TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – National Geographic recently released a list of the 25 best places to visit in the world in 2025, based on the expertise and insights of the magazine’s travel editors.
Following the release of the travel edition list, Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic, said, “I like to think of ‘Best of the World’ as National Geographic’s annual invitation to go out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world.
National Geographic recommends 25 top places to travel in its version of Best of the World 2025. Exotic Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are among the top places to visit in the world.
Read on to marvel at the beauty of each shimmering Southeast Asian destination on National Geographic’s curated list.
1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat, an archipelago located at the northwestern tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in Papua, is a heaven on earth. Consisting of more than 1,500 islets, coral islands, and sandbanks, Raja Ampat was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in 2023.
The name Raja Ampat is derived from a popular myth in which a woman found seven eggs, four of which hatched into the kings of the four main islands, while the rest became a woman, a ghost, and a stone.
Covering nearly 9.8 million hectares of land and sea, the diversity of marine life in Raja Ampat is as vast as it is magnificent. More than 75% of the world’s species live here, according to the latest report by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Known for its seamless blend of modernity and tradition, Bangkok is a strong contender for the most visited destination in Southeast Asia. The vibrant city continues to captivate visitors of all backgrounds.
As the sun goes down, Bangkok transforms into a vibrant hub of energy, adorned with nighttime entertainment venues that offer visitors an extraordinary vacation experience. Whether you are exploring the Land of Smiles in a tuk-tuk, feasting on Bangkok’s wide variety of street food, or shopping in the city’s night markets, a good time is guaranteed.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, is a cultural wonder on the outskirts of Bangkok. The majestic historical site features a large Khmer-style pagoda in the center and other smaller prangs as a celebrated symbol of Mount Sumeru.
3. Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
The Eastern & Oriental Express, a luxury train, appears as a lavish feature of the National Geographic’s list. The once-in-a-lifetime train experience recently came back to life in 2024 after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Adorned in special wood paneling, the 15 Malaysian train cars include a remarkable piano bar car and an open-air observation car noted by the NGO.
Aside from the two regular routes of the three-night Singapore itineraries, guests can opt for the “Wild Malaysia” trip to visit Taman Negara National Park and learn about the critically endangered Malayan tiger.
There are 22 other destinations on the National Geographic list, covering a wide range of interests from natural landscapes to culinary wonders.
National Geographic
Editor’s Choice: National Geographic Lists Raja Ampat in Best of the World 2025; Top Destinations
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