Explore Asia’s Finest: National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 Unveils Must-Visit Travel Destinations
For luxury travelers seeking unforgettable journeys in 2025, National Geographic’s Best of the World list offers a curated selection of extraordinary places
For luxury travelers seeking unforgettable journeys in 2025, National Geographic’s Best of the World list offers a curated selection of extraordinary places — and this year, Asia stands out with a collection of destinations blending opulence, culture, and adventure.
A List Crafted by Experts, Guided by Passion
Each year, National Geographic — one of the world’s most trusted names in travel and exploration — curates its highly anticipated Best of the World list. This annual selection isn’t just another roundup of popular vacation spots; it’s a carefully crafted guide to the most extraordinary, innovative, and transformative travel experiences around the globe.
The 2025 edition was developed in close collaboration with National Geographic’s global network of travel experts and international editors, blending insider knowledge with on-the-ground reporting to uncover destinations that are meaningful, awe-inspiring, and worth exploring.
What sets this list apart is its emphasis on more than just beautiful locations — it highlights places that are embracing change, preserving culture, supporting local communities, and offering new ways for travelers to engage with the world. Whether it’s an emerging eco-paradise, a reinvigorated cultural hub, or a lesser-known gem with a fresh take on luxury, each destination on this list was chosen for its ability to connect travelers with something bigger than themselves.
Among the 25 destinations recognized this year, Asia shines brightly — showcasing an eclectic mix of untouched nature, cultural marvels, epic adventures, and luxury escapes. Here’s a closer look at the Asian standouts you won’t want to miss.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia: A Diver’s Paradise
Why Go Now: Dive into a flourishing undersea ecosystem
Hidden in the heart of West Papua, Raja Ampat remains one of the world’s most breathtaking marine sanctuaries. With its vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, this island paradise offers high-end eco-resorts where luxury coexists with sustainability.
The region is so remote it can only be explored by ship, and tour operators Abercrombie & Kent and Aqua Expeditions are launching immersive yacht trips in 2025 that highlight the archipelago’s ecosystem. National Geographic Expeditions also roams Raja Ampat during its 20-day “Exploring Indonesia by Sea” cruise, while Rascal Voyages offers charters aboard its wooden phinisi ships, Indonesia’s traditional sailing vessels.
Bangkok, Thailand: Where Modern Luxury Meets Timeless Culture
Why Go Now: Explore a temple reborn
Thailand’s capital city is an intoxicating blend of old and new. At its heart are glittering skyscrapers mixing with luxury shopping malls like Siam Center and upscale hotels. While the city is an art and design hot spot in its own right—with popups and festivals like the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Bangkok International Film Festival, centered around the burgeoning Bang Rak neighborhood—it’s also a hub from which tourists can access Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore the Charoenkrung district — now a thriving art and design hub — or cruise the Chao Phraya River on a private longtail boat. End your day with a stay at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Bangkok or Capella Bangkok, where luxury comes with a riverside view
For a deeper dive into all of Bangkok's secret, check out our guide:
Camilla Rocca
Kanazawa, Japan: Japan’s Cultural Jewel Rediscovered
Why Go Now: Experience classic Japan without the crowds
Located only two hours from Kyoto by train, Kanazawa is Japan’s rising star — an elegant alternative to the well-trodden paths of Kyoto and Tokyo. Known for its samurai districts, geisha quarter filled with wooden teahouses, and the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa is steeped in heritage.
Luxury-seekers can indulge in kaiseki dining (Japan’s haute cuisine), soak in onsen baths at high-end ryokans, or even join a gold-leaf crafting workshop — a nod to the city’s centuries-old artistry. For art lovers, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art offers a modern twist to this culturally rich city.
Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia: The Journey of a Lifetime
Why Go Now: Ride the rails in style
Few experiences match the romance of train travel — and the Eastern & Oriental Express delivers it in unparalleled style. This luxury locomotive journeys from Singapore to Malaysia, gliding through emerald rice paddies, lush jungles, and coastal vistas.
After a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Eastern & Oriental Express, by luxury train operator Belmond, returned to service in 2024 with a glamorous facelift. Cherry wood paneling and Malaysian silks adorn the 15 train carriages, which include an elegant piano bar car and open-air observation car.
Onboard, travelers enjoy gourmet dining, sumptuous suites, and personalized excursions — from exploring Penang’s street food scene to sipping cocktails at sunset over the Andaman Sea. It’s a nostalgic journey, reimagined for the modern traveler.
Suru Valley, India: Adventure Meets Boutique Comfort
Why Go Now: Scale the world’s next big climbing destination
For those seeking off-the-grid luxury, Suru Valley in Ladakh is a hidden gem. Once an isolated expanse, this Himalayan paradise now attracts adventure travelers with its rock-climbing routes, hiking trails, and stunning mountain vistas.
Rock climbing is on the rise in India: From bouldering to big wall climbing, local enthusiasts are developing new routes across the country, including in the majestic Suru Valley. Ringed by snowcapped peaks in the northern Ladakh region, the valley is an alpine paradise with countless granite boulders for all skill levels.
Boutique eco-lodges offer comfort without compromise, combining rustic charm with high-end amenities — perfect for those who want adventure by day and luxury by night. Suru Valley offers a raw, authentic, yet serene experience — ideal for modern explorers.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Opulence in the Desert
Why Go Now: Relish the city’s incredible new museums
A beacon of luxury in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi has evolved into a global cultural and architectural marvel. From the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city seamlessly marries tradition with innovation.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural playground of Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island is scheduled to be completed in 2025. The district already boasts the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and will soon unveil the Zayed National Museum, named for the founder of the United Arab Emirates and a showcase of the nation’s history and culture, and the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; its design by architect Frank Gehry was inspired by the region’s traditional wind towers.
For luxury travelers, the city offers five-star desert resorts, such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, where you can wake to dunes stretching beyond the horizon. Yas Island beckons with high-end shopping, Formula 1 racing, and world-class golf courses — all under the Arabian sun.
Camilla Rocca
