November 12, 2024 | 05:23 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Asia has long been a top choice for travelers, offering a mix of history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking natural scenery. Recently, Lonely Planet has revealed some of the best places to travel in the upcoming year in its '2025 Best in Travel'.
Several countries in Asia, namely Thailand, Laos, and India, have made it to the list. Without further ado, let’s find out the 2025 list of the best countries to travel to in Asia according to Lonely Planet.
1. Laos
Lonely Planet named Laos among the best countries to visit in 2025. It is unfortunate that the Southeast Asian country is often overlooked by travelers due to the popularity of its neighbors, like Thailand and Vietnam.
Laos offers an array of opportunities for an exciting adventure. Embark on a journey in Vang Vieng to experience the thrills of biking, ziplining, and rock climbing amidst the stunning rivers and mountains.
Down for trekking and jungle exploration? Luang Namtha is what you’re looking for to connect to nature. Moreover, since only a few foreign tourists visit this country, Laos offers a combination of affordable and quiet journeys in Southeast Asia.
2. Kazakhstan
Besides Laos, Kazakhstan is another country awaiting your visit with minimal sights of tourist crowds. More importantly, this Asian country is the perfect destination for every type of traveler.
If you love hiking, hit the uncrowded trails of Sairam-Ugam National Park. Stop by Shymkent to sample some of Kazakhstan’s best food, like beshbarmak, a traditional dish made with horse meat or mutton.
For a more extraordinary experience, visit the Singing Dunes in Altyn-Emel National Park to witness an organ-like hum as the wind blows through the sand.
3. Thailand-Chiang Mai
Thailand is also listed in Lonely Planet’s 2025 Best in Travel, particularly highlighting one of its cities, Chiang Mai. The latter is mostly celebrated for the culinary adventure it offers, featuring a variety of Thai cuisine at its best.
Try Laap Bunket or Laap Duang Dee Mee Suk for an authentic taste. Explore the Kad Baan Hor Market to enjoy food sold by Yunnanese Muslims and tribespeople. Don’t miss out on the Chiang Mai Food Festival every January, where you can partake in an array of Chiang Mai’s delicacies.
Along with its exquisite cuisine, Chiang Mai captivates travelers with its vast collection of temples. According to Lonely Planet, the city is home to more than 300 temples, in which you can enjoy breathtaking views.
4. India—Puducherry
Puducherry, previously known as Pondicherry, is quintessential for those who value architectural beauty. Located on the Bay of Bengal in South India, this city features a number of Gallic-style buildings, including temples and spiritual centers.
Wander around the historic White Town that displays sequences of buildings in pastel hues. To see more of the French heritage of the city, pay a visit to the Puducherry Museum to find a collection of French antiques along with artifacts from the Chola and Vijayanagar empires.
5. Japan—Osaka
Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka, is listed among Lonely Planet’s best places to travel in 2025. Many globetrotters favor Osaka for its hospitality and warm welcome from the locals, which you may not find frequently in the capital of Tokyo.
While you’re in the area, hit the bustling street of Dotombori and capture the liveliness through your camera. Head to the Osaka Castle, where you can see a collection of art and armor. To top off your journey in Osaka, unwind in one of Spa World’s saunas.
6. Nepal—The Terai
Rounding off our list is the Terai region in Nepal. This lowland area is perfect for travelers wanting to explore rich wildlife.
The Terai is home to Chitwan National Park, where tourists can meet endangered one-horned rhinos. Explore Chitwan’s Rapti River on a canoe or boat safari to spot gharial crocodiles.
Furthermore, the region also features Lumbini’s Maya Devi temple, which holds significant religious importance as the birthplace of the Buddha.
For more on this topic, check out our previous list of the best countries to visit in December 2024, featuring top destinations around the globe for your end-of-year adventures.
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