Which Cambodian city is in the top tourist destinations in the world in 2026?

A Cambodian city has just been ranked by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the world's top destinations in 2026.

Recently, Lonely Planet announced the "Best in Travel 2026" list, introducing 25 destinations and 25 outstanding experiences in the coming year.

Siem Reap - the "cultural capital" of Cambodia was honored in the list of the world's top destinations in 2026. In the list of Asia, Siem Reap is on par with Jeju-do (South Korea), Quy Nhon (Vietnam), Jaffna (Sri Lanka) and Phuket (Thailand).

According to Khmer Times, this recognition marks a clear transformation of Siem Reap – from a destination associated with the wonder of Angkor Wat, it has risen to become a creative center, where ancient heritage blends with modern life.

The “Best in Travel 2026” list honors outstanding destinations thanks to their unique cultural identity, sustainable development orientation and emotional experiences for visitors.

Lonely Planet commented that Siem Reap is not only the "gateway" to the Angkor complex, but also a city that is transforming strongly with a creative arts ecosystem, boutique hotels with their own unique imprint, rich local cuisine and increasingly developing community tourism models.

Lonely Planet also ranked the Mekong River cruise experience connecting Cambodia and Vietnam among the top in the world, thanks to the journey to explore floating markets, craft villages and riverside life - the most vibrant and unique indigenous cultures of the region.

Siem Reap - the "cultural capital" of Cambodia was honored in the list of the world's top destinations in 2026. Photo: Lonely Planet

Earlier this year, Tripadvisor also ranked Siem Reap 14th in its “Best of the Best 2025” list – a group of destinations with the highest quality experiences in the world.

The city also ranked 10th in the "Culture Destinations" category, recognizing its vibrant arts scene and rich heritage.

Tripadvisor describes Siem Reap as a place where visitors can learn about national history at the Cambodian cultural village and shop at the Angkor night market - home to hundreds of food and handicraft stalls.

According to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), Siem Reap's consecutive recognition by prestigious organizations is a great opportunity to help Cambodia affirm its position as a leading cultural and tourism destination in the region.

Ho Vandy, an advisor to the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), said being recognized by the major platform was “an important boost to help elevate Cambodia’s tourism on the world map”.

With its first edition published in 1973 , Across Asia on the Cheap , Lonely Planet is known as the world's most successful travel guide publishing empire, with more than 145 million copies sold.

Trong Nghia

Quy Nhon is the only representative of Vietnam to appear in Lonely Planet's list of top 25 destinations in 2026, alongside many other prominent names such as Brazil, Mexico, and Ireland.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thanh-pho-cua-camuchia-lot-top-diem-den-du-lich-hang-dau-the-gioi-nam-2026-2457191.html