The Top 15 Cities in Asia

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

When T+L readers visit countries in Asia, they want to be engulfed by the dynamic energy and taken in by the juxtaposition of ancient and new. In Asia, hand-carved temples and modern skyscrapers sit side by side. For every frenetic and high-speed thoroughfare, there's a narrow, hidden bylane. From culture to cuisine, there's so much to discover in Asia's urban centers.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

Getty Images City Palace. Udaipur, India

This year's top Asian cities stretch from Mumbai (No. 15) to Luang Prabang, Laos (No. 7) to Tokyo (No. 9). A few readers noted the ease of getting around Seoul (No. 10), thanks to its efficient public-transit system, as well as the city's phenomenal restaurants. "The food is fantastic," one said.

Besides the capital, two other Japanese cities made the 2021 list: Osaka (No. 11) and Kyoto, which held steady at No. 3. "It's a gorgeous city filled with culture, mind-blowing food, and breathtaking sites," one reader wrote of Kyoto. "The food and people are beyond description," shared another. "Amazing food around every corner" was yet another comment.

This year's top spot, though, goes to Udaipur, India, which takes the title from last year's winner, Hoi An, Vietnam (this year's No. 13). Read on to find out what made Udaipur the No. 1 pick among the best cities in Asia, plus a complete list of this year's winners.

1. Udaipur, India

GETTY IMAGES Scenic view of Udaipur, India

Once the capital of the princely state of Mewar, Udaipur has a dreamy setting along Lake Pichola. Several stunning, palace-like luxury hotels have made it a must-visit destination for travelers the world over. Commenting on the city's forts and royal residences, a reader noted that Udaipur "must be architecturally the most beautiful place in Asia." Among the best examples — and biggest attractions — is City Palace. The compound includes 11 stunning smaller palaces, all built at different times by different rulers, which means there's a trove of distinctive spaces to explore. Perhaps one reader put it best by calling the city "enchanting."

Score: 91.63

2. Ubud, Indonesia

GETTY IMAGES Rice terraces, Ubud, Bali

Score: 91.25

3. Kyoto, Japan

Getty Images Tree over lake during Autumn, Kyoto, Japan

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.94

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Getty Images Wat Den slaee Sri Muang Gan Panorama Temple (Wat Ban Den), in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Score: 90.06

5. Bangkok

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.81

6. Taipei

GETTY IMAGES 228 National Park in Taipei, Taiwan

Score: 89.62

7. Luang Prabang, Laos

Getty Images Phu Si Hill, Bouddha statue, Luang Prabang, Laos

Score: 89.29

8. Jaipur, India

Getty Images Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, Rajasthan, Jaipur, India

Score: 88.68

9. Tokyo

GETTY IMAGES View of Tokyo skyline at sunset, Japan

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 88.59

10. Seoul

GETTY IMAGES Bongeunsa Temple, statue of Buddha of the Future, Seoul, South Korea

Score: 88.00

11. Osaka, Japan

GETTY IMAGES Osaka city okawa river cherry blossom full bloom , Osaka, Japan

Score: 87.60

12. Thimphu, Bhutan

GETTY IMAGES Thimphu, Bhutan

Score: 87.25

13. Hoi An, Vietnam

Getty Images Japanese covered bridge at dusk, Hoi An, Vietnam

Score: 86.98

14. Singapore

GETTY IMAGES Botanic Garden, Singapore

Score: 86.93

15. Mumbai

GETTY IMAGES Illuminated Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus At night, Mumbai-Bombay, India

Score: 86.61

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021.