Hanoi is one of the 5 happiest cities in Asia.

In addition to Hanoi, the top 5 announced by Time Out magazine also includes Mumbai (India); Beijing, Shanghai (China); Chiang Mai (Thailand).

Hanoi has entered the top 5 happiest cities in Asia for the first time - Photo: TTO

Based on the 2025 Urban Quality of Life survey, the British magazine Time Out has just published a list of the 10 happiest cities in Asia. They are, in order: Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul.

This is the first time Vietnam's capital has made it into this list.

Hanoi boasts a rich culinary scene, popular with both locals and tourists - Photo: Pho Week Club

Chiang Mai, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam

The magazine reported that over 18,000 local residents participated in the survey, answering questions about culture, nightlife, food, and quality of life.

They also evaluated their city based on perceptions of life satisfaction and happiness, community positivity, joy from everyday experiences, and perceived improvements in happiness over time.

In this list, Mumbai (India) is the happiest city in Asia. As many as 94% of Mumbai residents said the city brings them joy.

Time Out speculates that "this is related to Mumbai's myriad of entertainment options, vibrant social environment, career development opportunities, and the fact that it has some of the best street food in Asia."

Following closely in second and third place are Beijing and Shanghai. The magazine rated them as two dynamic, forward-looking cities with many amenities, safety, affordability, and a rich culture.

Hanoi scores points for its slow pace of life, green spaces, and sense of community - Photo: TTO

Chiang Mai in Thailand and Hanoi in Vietnam represent Southeast Asia in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

According to Time Out, in both locations, 88% of locals said their city brought them happiness.

However, interestingly, Hanoi surpassed Chiang Mai in two other happiness indicators.

Specifically, many locals responded more positively with statements like, "The people in my city seem optimistic, and I find joy in the daily experiences the city offers."

The magazine noted that these are two wonderful destinations with a slow pace of life, green spaces, and a sense of community.

Some global hubs like Seoul and Singapore ranked low on the happiness list, while the popular destination of Tokyo didn't even make the top 10 (only 70% of Tokyo residents said their city made them happy).

Prior to this ranking, earlier this year, also by the same magazine, Hanoi was included in the top 50 best cities in the world for 2025, notable for its long-standing culture, world-class cuisine, reasonable costs, and strong community spirit.

Time Out also announced the 10 happiest cities in the world in 2025, including: Abu Dhabi (UAE), Medellín (Colombia), Cape Town (South Africa), Mexico City (Mexico), Mumbai (India), Beijing and Shanghai (China), Chicago (USA), Seville (Spain), and Melbourne (Australia).

TIEU TUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ha-noi-la-mot-trong-5-thanh-pho-hanh-phuc-nhat-chau-a-20251030104729234.htm