Chiang Mai has been named the third-best city in the world in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, placing the northern Thai city among the highest-rated destinations globally. The result also saw Chiang Mai rank second in Asia, behind Kyoto, Japan, while moving ahead of Bangkok, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Tokyo, Japan.
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The ranking represents another international recognition for Thailand’s tourism industry. The awards are compiled by Travel + Leisure, a US-based travel magazine, through a global reader survey.
This year’s survey received responses from more than 207,000 readers, who submitted over 661,000 votes covering more than 10,088 travel-related businesses and destinations worldwide. The categories included hotels, resorts, cities, islands, national parks, tour operators, safaris, airlines, airports, trains and other travel entities.
In the World’s Best Cities category, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico took first place with a score of 93.07, followed by Kyoto, Japan, with 92.02. Chiang Mai achieved a score of 91.88 to secure third place, ahead of Hoi An in Vietnam, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Tokyo in Japan.
Travel + Leisure readers highlighted Chiang Mai’s Lanna cultural heritage, historic temples, local cuisine, natural scenery and hospitality as key factors behind its strong ranking. The recognition reflects the city’s continued popularity among international travellers seeking cultural experiences and nature-based tourism.
Khaosod reported that the ranking adds to Thailand’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination. Tourism officials and industry stakeholders are expected to use international recognition such as the Travel + Leisure award to support future promotion of Chiang Mai and other Thai destinations.
Top 10 World’s Best Cities 2026
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — 93.07
2. Kyoto, Japan — 92.02
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand — 91.88
4. Hoi An, Vietnam — 91.81
5. Oaxaca, Mexico — 91.59
6. Bangkok, Thailand — 91.29
7. Jerusalem, Israel — 91.11
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia — 90.59
9. Mexico City, Mexico — 90.49
10. Tokyo, Japan — 90.44
Chiang Mai will continue to welcome visitors while maintaining its appeal through cultural attractions, traditional experiences and natural landscapes. The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026 results provide further international exposure for the city as it competes with leading destinations worldwide.
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10 July 2026
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