A music band perform on a street of Hà Nội which is Asian top five most happiest city. Photo mia.vn

 HÀ NỘI — The Vietnamese capital is smiling once again, as Hà Nội shines among the happiest cities of 2025, according to a new global ranking by Time Out magazine.

The list was compiled from responses by local residents who shared how happy their city makes them feel.

“Happiness is subjective, but the numbers don’t lie: locals across Asia have spoken, and Time Out’s latest survey of city life in 2025 reveals which urban hubs are bringing the most joy,” the magazine reported.

“Over 18,000 city-dwellers responded to our survey this year, answering questions about culture, nightlife, food and quality of life. They also rated their city based on these five statements: My city makes me happy; I feel happier in my city than other places I’ve visited or lived; The people in my city seem happy; I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers; The sense of happiness in my city has grown a lot recently.”

Hà Nội ranks No. 5 among Asia’s top 10 happiest cities and No. 17 on the global list. — VNS

Local residents hang on in Tạ Hiện Street.

According to Time Out, 88 per cent of locals said their city brings them joy. Interestingly, Hà Nội shows two distinctive indicators of happiness, with more residents responding positively to statements such as “The people in my city seem positive” and “I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers.”

The city is a fantastic destination for those seeking a slower pace, green spaces, and a strong sense of community.

Hà Nội, recognised by UNESCO as a City for Peace since 1999, has also been honoured by Time Out as one of Asia’s 10 best street food cities and a top autumn destination.

Earlier, the city was named the World’s Leading City Break Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2022 and City of Inspiration for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2023.

Hà Nội is not only a city of happiness but also best street foot and peace.

The happiest city in Asia is Mumbai, India, where 94 per cent of locals said their city brings them joy.

In fact, it ranks highest across most happiness metrics, with the greatest proportion of residents saying they feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else (89 per cent), that their fellow citizens seem positive (88 per cent), and that the sense of happiness in the city has grown significantly in recent times (87 per cent).

Close behind in second and third places are Beijing and Shanghai in China, where the vast majority of locals agree their city makes them happy.

Some major global hubs such as Seoul and Singapore rank lower on the happiness list, while popular tourist destination Tokyo does not make the top 10. — VNS

The 10 happiest cities in Asia in 2025:

1. Mumbai, India

2. Beijing, China

3. Shanghai, China

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

5. Hà Nội, Việt Nam

6. Jakarta, Indonesia

7. Hong Kong

8. Bangkok, Thailand

9. Singapore

10. Seoul, South Korea