Phnom Penh Named Among World’s Best Big Cities by Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – October 13, 2025
Cambodia’s capital city has earned a spot on the global travel stage, securing a coveted place among the world’s top ten big cities, according to the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
In the results released this week, Phnom Penh ranked 10th globally in the Best Big Cities category, placing it alongside international heavyweights renowned for their culture, culinary excellence, architectural heritage, and visitor experience.
The recognition is part of the 38th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the most respected honors in the travel industry. This year’s edition saw an extraordinary 757,109 readers cast their votes, reflecting on their favorite destinations, hotels, airlines, and cultural experiences across the globe.
“Phnom Penh is just the place to experience Cambodia’s beauty and culture,” writes Condé Nast Traveler, citing the city’s evolving charm—from Mekong River cruises and traditional afternoon teas to vibrant street food and historical landmarks.
A City of Culture, Cuisine, and Contrasts
Phnom Penh, once known primarily for its war-torn past, has seen a rapid transformation over the past decade. Today, the city is increasingly recognized for its fusion of old-world charm and contemporary urban energy.
Iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda continue to draw visitors with their glittering architecture, inlaid with emeralds, diamonds, and gold. Meanwhile, bustling markets like the Russian Market offer a taste of local life, where handcrafted wood carvings, Khmer musical instruments, and aromatic spices spill from vendor stalls.
At the same time, Phnom Penh doesn’t shy away from its painful past. Sites like the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provide solemn, educational insights into the country’s history under the Khmer Rouge—a reminder of how far Cambodia has come.
A Rising Star in Global Tourism
Long overshadowed by regional neighbors like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh has recently emerged as a rising star in Southeast Asian tourism. The city’s unique mix of colonial architecture, modern cafes, upscale hotels, and warm hospitality is now drawing in a new wave of international travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences.
Luxury properties such as Raffles Hotel Le Royal—where guests can enjoy high tea in a regal setting—highlight the city’s appeal to both high-end and cultural tourists. Riverfront promenades and nightlife have also grown, adding vibrancy to the city’s after-dark offerings.
The Condé Nast Traveler award not only recognizes Phnom Penh’s transformation but signals a growing global appreciation for Cambodia’s cultural richness and resilience.
About the Awards
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards have been honoring the world’s best travel experiences since 1987. Often considered the gold standard of travel accolades, the awards are fully reader-driven, based on millions of votes from well-traveled individuals worldwide.
Condé Nast Traveler operates across seven global markets and reaches millions through digital, print, social media, and video—making the impact of such recognition both symbolic and practical for cities like Phnom Penh aiming to boost their global tourism presence.
