Sometimes, the noise of everyday life gets a little too loud and you just want to shut it all out. For many, that escape means hopping on a plane in search of a little zen. But where should you go? British travel company Travelbag has released its list of the world’s most tranquil destinations in 2025 – and yes, a few Asian cities have made the cut.
Over 30 locations were ranked, with factors such as noise and light pollution, overall cleanliness, travel congestion, and quality of green spaces taken into account. In short, the things that make it easier to switch off and properly unwind.
Claiming the top spot is Queenstown, New Zealand, which scored highly for its pristine parks and green spaces, as well as impressively low levels of pollution. The Seychelles Islands take second place, while Cairns, Australia comes in third.
Perhaps most surprising is Kyoto, Japan in fourth place. Despite being a perennial tourist hotspot, the former imperial capital remains remarkably clean, quiet and green. With its classical Buddhist temples, manicured gardens, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden townhouses, it’s proof that you don’t need to trek halfway across the globe to find serenity.
Further down the list, Tokyo lands in 11th place, an interesting result given that it’s Japan’s bustling capital. Yet, despite the city’s famously fast-paced lifestyle, Tokyo still boasts an impressive number of green spaces, and its commitment to cleanliness is second to none. You’ll be hard-pressed to spot a stray beer can or catch a whiff of rubbish on its streets.
The top 15 most tranquil destinations in the world in 2025:
Queenstown, New Zealand
Seychelles Islands
Cairns, Australia
Kyoto, Japan
Banff, Canada
Whistle, Canada
Gold Coast, Australia
Auckland, New Zealand
Sydney, Australia
Orlando, Florida, USA
Tokyo, Japan
Cape Town, South Africa
Dubai, UAE
Cancun, Mexico
Barbados
View the full list here.
Did you know? You can now take this charming 40-minute train from Hanoi to Tu Son in Bac Ninh province
Plus: 10 best street food cities in Asia you need to eat through
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AloJapan.com