Phnom Penh:The Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, has been named the third Best Big City in the World for 2026 by the Readers' Choice Awards from U.S. travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. The city was praised for its vibrant riverside charm, royal heritage, and burgeoning culinary scene.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Phnom Penh advanced seven positions from its previous ranking of 10th place in 2025 to secure its current position. The city surpassed notable international destinations such as Shanghai, Sydney, Montreal, Paris, Cape Town, Singapore, and Kyoto in this year's rankings.

Seoul claimed the title of the world's Best Big City, with Tokyo following in second place. The 2026 awards were determined by a total of 798,867 votes from readers, covering a range of categories including cities, hotels, resorts, airlines, and airports.

This recognition underscores Phnom Penh's increasing attractiveness as a travel destination, highlighting its combination of cultural and historical heritage with a dynamic urban atmosphere and an evolving food scene.