Hanoi’s repeat win signals what travellers want in 2025: culture, great food, good value, and easy city escapes—a trend mirrored across Asia’s top destinations. (Image by Silver Ringvee)
Hanoi has taken Asia’s Leading City Destination title once more, and the reasons are clear. The Old Quarter’s heritage, affordable eats, and easy walkability make the city feel real and grounded.
Value over flash
Hanoi’s streak reflects a wider shift. Travellers want places with a rich history, a strong food culture, and good value. They want authenticity over flash, and cities that offer depth without a high price tag. Short, immersive urban trips are replacing long, sprawling itineraries.
The nominee list
Image by Florian Wehde
Photo by Getty Images
Image by Ravin Rau
Image by Kristin Wilson
The other finalists reinforce the same idea:
Major wins across Asia
Image by Jezael Melgoza
Photo by Getty Images
Image by Hyunwon Jang
Image by Chinh Le Duc
Beyond city destinations, this year’s World Travel Awards revealed strong stories across the region. Vietnam dominated with the Asia’s Leading Destination title, and the striking Dong Van Karst Plateau was named Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination. The Philippines took Asia’s Leading Tourist Board, while Bali shone again as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.
India’s luxury properties stood out with The Oberoi New Delhi named Asia’s Leading Hotel, and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort crowned Asia’s Leading Resort. Singapore kept its high-end edge with Marina Bay Sands as its Leading Hotel, and Pan Pacific Orchard was recognised as Asia’s Leading Green Lifestyle Hotel. Hong Kong impressed with The Ritz-Carlton as its top hotel and The St Regis Shanghai as China’s Leading New Hotel, while Japan added fresh icons with Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Rosewood Miyakojima winning top new-hotel and new-resort honours.
In the skies, AirAsia once again took Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline, Royal Brunei Airlines claimed Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew, and Hong Kong International Airport held its spot as Asia’s Leading Airport for its smooth, smart service.
The full list can be found here.
Good news for home
For Malaysian travellers, these wins are good news. Most of these cities are close, visa-free, or easily accessible, and are increasingly well-connected by competitive airlines. More routes mean better fares, which makes spontaneous city escapes more accessible. A long weekend is enough to enjoy great food, culture, and urban energy without having to travel far.
