AKP Phnom Penh, January 05, 2026 --

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has been recognised as one of the 20 best places to travel in 2026 by BBC Travel, a global platform that highlights cultural experiences and unique destinations worldwide.

According to BBC Travel’s list released in December, long overshadowed by Siem Reap, Phnom Penh is stepping confidently into 2026 with the launch of the new Techo International Airport, Cambodia's largest-ever infrastructure project. The futuristic terminal – bedecked with a giant silver Buddha – is expected to improve international access throughout 2026, with new routes from the UAE, Turkey, China and Japan, making the city easier to reach than ever.

On the ground, BBC Travel noted that Phnom Penh is undergoing rapid transformation. The city that had just one traffic light 15 years ago is now a showcase for sustainable urban tourism, from its new Chaktomuk Walk Street – a pedestrianised riverfront street that turns into a weekend festival of Khmer street food, local crafts and live music – to the electric tuk-tuks owned by the newly opened Rosewood Phnom Penh hotel that are being used to ferry guests around the city. 

The source stressed that the city's welcoming feel is no accident, thanks to Cambodia's pioneering late architect, Vann Molyvann, who stated that no building could rise higher than the Royal Palace. His legacy is suddenly everywhere in 2026: Molyvann’s former 1960s home has reopened as a design-focused cafe and mini-museum inspiring the next generation of Cambodian architects, while other Modernist buildings are being restored by young creatives.

BBC Travel further highlighted a growing wave of Gen Z–led sustainable boutiques, distilleries, and third-culture coffee shops, reflecting a growing homecoming movement among young Cambodians. Visitors can sip award-winning spirits made from local botanicals, taste Khmer dishes once banned during the war and wander leafy lanes lined with heritage shophouses. 

Other Asian destinations featured on the list include Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Ishikawa in Japan, and the Komodo Islands of Indonesia.

The list was compiled with input from journalists, travel experts, and sustainable tourism leaders, highlighting destinations that offer incredible experiences while using tourism to support local communities, protect the environment and preserve their unique cultural heritage.  

The design of Cambodia's new airport features an airy, latticed roof to bring in natural light (Photo: Nigel Young, Fosters and Partners)

By C. Nika