Chiang Mai ranked second best city in the world, after San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.
“The historic northern city in Thailand attracts millions of visitors with its unique blend of cultural sites, shopping, cuisine, and access to nature,” according to Travel+Leisure.
The city is also famous for the Yi Peng Festival, or Sky Lantern Festival, a traditional celebration that fills the night sky with floating lanterns.
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, placed fourth.
One voter described the bustling capital as “the most fascinating, beautiful, and exciting city,” reflecting the sentiment that Bangkok, a global hub, offers a wealth of attractions: food, shopping, culture, history, and nightlife.
Hoi An secured sixth place.
This riverside city in central Vietnam is known for its network of canals and distinctive architecture in the Ancient Town, which blends indigenous and foreign cultures, according to UNESCO.
In addition to its picturesque streets, visitors enjoy the city’s many cafés, nightlife spots, and shopping boutiques, Travel+Leisure wrote.
Ubud, located on Indonesia’s Bali island, ranked ninth, praised for its serene atmosphere, proximity to nature, and an increasing number of wellness hotels and resorts.
The rankings were based on a survey where readers voted on criteria such as impressive sights, quality hotels, vibrant cuisine, unique historical culture, and world-class vibes.