Amazing Tours Align with the ‘New York Times’ and ‘Lonely Planet’ Best Destinations 2025

28 Jan 2025 Umesh Paneru

Asia Experiences is a reputed travel company specializing in multi-country tours across South Asia and Southeast Asia. The recent list of popular New York Times and Lonely Planet features several Asian destinations as the best travel destinations in 2025 which is exciting. In response, we seize the opportunity to design amazing tours align by the New York Times and Lonely Planet Best Destinations 2025. We believe our designed tour packages will offer a great opportunity for visitors to explore the best of South Asia and Southeast Asia in 2025.

Let’s have a look at the Best Asian Destinations 2025 which are as follows:

The New York Times

The New York Times published annually the list of “52 Places to Go” which highlights the best destinations to explore. It includes various destinations featuring popular cities to secret hidden landmarks. The selected destinations for the 2025 edition emphasize sustainable travel, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. The list also features numerous South Asia and Southeast Asian destinations which are as follows:

Suggested Trip

Guwahati, Shillong and Cherrapunji Tour 5 Days

Suggested Trip

Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Nepal Tour 16 Days

Assam, India

The hilly state Assam of India features in the list that secures the 4^th rank. It is a gateway to Northeast India which is an often-overlooked corner of India. The developed infrastructure is making it a desirable destination.

Prime Attractions

State’s famous tea gardens
An ancient burial mound
UNESCO-listed Charaideo Moidams (Pyramids of Assam)
Endangered species at Kaziranga National Park

‘White Lotus’ Thailand

The set-jetting location Koh Samui Island, inspired by the hit HBO show ‘The White Lotus’ ranks 5^th in the list. To attract more tourists, Thailand has introduced an expanded visa-free entry program, longer stay permits and five-year visas for remote workers. It aims to attract 40 million tourists in 2025 by expanding flight schedules through major airlines for easy accessibility.

Prime Attractions

Crystalline waters and jungle environment at Koh Samui Island (Inspired by Famous The White Lotus HBO Show)
Scenic beaches, Lush landscapes, and sacred tens of thousands of temples
Renowned tourist places of Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok and Exciting Nightlife

Lumbini, Nepal

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha secures 9^th rank in this list. A prominent pilgrimage site in Nepal houses several temples, stupas, ancient ruins, and new Buddhist centers. The restored UNESCO-listed Ramagrama Stupa, new structures like the Thousand Buddha Temple, and the new opening of the India International Center for Buddhist Culture and Heritage are all expected to enhance Lumbini’s spiritual and cultural significance.

Prime Attractions

Maya Devi Temple and the Gardens of Lumbini
Ancient ruins and contemporary Buddhist centers
Tibetan-style Thousand Buddha Temple adorned with numerous Buddha Statues
Lotus shaped the India International Center for Buddhist Culture and Heritage
UNESCO-listed Ramagrama Stupa

Nangma Valley, Pakistan

Nangma Valley, also known as The Yosemite of Pakistan secures 44^th rank which is slowly gaining popularity. The Nangma Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan is accessible with a developed trekking route to explore the stunning granite-faced peaks and lush green landscapes. Pakistan offers free electronic visas for visitors from the US including other 120 countries. The guided tours in collaboration with Intrepid and weekly flights from Dubai during the summer are making the trip safer and accessible for international visitors.

Prime Attractions

Stunning granite-faced peaks and lush green landscapes
Camping-based trek route
Beautiful Gilgit-Baltistan safe for international visitors

Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2025

Lonely Planet selects its top 30 incredible destinations as Best in Travel 2025 specially chosen by their well-traveled expert team. It includes the best destinations of various nations across the globe holding cultural, historical, and natural significance. Among 30 incredible destinations, it also features a few amazing destinations from South Asia and Southeast Asia that are as follows:

Suggested Trip

Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara Lumbini Muktinath Tour 12 Days

Suggested Trip

Kathmandu Chitwan wildlife Tour 7 Days

The Terai region | Nepal

The Terai region of Nepal is less popular as compared to the popular Himalayas and the capital Kathmandu. However, the Terai region offers visitors the best of the southern lowlands. It includes UNESCO-listed Chitwan National Park and Lumbini. The Bardia National Park along with Chitwan National Park is one of the ideal destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. On the other hand, the culturally, spiritually, and archaeologically significant Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace) visit is not to be missed. The tea estates in the eastern Terai are beyond imagination for visitors to explore.

Prime Attractions

Diverse flora and fauna (Gharials, One-horned Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, etc.) at Chitwan and Bardia National Parks
Jungle Safari, Canoe Ride, Bird watching, Indigenous Tribes and their culture
Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, Maya Devi Temple, and its surroundings (monasteries, stupas, Buddhist centers, ancient ruins, etc.)
Harvest tour at Tea Gardens of Ilam

Laos | Asia

Laos is attracting visitors with its newly-launched high-speed international rail connecting China’s Yunnan Province. The shortening travel distance allows visitors to explore more affordably, efficiently and sustainable way. The pristine cultural and natural wonders and ancient cities mesmerize foreign visitors. The thrilling adventures kept the visitors engaged.

Prime Attractions

Adrenaline-rushing adventure activities such as biking, zip-lining, tubing, rock climbing, trekking, etc.
Phenomenal landmarks such as Pha That Luang temple and Patuxai (Vientiane), Kuang Si Waterfall, and the Old Quarter (Luang Prabang)
Sunrise alms-giving ceremony (Luang Prabang)

Puducherry (Pondicherry) City | India

The Gallic architecture in Puducherry reflects French colonial history that captivates the visitors. The sandy coastline invites beachgoers which also houses several temples and spiritual centers. The ancient Kolam rituals, games of pétanque by the bay, basilica bells, and experimental sonic artists inventing their own instruments allure visitors all in one place.

Suggested Trip

India Highlight Tour 9 Days

Suggested Trip

Nepal Tibet Thailand Myanmar Tour 20 Days

Prime Attractions

Government-run Puducherry Contemporary Art Gallery
French antiques, the Chola and Vijayanagar empires’ artifacts at the Puducherry Museum
Historic White Town, with its pastel-hued buildings

Chiang Mai City | Thailand

The phenomenal city of Chiang Mai attracts visitors with its elegant blending of unique flavors. Thai culture and Thai cuisine along with the fascinating food discussions celebrates the taste of complexity. Among several cuisines, don’t miss out on Laap Bunker or Laap Duang Dee Mee Suk for an authentic taste.

Prime Attractions

Unique sight of Yunnanese Muslims and tribespeople selling food at Friday morning Kad Baan Hor Market
Traditional theater performances at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre with delicious Khantoke dinner
A yearly event Chiang Mai Food Festival held in January to celebrate the best food in the city

Suggested Trip

Nepal Tibet Thailand Myanmar Tour 20 Days

Suggested Trip

Cambodia Laos Nepal and Bhutan Tours 18 Days

We have designed an outline itinerary for our visitors to explore the best of South Asia and Southeast Asia in 2025. The tour packages are solely inspired by the New York Times and Lonely Planet Best Destinations 2025. We design itineraries that visitors can customize to their preferences. Below is our suggested itinerary:

Outline itinerary to match the most of the destination as per above

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Drive to Chitwan ‘The Terai region Nepal’
Day 04: Chitwan National park tour with village tour
Day 05: Drive to ‘Lumbini, Nepal’
Day 06: Lumbini Sightseeing
Day 07: Flight back to Kathmandu and Explore local markets
(Direct flight: 12.25 BWA – 12.55 KTM) – more flight available
Day 08: Flight to Guwahati via New Delhi
(14.05 KTM – 19.55 GAU with DEL transit) – more flight available
Day 09: Guwahati Sightseeing and drive to Shillong ‘Assam, India’
Day 10: Day excursion to Cherrapunji
Day 11: Day tour of Shillong
Day 12: Shillong to Guwahati and leisure time
Day 13: Flight to Bangkok via New Delhi
(7.20 GAU – 21.30 BKK with DEL transit) – only-one same day flight (1+ day available)
Day 14: Bangkok Sightseeing ‘The White Lotas, Thailand’
Day 15: . Flight to Koh Samui and continue tour with Waterfalls, Shrines & Temples in Lamai
(Direct flight: 9.55 BKK – 11.05 USM) – more flight available
Day 16: Tour of Temples, Markets & Beaches
Day 17: Beach Hopping in Koh Samui
Day 18: Flight to ‘Chiang Mai City | Thailand’ and Chiang Mai tour
(Direct flight: 8.55 USM – 10.40 CNX) – Only-one flight
Day 19: “Elephant Jungle Sanctuary” and meet Karen Long Neck
Day 20: Leisure time in the morning and Flight to Luang Prabang ‘Laos | Asia’
(Direct flight: 15.15 CNX – 16.20 LPQ) – only-one flight
Day 21: Luang Prabang Sightseeing with Pak Ou Cave
Day 22: Luang Prabang tour with Kuang Si waterfal
Day 23: Flight/Speed train to Vientiane, and Vientiane Sightseeing
Day 24: Final departure from Vientiane, Laos.

Asia Experiences, specializing in South Asia and Southeast Asia multi-country tours offers diverse packages for all age groups. We have a various option of tour packages for travelers seeking cultural, historical, spiritual, natural, or adventure tour experiences. There is also flexibility to customize the itineraries to your preferences. Some of our packages are as follows which include both South Asia and Southeast Asian destinations: