3 Southeast Asian cities among the world's top 100 cities

According to Resonance Consultancy's "World's Best Cities" ranking for 2025, three Southeast Asian cities are among the top 100 globally:

Contents

3 Southeast Asian cities among the world's top 100 cities. 1

1. Singapore: 1

2. Bangkok: 1

3. Kuala Lumpur: 1

Bangkok(More) 1

Singapore(More) 2

Kuala Lumpur(More) 2

1. Singapore:

Ranked 5th, Singapore is renowned for its cleanliness, efficient public services, and status as a global financial hub.

2. Bangkok:

Ranked 32nd, Bangkok is known for its vibrant street life, cultural landmarks, and bustling markets.

3. Kuala Lumpur:

Ranked 43rd, Kuala Lumpur is known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and as a major shopping destination.

These cities are renowned for their unique combination of culture, economy, and accommodation, contributing to their high ranking globally.

More about Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur:

Bangkok

Rank: 32nd (World's Best Cities 2025)

• Overview: Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is known for its vibrant street life, rich culture, and historic landmarks. It's a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life.

Significant features:

• • Cultural Center: Famous for its temples (e.g. Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew), palaces, and floating markets.
  • Food: Thai street food is world-renowned, with dishes like pad thai, tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), and mango sticky rice.
  • Nightlife: Known for its lively nightlife, rooftop bars, nightclubs, and entertainment districts like Khao San Road.
  • Shopping: From upmarket malls like Siam Paragon to the vibrant Chatuchak weekend market, shopping is a major draw.

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Singapore

Rank: 5th (Best Cities in the World 2025)

• • Overview: A global financial hub and melting pot of cultures, Singapore is known for its cleanliness, green spaces, and modern infrastructure.

Significant features:

• • Architecture: Famous for landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the futuristic Super tree Grove.
  • Multicultural: A mix of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Western cultures, reflected in its food, festivals, and neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
  • Sustainability: Known as the “Garden City,” Singapore emphasizes green spaces and sustainability, reflected in places like the Botanical Gardens and Eco-City Plan.
  • Shopping and Dining: Orchard Road is the place to go for upmarket shopping, while hawker centers like Maxwell Food Center and Lau Pa Set offer affordable local food.

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Kuala Lumpur

Rank: 43rd (World's Best Cities 2025)

• Overview: Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a cosmopolitan city that combines modern architecture with a rich cultural heritage.

Significant features:

• • Famous landmarks: KL is home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, and other iconic landmarks such as the Batu Caves and Merdeka Square.
  • Cultural diversity: KL's culture is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and local influences, reflected in its diverse architecture, festivals, and cuisine.
  • Shopping and dining: Bukit Bintang is the city's shopping and entertainment district, while Jalan Alor is a street food haven serving delicious Malaysian and international dishes.
  • Green spaces: Despite its urbanization, KL boasts several parks such as KLCC Park and Perdana Botanical Gardens, making it a great place for nature lovers.

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Contrast

• Economic powerhouses: Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are major financial centers in Southeast Asia, while Bangkok is fast becoming a regional hub for business, tourism, and innovation.
• Tourism: Bangkok is often seen as a city of exploration, while Singapore stands out for its luxury tourism, clean streets, and tourist attractions. Kuala Lumpur, on the other hand, balances modernity with heritage.
• Transportation: Singapore is known for its top-notch public transportation system, while Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur offer efficient systems but are also known for their heavy traffic.
• Each city offers a unique experience, whether you're looking for cultural richness, modern amenities, or a vibrant mix of both.