Asia’s Friendliest Destinations of 2025 Just Got Ranked by Condé Nast Traveller Readers

One of one of the best elements of travelling is assembly new individuals: locals who welcome you in, or fellow wanderers swapping tales over road meals. In some locations, it’s straightforward: the tradition is open, pleasant, and immediately heat. In others, connections take a bit of extra time. You’ll discover each throughout Asia, from locations famed for his or her attraction to locations the place friendliness unfolds quietly, however genuinely.

So, the place are essentially the most welcoming locations in Asia? Travellers know greatest – which is why Condé Nast Traveller requested its readers for the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards to vote on the friendliest cities and international locations across the globe. We’re glad to say that Asia shines vivid, with locations from Singapore to Bhutan making the minimize. If you’re after a heart-warming getaway, these are the spots to place in your checklist.

Asia’s friendliest cities 

Singapore (#4) 

Despite its repute as a fast-paced, aggressive metropolis, Singapore ranks impressively excessive with a friendliness rating of 95, sharing joint fourth place with Florence, Italy. Convenience is king right here: the town boasts a world-class transport system, unparalleled cleanliness, and air-conditioned malls in all places (to fight that humidity). The pleasant locals are the icing on the cake.

Kyoto (#10)

With a rating of 92.73, Kyoto edges out Tokyo to say the tenth spot on CN Traveller’s international checklist. The former capital of Japan is dotted with Buddhist temples, palaces, shrines, and charming wood homes. Its ever-polite, mannerly locals add to its timeless enchantment.

Asia’s friendliest international locations 

Bhutan (#4)

Scoring 97.78, Bhutan is formally the friendliest nation in Asia. A Buddhist kingdom nestled within the majestic Himalayas, it lives by values of compassion, mindfulness and non-violence. This is obvious in its use of the Gross National Happiness Index (over purely financial measures), and its dedication to sustainable improvement. As CN Traveller places it, Bhutan is “as friendly to the planet as it is to the people”. 

Cambodia (#5)

Cambodia scores 97.33 on the friendliness scale, only a hair beneath Bhutan. CN Traveller attributes the heat of this nation to the Theravada Buddhist religion practised right here. Whether you are in its capital Phnom Penh or the far-flung countryside, you will be greeted by hospitality rooted in “metta”, an unconditional love of all beings.  

Vietnam (#6)

Vietnam’s been having a second. It’s one of 2025’s hottest locations, with travellers flocking to its underrated seashores in Phu Quoc and Da Nang, in addition to tranquil cities like Hue. One extra motive to go to: welcoming residents – incomes the nation a rating of 97.27 and sixth place on this checklist of the world’s friendliest international locations. 

Thailand (#8)

There’s a motive that Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles”. This backpacker haven ranks joint eighth on CN Traveller‘s international checklist with a rating of 96.36. From idyllic seashores within the south to chill mountain trails within the north (to not point out the irresistible vitality in Bangkok), there’s tons to expertise in Thailand. One issues for positive: you will discover heat hospitality in all places. 

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