Phnom Penh Ranked No. 3 Best Big City in the World for 2026
Phnom Penh Ranked No. 3 Best Big City in the World for 2026
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 7, 2026 — Phnom Penh has earned a remarkable third place among the Best Big Cities in the World for 2026, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, placing Cambodia’s capital ahead of major global destinations including Shanghai, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Cape Town, Singapore and Kyoto.
The ranking puts Phnom Penh behind only Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan, highlighting the Cambodian capital’s growing appeal among international travelers.
Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards were based on votes from 798,867 readers who participated in the publication’s 39th annual survey. The awards cover destinations and travel experiences across categories including cities, hotels, resorts, airlines and airports.
The recognition comes as Phnom Penh continues to attract greater international attention for its combination of history, culture, food, architecture and rapidly developing urban lifestyle. Condé Nast Traveler itself described the Cambodian capital earlier this year as a city undergoing a “quiet transformation,” highlighting its emergence as one of Southeast Asia’s increasingly captivating destinations.
🌏 Top 10 Best Big Cities in the World 2026
1. 🇰🇷 Seoul, South Korea
2. 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan
3. 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
4. 🇨🇳 Shanghai, China
5. 🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia
6. 🇨🇦 Montreal, Canada
7. 🇫🇷 Paris, France
8. 🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
9. 🇸🇬 Singapore
10. 🇯🇵 Kyoto, Japan
The No. 3 ranking represents a significant international spotlight for Phnom Penh and adds to the Cambodian capital’s growing profile as a destination for global travelers.
