Cover Thai street food seller at the night market in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand (Photo: Getty Images)
Thai street food seller at the night market in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand (Photo: Getty Images)
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From Toulouse in France to Chiang Mai in Thailand, Lonely Planet has revealed its hotlist of travel destinations to visit in 2025
Already making plans for trips in 2025? To add fuel to that wanderlust, Lonely Planet has just unveiled its selection of 30 must-visit destinations for 2025, along with the top 10 travel trends of the year.
From the bustling cityscape of Osaka in Japan, the French colonial architecture of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry) in India to the vibrant nature of Laos, the line-up for 2025 has a good mix of well-known locales and truly hidden gems.
Prepare your luggage and grab those passports, but before that, take a look at which country is calling you—and let’s deep-dive into some of the destinations in Asia together.
You might also like: Destinations less than 5 hours' flight from Hong Kong for a quick getaway
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Above Many people sit at tables and eat at the market outside Wat Phra Singh on market night where many food stalls can be found within the temple courtyard, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Photo: Getty Images)
Many people sit at tables and eat at the market outside Wat Phra Singh on market night where many food stalls can be found within the temple courtyard, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Photo: Getty Images)
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According to Lonely Planet, Chiang Mai celebrates Thai cuisine’s taste of complexity. And we couldn’t agree more.
If you’re looking for an authoritative guide to eateries, bars and restaurants in the city, look no further. For chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, more popularly known as chef Ton, Chiang Mai holds deep personal meaning. The city is home to suppliers of his famed Bangkok restaurants Le Du (number 1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023) and Nusara, and the chef-owner makes it a point to visit several times a year, charmed by its ingredients and culinary culture. Read our full insider guide to the best spots to wine and dine in Chiang Mai.
Osaka, Japan
Above The famous Dotonbori district in Osaka is known for its street food and traditional Japanese fare (Photo: @agathe_26/Unsplash)
The famous Dotonbori district in Osaka is known for its street food and traditional Japanese fare (Photo: @agathe_26/Unsplash)
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Think of Japan, and for most, Tokyo is the city that comes to mind first—with Kyoto perhaps being a close second. But Osaka, which is described by Lonely Planet as one of the most open-minded and dynamic cities in Japan, is worth the flight.
The city’s luxurious hotels set the scene for an indulgent trip, while its delicious culinary scene—think takoyaki (ball-shaped octopus snack with octopus) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes)—takes the indulgence to the next level.
Puducherry, India
Above Bicycle rickshaws outside French colonial era Palais de Mahe boutique hotel in Puducherry, India (Photo: Getty Images)
Bicycle rickshaws outside French colonial era Palais de Mahe boutique hotel in Puducherry, India (Photo: Getty Images)
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In South India along the Bay of Bengal lies Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry. The city attracts domestic and international tourists alike with its Gallic architecture harkening back to its French colonial past, alongside its temples and spiritual sites such as the famous Auroville ashram. The city has also recently made efforts to revitalise its sandy coastline, thereby enticing beach enthusiasts from all over the world. It’s also emerged as one of India’s top destinations for surfing—a sport that is growing in popularity in the country.
Laos
Above Scenic view of hot air balloon above rice field in Laos (Photo: Getty Images)
Scenic view of hot air balloon above rice field in Laos (Photo: Getty Images)
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Laos has been overlooked by tourists for decades. With its rich cultural sites, untouched natural marvels and ancient cities, Laos is a quiet sanctuary for those looking to immerse in nature and culture.
Moreover, with the launch of a high-speed international rail connecting Luang Prabang and Vientiane in 2021, travellers can travel through the country’s mountainous plains in an affordable, efficient and eco-friendly way.
Lonely Planet’s best cities to travel to in 2025
- Toulouse, France
- Puducherry, India
- Bansko, Bulgaria
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Genoa, Italy
- Pittsburgh, USA
- Osaka, Japan
- Curitiba, Brazil
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Edmonton, Canada
Lonely Planet’s best countries to travel to in 2025
- Cameroon
- Lithuania
- Fiji
- Laos
- Kazakhstan
- Paraguay
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Vanuatu
- Slovakia
- Armenia
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Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
