keeps its residents smiling and deeply connected to their city.
