In a recent report released by Insider Monkey titled “20 Countries with Most Beautiful Women in Asia,” Viet Nam has emerged as the Southeast Asian nation with the most beautiful women, ranking 4th in Asia overall. This recognition reflects the growing appreciation of Vietnamese beauty, with women from the country often celebrated for their elegance, grace, and natural charm. From traditional áo dài-wearing models to modern fashion icons, Vietnamese women have gained prominence on global platforms, contributing to the nation’s cultural representation.
Viet Nam's placement highlights its evolving presence in regional beauty standards, underscoring the importance of natural beauty and cultural influence. While Viet Nam may not have the same high profile as some other Asian countries in the global fashion or beauty industries, this ranking suggests that Vietnamese women are increasingly seen as symbols of beauty both at home and abroad.
Southeast Asia’s Strong Presence in the Top 20
Southeast Asia holds a notable place in Insider Monkey’s rankings, with several countries making it into the top 20. The Philippines ranks just behind Viet Nam in 4th place, reflecting its strong beauty pageant culture and the global recognition of its women through international competitions like Miss Universe. The diversity of beauty in the Philippines, influenced by a mix of ethnicities, is one of the country’s defining features.
Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Laos also made the list, coming in at 9th, 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th, respectively. These rankings represent the variety and vibrancy of Southeast Asian beauty, showcasing different aspects of physical appearance, fashion, and cultural identity. Whether it’s the cosmopolitan charm of Singaporean women or the traditional elegance seen in Thai beauty, Southeast Asia clearly offers a diverse palette of beauty.
South Korea and Japan Lead Asia’s Beauty Rankings
At the top of the list are South Korea and Japan, which ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively. South Korea’s global reputation for beauty is well established, partly driven by the popularity of K-pop idols and K-drama stars, whose polished looks have become benchmarks in global beauty standards. The country’s cosmetic industry is a major factor, with beauty products and treatments such as skincare regimens, makeup, and plastic surgery being widely used to enhance appearances.
It’s worth noting that plastic surgery plays a significant role in South Korea’s ranking, with reports indicating that one in five women in the country has undergone some form of cosmetic procedure. The South Korean cosmetic market is also expected to generate $1.76 billion in revenue by 2024, reflecting the nation’s continued influence in the beauty industry. Japan, known for its more traditional and minimalistic approach to beauty, follows closely behind in the rankings, with Japanese women frequently admired for their timeless elegance and fashion-forward sensibilities.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
Insider Monkey’s methodology for the rankings was based on a consensus of beauty across various sources, with scores assigned to each country. The country with the highest ranking, South Korea, was given a score of 1, while the following countries received proportionately lower scores. This system allowed for a comparative view of beauty across Asia, taking into account both physical appearance and cultural standards.
The diversity of countries in the top 20 reflects the wide range of beauty ideals across Asia, from the natural charm of Southeast Asian women to the carefully crafted and maintained beauty standards in East Asia. Each country brings something unique to the table, and the list serves as a reminder of the many different ways beauty is perceived across the continent.
Beauty and Cultural Influence
Beyond aesthetics, the rankings also highlight the importance of cultural influence on perceptions of beauty. Countries like South Korea and Japan have successfully exported their beauty ideals through media, pop culture, and products, shaping global perceptions of what it means to be beautiful. In contrast, countries like Indonesia and Myanmar represent a more local appreciation of beauty, where traditional values and cultural heritage play significant roles.
As beauty standards continue to evolve, especially with the rise of social media and international beauty competitions, countries across Asia will continue to shape and redefine what it means to be beautiful in their own unique ways.
