This Bali Town Beats Major Cities to Join Asia’s Top Destinations

BALI, KOMPAS.com - Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, has been named one of Asia’s best cities in 2025 by "Travel + Leisure", making it the only Indonesian destination on the prestigious list.

On July 8, 2025, the magazine released its annual ranking of the "15 Best Cities in Asia", highlighting destinations across nine countries, judged on friendliness, cleanliness, food, and transport accessibility.

Chiang Mai Tops the List

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s third-largest city, claimed the No. 1 spot with a score of 91.94. Known for its ancient temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, its vibrant crafts scene, and culinary specialties like mango sticky rice and khao soi, the city is praised for being orderly, clean, and rich in tradition.

Ubud Ranks Seventh in Asia

Ubud ranked seventh overall, scoring 90.48. Although technically a subdistrict in Gianyar Regency, Ubud is widely recognized as Bali’s cultural hub.

The area is famous for its tranquil rice terraces, lush forests, yoga retreats, and Balinese arts. July and August bring a surge of visitors for art exhibitions and music festivals, while April, May, and September are favored by travelers seeking a quieter experience.

The publication "Travel + Leisure" praised Ubud for its serene atmosphere and deep cultural character, which continue to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Asia’s 15 Best Cities in 2025, According to "Travel + Leisure"

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Bangkok, Thailand
4. Jaipur, India
5. Hoi An, Vietnam
6. Kyoto, Japan
7. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
9. Mumbai, India
10. Agra, India
11. Osaka, Japan
12. Hanoi, Vietnam
13. Taipei, Taiwan
14. Singapore
15. Seoul, South Korea

Ubud’s inclusion in the list demonstrates that Indonesia’s cultural and natural tourism offerings remain competitive with other leading destinations across Asia.

Visiting Bali isn’t complete without a trip to Ubud, Gianyar. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is home to traditional dance, arts, and handicrafts.

Surrounded by lush rainforests and terraced rice fields, this charming town blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, making it one of Bali’s most popular destinations.