With vibrant streets, captivating culture, and the smiles of its people, Hanoi has won hearts worldwide as one of 2025’s happiest cities.
Com Lang Vong or Vong’ Village young sticky rice- the fragrant taste of Hanoi’s autumn you simply can’t miss. Photo: Mai Minh Tuan/ Chuyen cua Ha Noi Group
Hanoi has officially joined the ranks of the world’s happiest cities, earning a spot in Asia’s top 10 and ranking 17th globally, according to the 2025 Urban Quality of Life Survey by Time Out. This is the first time Vietnam’s capital has made such a mark and it’s easy to see why.
The UK Travel maggazine’s survey celebrates the small joys that make a city unforgettable: leafy streets, lively neighborhoods, a thriving arts scene, and, of course, the warmth of its people. And Hanoi delivers all of that in abundance.
Whether you’re wandering ancient alleys, savoring fragrant bowls of pho, or sipping coffee by a serene lake, Hanoi invites travelers to explore, connect and fall in love with its unique rhythm.
The timeless Long Bien Bridge shimmering under the gentle colors of autumn dawn. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
Travelers are invited to lose themselves in the charm of the Old Quarter, where motorbikes buzz past colonial-era buildings, and the scent of street food fills the air. Grab a cold bia hoi at a sidewalk café, watch locals go about their daily routines, and feel the city’s pulse. Don’t miss the mesmerizing water puppet shows, a centuries-old tradition that brings Vietnamese folklore to life.
Hanoi is also home to cultural treasures that tell the story of Vietnam’s past. The solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the historic Hoa Lo Prison, the scholarly Temple of Literature, and the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake are just a few of the landmarks that invite reflection and discovery.
The nostalgic beauty of Hanoi. Photo: Quang Bui/ Chuyen cua Ha Noi Group
But it’s not only history and culture that make Hanoi so special. The city’s vibrant street life, tantalizing cuisine, and seamless mix of old and new create an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Most of all, it’s the people with their smiles, friendliness and genuine warmth, making Hanoi impossible to forget.
On the Asian happiness leaderboard, Hanoi joins cities like Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai, Chiang Mai, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Seoul. Globally, it proudly represents Vietnam as one of the 20 happiest cities in the world.
Time Out, founded in London in 1968, is a leading lifestyle and travel platform that guides readers to the best in dining, culture and unforgettable experiences around the globe.
By Jenna Duong
