The U.S. passport has risen one place to 11th in the latest Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 180 of 227 destinations worldwide, but it remains less powerful than Malaysia’s passport.

Malaysia is home to the First World Hotel, which was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest hotel by number of rooms.

China has been ranked 8th in a list of 100 best cuisines in the world and second best in Asia this year by international food magazine TasteAtlas.

As Christmas lights return to Notre-Dame Cathedral, these five nearby cafés offer vantage points for viewing the landmark after dark.

The Malaysian passport has climbed two places to rank 10th in the latest index by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, marking its return to the top 10 after seven years.

Singapore ranked 20th in a list of world’s 100 best food cities, surpassing Southeast Asian food hubs such as Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, according to food magazine TasteAtlas.

Vietnam welcomed its 20th millionth international tourist in a single year for the first time at the Phu Quoc International Airport on Dec. 15, marking a milestone in the 65-year development of the country’s tourism sector.

Vietnam’s passport has climbed up two places to 90th in the Henley Passport Index’s December ranking, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 50 out of 227 destinations.

The Philippines, named “Asia’s leading beach destination” at the 2025 World Travel Awards, welcomed 4.7 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year, marking a 3.02% year-on-year decline due to significantly lower arrivals from South Korea and China.

With South Koreans topping the list of foreign visitors to Da Nang, the city is teaching cyclo tour drivers Korean and installing multilingual audio guides in their vehicles.