Hanoi in top 5 happiest cities in Asia in 2025

According to the 2025 urban quality of life survey published by Time Out, Hanoi appeared for the first time in the top 5 happiest cities in Asia, alongside major cities such as Mumbai (India), Beijing and Shanghai (China).

Hanoi is in the top 5 happiest cities in Asia in 2025. Photo: MH

The survey was conducted with more than 18,000 residents in many major cities in Asia, based on criteria reflecting the actual quality of life: the level of satisfaction and happiness in life, the positivity of the community, the joy from daily experiences, as well as the feeling of happiness improvement in recent times.

Time Out reported that up to 88% of Hanoi residents affirmed that the city where they live brings joy every day; highly appreciate the strong community ties, humane culture and rich spiritual life. These are the factors that create the unique beauty of the land of a thousand years of civilization.

In addition to its landscape and cultural advantages, Hanoi is noted for its increasing focus on developing green spaces, public facilities and community activities. The modern lifestyle while maintaining the traditional peacefulness makes the city an ideal destination for those who love closeness, connection and local identity.

Topping the list is Mumbai, with 94% of residents saying the city brings joy and topping most happiness criteria. China's Beijing and Shanghai are in second and third place, with satisfaction rates of 93% and 92% respectively.

Representing Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Hanoi (Vietnam) ranked fourth and fifth, both with 88% of residents feeling happy with where they live. Hanoi scored higher in community positivity and joy from everyday experiences.

In contrast, many global hubs such as Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo ranked lower due to their fast pace of life, work pressure and high cost of living. Only 70% of Tokyo residents said they felt happy in the city.

Being in the top 5 happiest cities in Asia shows that Hanoi is gradually positioning itself in a new image: a capital with a vibrant, modern lifestyle but still rich in cultural identity, tradition, friendliness and peace - factors that are becoming "measures of happiness" in the modern era.

Source: Hanoi Moi Newspaper

Source: http://sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn/ha-noi-lot-top-5-thanh-pho-hanh-phuc-nhat-chau-a-nam-2025.html