Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Tripadvisor, the popular travel research website, has released its list of top destinations for 2025. Several Southeast Asian locations made the cut, including Bali, Indonesia.
Each year, Tripadvisor honors the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, and activities worldwide based on user reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period. The Travelers’ Choice Awards winners are determined by real travelers who share their opinions and experiences.
The 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews submitted globally on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. These awards highlight destinations that have captured the hearts of travelers worldwide.
Several Southeast Asian locations made into the list, with Vietnam named three locations, followed by Thailand with two. While Vietnam and Thailand named more locations, Indonesia’s Bali toped the list with a higher ranking.
Top 5 Southeast Asian Destinations in 2025
1. Bali – Indonesia
Bali secured the second spot on the list, just behind London, England. Known as the “Island of Gods,” Bali is famous for its intricate dances, captivating rituals, and ancient temples that reflect a harmonious blend of Hindu-Balinese traditions.
As one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, Bali offers pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and historic World War II shipwrecks for divers. The island’s dense jungles shelter ancient stone temples and mischievous monkeys, while Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub, is ideal for witnessing traditional dance performances, attending batik and silversmith workshops, or enjoying yoga retreats.
2. Hanoi – Vietnam
Ranked seventh on the list, Hanoi is Vietnam’s charming capital, known for its well-preserved Old Quarter, colonial architecture, and historical landmarks.
Despite its modernization, the city remains deeply connected to its past, with notable sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison standing as testaments to its history. Tripadvisor readers recommend must-visit spots, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Bangkok – Thailand
Coming in at number ten, Bangkok dazzles with its golden palaces, floating markets, and towering porcelain-clad spires. No other capital city quite compares to its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Travelers can explore high-end shopping districts like Pratunam and Siam Square before unwinding in the European-style gardens of Dusit. Bangkok is also home to iconic landmarks such as the Wat Arun temple in Thon Buri and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Phra Nakhon. Food lovers can indulge in mango sticky rice at local street stalls before visiting the Grand Palace.
4. Hoi An – Vietnam
Ranked 11th, Hoi An is a well-preserved trading port dating back to the 15th century. Originally a hotspot for backpackers, the town has since gained recognition among mainstream travelers.
On the 14th day of each lunar month, the town swaps its electric lights for traditional lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Popular attractions include the Japanese Covered Bridge and Quan Cong Temple. Visitors can also take advantage of Hoi An’s renowned tailoring shops for custom-made clothing.
5. Siem Reap – Cambodia
At number 14, Siem Reap offers breathtaking sights, particularly at sunrise, when the morning light illuminates the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat.
The ancient structures are part of one of the world’s largest religious complexes, including the 12th-century royal city of Angkor Thom. Beyond temple visits, travelers can explore Cambodia’s rich history at the Cambodian Cultural Village or shop at the vibrant Angkor Night Market, packed with local vendors, food stalls, and bars.
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Full List
Here’s the full list of Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Travel Destinations for 2025:
- London, England
- Bali, Indonesia
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Sicily, Italy
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Crete, Greece
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Barcelona, Spain
- Cusco, Peru
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Phuket, Thailand
- Istanbul, Turkey
- New York City, USA
- Mallorca, Spain
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- New Delhi, India
- Maldives
- Cancun, Mexico
- Mauritius
For travelers planning their next adventure, these destinations offer an array of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences that continue to captivate visitors worldwide.
(Raidi/Agung)
