Phnom Penh has been ranked the third-best big city in the world for 2026 in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, placing Cambodia’s capital among the world’s most highly rated urban destinations and ahead of cities including Shanghai, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Cape Town, Singapore and Kyoto.
The ranking places Phnom Penh behind only Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan, marking a major international recognition for Cambodia’s capital and its growing appeal among global travelers.
Key Facts
Ranking: No. 3 Best Big City in the World for 2026
Publication: Condé Nast Traveler
Awards: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Survey participation: 798,867 readers
Phnom Penh’s position: Behind Seoul and Tokyo
Other cities in the Top 10: Shanghai, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Cape Town, Singapore and Kyoto
Key attractions highlighted: History, culture, food, architecture and urban lifestyle
Phnom Penh Enters the World’s Top Three
The No. 3 position places Phnom Penh in the top tier of Condé Nast Traveler’s global city rankings for 2026.
The Cambodian capital ranked ahead of several internationally established destinations, including Shanghai, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Cape Town, Singapore and Kyoto.
The recognition provides another indication of Phnom Penh’s increasing visibility among international travelers as Cambodia continues to develop its tourism offering and urban visitor experience.
Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards are based on votes from its readership. The 2026 awards drew participation from 798,867 readers in the publication’s 39th annual survey.
The awards cover a broad range of travel categories, including cities, hotels, resorts, airlines and airports.
Top 10 Best Big Cities in the World for 2026
| Rank | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Singapore |
| 10 | Kyoto | Japan |
Phnom Penh is the only Cambodian city in the Top 10 and is positioned between two of Asia’s most prominent metropolitan destinations, Seoul and Tokyo.
Why Phnom Penh Is Attracting International Attention?
Phnom Penh offers travelers a combination of historical heritage, Cambodian culture, food, architecture and an increasingly dynamic urban environment.
The capital provides access to important cultural and historical sites while also developing a contemporary city experience through restaurants, cafés, hotels, retail spaces and new lifestyle destinations.
This combination gives Phnom Penh a distinctive position within Southeast Asia: it is a capital city shaped by Cambodia’s history while simultaneously undergoing rapid urban development.
Condé Nast Traveler previously described Phnom Penh as a city experiencing a “quiet transformation,” reflecting changes in its urban character and its emergence as an increasingly notable destination in Southeast Asia.
A Boost for Cambodia’s Tourism Profile
The ranking comes at a time when Phnom Penh is playing an increasingly important role in Cambodia’s broader tourism ecosystem.
As the country’s capital and principal business centre, Phnom Penh serves as a gateway for international visitors, connecting tourism with business, investment, culture and domestic travel.
International recognition from a major travel publication can also contribute to the city’s visibility among travelers researching destinations outside the region’s more established tourism centres.
For Cambodia’s tourism industry, Phnom Penh’s strong ranking provides an opportunity to promote the capital not simply as a transit point for visitors heading to other destinations, but as a destination in its own right.
Phnom Penh Beyond Traditional Tourism
The city’s appeal extends beyond conventional sightseeing.
Visitors can experience Cambodian cuisine, explore historic neighborhoods, discover contemporary cafés and restaurants, and observe the contrast between traditional architecture and modern urban development.
The capital’s evolving lifestyle scene also gives travelers more reasons to spend time in Phnom Penh rather than treating the city as a short stop before traveling to other parts of Cambodia.
For tourism businesses, hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other visitor-focused enterprises, the international recognition may strengthen Phnom Penh’s positioning as a destination capable of attracting travelers with different interests.
What the 2026 Ranking Means for Phnom Penh?
Being ranked No. 3 in the Best Big Cities in the World category puts Phnom Penh alongside some of the world's most recognizable urban destinations.
The result is particularly notable because the ranking was determined through reader participation rather than being based solely on an editorial assessment.
With 798,867 readers participating in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, the recognition gives Phnom Penh additional international visibility among Condé Nast Traveler’s travel audience.
For Cambodia, the ranking also strengthens the country's tourism narrative by demonstrating that international travelers are increasingly recognizing the capital for more than its role as an entry point to the country.
Angkor Times Analysis
Phnom Penh’s No. 3 ranking is significant because it broadens the international perception of Cambodia’s tourism offering beyond its better-known heritage destinations.
The ranking places the capital directly among major global cities and reflects the appeal of a destination where historical and cultural identity exists alongside a rapidly changing urban environment.
The recognition should also be viewed as an opportunity for Phnom Penh to strengthen the visitor experience that underpins its international reputation. Maintaining the city’s appeal will depend on the continued development of tourism services, hospitality, cultural experiences, public spaces and the overall quality of the urban environment.
Rather than being viewed only as an award, the ranking can serve as an international spotlight on Phnom Penh’s evolving identity as a major Southeast Asian city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rank did Phnom Penh receive in the 2026 Best Big Cities ranking?
Phnom Penh was ranked No. 3 Best Big City in the World for 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Which cities ranked ahead of Phnom Penh?
Seoul, South Korea, ranked first, followed by Tokyo, Japan, in second place.
How many readers participated in the 2026 survey?
A total of 798,867 readers participated in Condé Nast Traveler’s 39th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
Which cities were included in the Top 10?
The Top 10 were Seoul, Tokyo, Phnom Penh, Shanghai, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Cape Town, Singapore and Kyoto.
Why is the ranking important for Phnom Penh?
The ranking gives Phnom Penh significant international exposure and places Cambodia’s capital among highly rated global urban destinations.
What aspects of Phnom Penh appeal to international travelers?
The source highlights Phnom Penh’s combination of history, culture, food, architecture and a rapidly developing urban lifestyle.
Sources and Further Reading
Condé Nast Traveler — 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, as cited in the supplied source material.