Happiness is subjective, but numbers don't lie: Locals across Asia have spoken, and Time Out 's latest 2025 survey of urban life has revealed which urban centers offer the most joy.
Over 18,000 city residents participated in Time Out 's survey this year, answering questions about culture, nightlife, food , and quality of life. They also rated their city based on the following five statements: My city makes me happy; I feel happier in my city than in other places I've been to or lived; the people in my city seem happy; I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers; my feeling of happiness in my city has increased significantly recently.
The Gateway of India, a must-see destination in Mumbai.
PHOTO: GETTY
And as a result, the happiest city in Asia in 2025: Mumbai, India.
As many as 94% of Mumbai residents say the city brings them joy. In fact, this dominates most happiness metrics, with more locals feeling happy in Mumbai than anywhere else (89%), and the feeling of happiness in Mumbai has increased significantly recently (87%). This is linked to Mumbai's myriad entertainment options, vibrant social environment, and career development opportunities. And certainly, Mumbai being one of Asia's best cities for street food also contributes significantly to the results.
Beijing and Shanghai closely followed in second and third place. A majority of locals from these major Chinese centers agreed that the city made them happy (93% and 92%, respectively). Both are dynamic, forward-looking cities with many amenities, safety, affordability, and rich cultures.
Hanoi in autumn
PHOTO: BAO KHANH
Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam, represent Southeast Asia in fourth and fifth place, respectively. In both cities, 88% of locals reported that their city brought them joy. Interestingly, however, Hanoi outperformed Chiang Mai on two other happiness indicators: more locals responded positively with statements like, "The people in my city seem optimistic," and "I find joy in the everyday experiences the city offers." Overall, both destinations are great if you're looking for a slow pace of life, green spaces, and a sense of community. In the list of the world's happiest cities, Hanoi ranks 17th.
Some global hubs like Seoul and Singapore rank lower on the happiness list, with popular tourist destination Tokyo not even making the top 10 (only 70% of Tokyo residents said their city made them happy). Is this due to the fast pace of life or a lack of work-life balance?
The 10 happiest cities in Asia in 2025:
1. Mumbai, India
2. Beijing, China
3. Shanghai, China
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
6. Jakarta, Indonesia
7. Hong Kong
8. Bangkok, Thailand
9. Singapore
10. Seoul, South Korea
The 20 happiest cities in the world in 2025:
1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
2. Medellín, Colombia
3. Cape Town, South Africa
4. Mexico City, Mexico
5. Mumbai, India
6. Beijing, China
7. Shanghai, China
8. Chicago, USA
9. Seville, Spain
10. Melbourne, Australia
11. Brighton, United Kingdom
12. Porto, Portugal
13. Sydney, Australia
14. Chiang Mai, Thailand
15. Marrakech, Morocco
16. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
17. Hanoi, Vietnam
18. Jakarta, Indonesia
19. Valencia, Spain
20. Glasgow, United Kingdom
Thanhnien.vn
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ha-noi-vao-top-5-thanh-pho-hanh-phuc-nhat-chau-a-185251027155117495.htm
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