Chiang Mai Voted Best City in Asia

What It Means for the Future of Business in Thailand’s Cultural Capital

Chiang Mai has always had something rare: a rhythm that’s slower, deeper, more human. It’s a place where heritage and creativity meet — not in theory, but on every street corner, from craft markets to coworking spaces.

Now, the world has recognized what locals have long known.

In the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, Chiang Mai has been named the #1 Best City in Asia — topping the list ahead of beloved destinations like Kyoto, Udaipur, and Bangkok.

A Global Spotlight on a City with Soul

As Time Out reports in their roundup of Asia’s 15 Best Cities, Chiang Mai won readers over for its walkability, peaceful vibe, incredible food, and timeless charm.

For Chiang Mai’s entrepreneurs, makers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and creatives, this is more than a feel-good headline. It’s a turning point.

Why Chiang Mai Was Voted #1

According to Travel + Leisure, Chiang Mai captured the top spot because it offers:

Beautiful historic temples and Lanna architecture
A renowned food scene, from street eats to destination dining
A balance of urban culture and natural escape
A strong sense of safety, calm, and authenticity
And most of all, a “deep sense of soul”

This Thai city has topped the list of best cities in Asia thanks to its gorgeous temples, rich culture, top-notch food, and deep sense of soul.
— Travel + Leisure, July 2025

Time Out praised Chiang Mai’s ability to evolve with intention, calling it “a laid-back, lush, and cultural hotspot that rewards curiosity and creativity.” (Time Out)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand called the recognition a reflection of Chiang Mai’s success in preserving local identity while welcoming the world — an achievement that makes the city both a top tourist destination and an ideal environment for sustainable business.

A Strategic Moment for Chiang Mai’s Business Community

This global spotlight has the power to redefine Chiang Mai’s economy — not just as a tourist town, but as a regional hub for creative business, wellness, sustainability, and small-scale innovation.

What This Means for Entrepreneurs

Chiang Mai’s global profile now attracts high-quality travelers, long-stay visitors, and investors. Audiences that seek meaning, culture, and conscious consumption. That creates new demand for:

Boutique hospitality
Artisan products
Clean food brands
Wellness experiences
Digital services with local roots

What This Means for Growth

Chiang Mai is no longer an alternative. It’s a model for the kind of city people now want to live, work, and invest in. That makes this the right moment to:

Upgrade digital presence and storytelling
Invest in smart growth, not just scale
Strengthen collaboration between Thai and international founders
Build brands that are rooted in Chiang Mai, but resonate globally

What CMBN Is Doing to Support This Momentum

The Chiang Mai Business Network (CMBN) is rolling out new initiatives this year to help businesses ride this wave of opportunity:

The SME Knowledge Hub — a digital-first resource center with playbooks, guides, and expert insights
Chiang Mai Business Directory — Launching Soon
A new way to discover, connect, and grow with Chiang Mai’s most innovative local businesses — only on ChiangMaiBusiness.net.
International exposure programs for Chiang Mai brands and founders
Tailored support for early-stage entrepreneurs and long-time local businesses looking to expand or adapt

We’re not building hype. We’re building infrastructure to ensure Chiang Mai’s rise benefits the people and businesses who made it great to begin with.

What Comes Next

This recognition marks a shift but Chiang Mai doesn’t need to reinvent itself. It needs to stay true, scale smart, and invite the right kind of growth.

The city’s greatest asset is not its temples or markets or cuisine. It’s the way those things come together with intention, humility, and heart. That’s what travelers voted for. That’s what locals work for.

At CMBN, we’ll continue championing Chiang Mai’s small business ecosystem — so that the future we build is every bit as soulful as the city itself.