Time Out: Hanoi is one of the 10 happiest cities in Asia

According to Time Out, Hanoi residents are optimistic and easily find joy in simple everyday things, from a cup of coffee in the morning, a sidewalk meal, a walk around the lake or community activities.

For the first time, Hanoi capital appeared in the top 10 happiest cities in Asia, top 20 happiest cities in the world , alongside big cities such as Mumbai (India), Beijing and Shanghai (China).

According to a survey by Time Out magazine (UK), Hanoi ranked 5th in the list of happiest cities in Asia in 2025 and ranked 17th in the list of happiest cities in the world in 2025.

This year's survey attracted more than 18,000 urban residents across Asia, who rated their life satisfaction with the places they live based on factors such as culture, cuisine , nightlife, quality of life and community spirit.

Participants also answered five key questions, including “My city makes me happy,” “People in my city seem happy,” and “I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers.”

The results showed that 88% of Hanoi residents said they felt happy living here, equal to the rate of Chiang Mai (Thailand). However, Hanoi was rated higher in two aspects: Many people said that the capital's residents have an optimistic spirit and easily find joy in simple things every day, from a cup of coffee in the morning, a sidewalk meal, to a walk around the lake or participating in community activities.

This result shows that the capital of Vietnam is increasingly recognized internationally not only for its cultural heritage but also for its positive quality of life.

Topping the list of Asia's happiest cities is Mumbai (India), where 94% of residents say the city makes them happy, followed by Beijing (93%) and Shanghai (92%). According to Time Out, Chinese cities score points for safety, affordability and well-developed utility systems.

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.

Hoan Kiem Lake walking street attracts tourists. (Photo: VNA)

The capital Hanoi has continuously affirmed its position on the world tourism map when it was recently honored as Asia's Leading City Destination and Asia's Leading Short-Term City Destination within the framework of the World Travel Awards 2025.

This is a worthy recognition for Hanoi city's efforts in building a green and friendly tourism environment, an attractive destination for tourists.

Previously, at the 12th General Assembly of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) held in Ho Chi Minh City, the capital Hanoi was honored in the category of "Sustainable Tourism" within the framework of the TPO Best Awards 2025.

Time Out magazine (UK) put Hanoi in the top 7 most beautiful autumn destinations in Asia while the Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, organized by Telegraph newspaper (UK), also announced Hanoi in the list of the most wonderful cities in the world in 2025. The American magazine Travel and Leisure honored Hanoi as one of 15 dream destinations with reasonable prices.

A coffee shop in Hanoi. (Photo: Hoang Hieu/VNA)

What makes Hanoi tourism different is the way the capital exploits and honors cultural and heritage values.

Hanoi Department of Tourism said that in the first 9 months of 2025, the city welcomed 26.07 million visitors, an increase of 23.8%; total revenue reached 98.36 trillion VND, an increase of more than 20% over the same period in 2024. Of which, international tourists reached 5.54 million, an increase of 26% over the same period in 2024.

Currently, Hanoi has 3,761 accommodation establishments with more than 71,256 rooms, of which 85 hotels and apartment complexes are rated 1-5 stars. The city also has nearly 2,700 travel establishments and businesses and more than 9,400 tour guides.

With a solid foundation, a professional team, unique products and the application of modern technology, Hanoi can absolutely rise to become a leading destination not only in Asia but also in the world./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/time-out-thu-do-ha-noi-la-mot-trong-10-thanh-pho-hanh-phuc-nhat-chau-a-post1073846.vnp