Phnom Penh, is asserting itself as a rising star of global tourism by joining BBC Travel’s prestigious 2026 selection—while Thailand stands out as a notable absentee

Announced on December 11, 2025, this recognition highlights a shift toward sustainable and immersive travel, where Khmer cultural heritage blends seamlessly with bold modernity.

Pedestrian Promenade at Chaktomuk

An Unexpected Triumph for Cambodia

At a time when Thailand—long a fixture in global tourism rankings—suffers a resounding snub from the BBC, Phnom Penh emerges in the spotlight. Compiled in collaboration with travel journalists and sustainability experts, the list of 20 destinations favors places that combine local community engagement, environmental preservation, and authentic experiences, far removed from overcrowded, over-trodden routes.

Among the few Asian representatives—alongside Ishikawa in Japan and the Komodo Islands in Indonesia—the Khmer capital stands out for its “major transformation,” propelling Cambodia onto the international stage.

The Pillars of This Meteoric Rise

Phnom Penh owes this success to three key dynamics. First, the inauguration of Techo International Airport, a jewel of national infrastructure: this futuristic terminal, adorned with a monumental silver Buddha, transforms the city into a global air hub, easing access to its many treasures.

Around the Markets

A Deep Dive into the Vibrant Soul of Phnom Penh

Beyond the numbers, Phnom Penh captivates with its historical and contemporary melting pot. Stroll along the Mekong River, where the Royal Palace glitters with golden rooftops, and the Tuol Sleng Museum—an arresting testament to the Khmer Rouge genocide—invites profound reflection on national resilience.

Bustling markets such as the Russian Market offer a sensory ballet: spicy amok, juicy tropical fruits, and silk handicrafts, while the trendy rooftops of the Riverside district fuse fusion flavors with electro beats. Don’t miss temples like Wat Phnom, the city’s sacred hill, or cycling along the riverbanks to capture the essence of a city pulsing with cultural renewal.

Street Vendor in Phnom Penh

Why 2026 Is the Ideal Year to Visit

As Thai tourism grapples with saturation and rising costs—Bangkok remains popular but loses some of its shine to more authentic destinations—Phnom Penh offers unbeatable value for money.

With 4.8 million visitors in 2025 and exponential growth, Cambodia is betting on responsible tourism: community-based circuits, homestays with locals, and green initiatives such as tree planting along the Tonlé Sap.

Caution is advised regarding current border tensions with Thailand; however, alerts from the U.S. State Department and the UK Foreign Office apply only to border areas, leaving Phnom Penh and Siem Reap unaffected and serene.

Spotlight on Khmer Must-Sees

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: Royal opulence with 5,000 tons of pure silver tiles underfoot—an ideal setting for unforgettable photos.

Sisowath Quay and nightlife: A lively atmosphere with riverside bars, street food, and traditional apsara dance performances.

Central Market (Psar Thmei): An Art Deco labyrinth for browsing silks, spices, and ethnic jewelry.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields: A moving visit, complemented by local pottery workshops for a positive community impact.

Beyond Phnom Penh: A Cambodia in Full Bloom

This accolade elevates the entire country. Five hours away, Siem Reap and UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat offer a millennia-old journey among jungle-entwined temples. The beaches of Sihanoukville are being reborn as eco-resorts, while Battambang charms food lovers with bamboo train rides and Kampot pepper plantations—among the finest in the world.

For adventurers, Tonlé Sap Lake and its floating villages reveal a unique aquatic life shaped by seasonal floods. In 2026, opt for treks in the Cardamom Mountains, primary forests home to abundant wildlife.

Apsara Dancer

Sustainable Outlook and Practical Tips

The BBC is clear: tomorrow’s tourism rewards destinations like Phnom Penh that integrate community and environment. Support the local economy by staying in family-run guesthouses, savoring lok lak from street vendors, and using apps like Grab for greener transport.

Budget: USD 50–100 per day for a modest-luxury stay.

Best season: November to March, for mild weather.

Direct flights from Paris via Qatar Airways or Emirates.

Book your Angkor guided tours early (USD 35/day) and check visa formalities (easy online e-visa).

Phnom Penh is not just a stopover; it is a revelation—a bridge between a turbulent past and a radiant future. In 2026, set your sights on Cambodia: the overlooked pearl of Southeast Asia awaits for an unforgettable journey.