Southeast Asia has four representatives in the 2018 World’s Top 15 cities, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers, including Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai and Ubud.
Readers voted for cities based on criteria such as jaw-dropping architecture, distinctive restaurants, a rich array of cultural offerings, and intriguing shops.
Hoi An town ranked eighth, while the US saw only one representative, Charleston, South Carolina, make the Top 15. 2018 is the second year in row Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende topped the list.
Every year, Travel + Leisure 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.
The 15 cities which make the list are:
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - 91.94
2. Oaxaca, Mexico - 90.52
3. Udaipur, India - 89.31
4. Ubud, Indonesia - 88.74
5. Kyoto, Japan - 88.42
6. Florence, Italy - 88.29
7. Luang Prabang, Laos - 88.2
8. Hoi An, Vietnam - 88.09
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand - 87.93
10. Charleston, South Carolina, the US - 87.79
11. Mexico city, Mexico - 87.65
12. Cape Town, South Africa - 87.63
13. Rome, Italy - 87.16
14. Istanbul, Turkey - 87.09
15. Beirut, Lebanon - 87.04.