Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

The BBC has excluded Thailand from its “20 Best Places to Travel in 2026,” instead selecting Phnom Penh as one of the world’s top destinations, a decision that could influence regional tourism perceptions. The list highlights destinations judged to offer meaningful travel experiences while supporting sustainability, local communities and cultural preservation.

Thailand, long regarded as a tourism heavyweight in Southeast Asia, did not feature in the annual ranking. Cambodia, however, secured a place through the inclusion of its capital, with the BBC citing Phnom Penh’s rapid modernisation and evolving urban culture as key reasons for its selection.

The 2026 list marked a shift in editorial approach by the British Broadcasting Corporation. Rather than focusing primarily on visual appeal or popularity, the BBC worked with travel journalists and sustainability specialists to curate destinations based on “sustainability, community, and culture,” aiming to promote responsible and immersive tourism.

Phnom Penh was described as undergoing a “major makeover” and entering a new golden age driven by infrastructure investment, urban redesign and youth-led creativity. A central factor was the opening of Techo International Airport, Cambodia’s largest infrastructure project, featuring a futuristic terminal design and a giant silver Buddha intended to position the capital as a global transport hub.

The BBC also pointed to efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve walkability. The Chaktomuk Walk Street riverside promenade was highlighted for hosting weekend festivals focused on street food and local crafts, supported by the use of electric tuk-tuks to promote environmentally friendly transport.

A further driver was described as the “Gen Z” effect, reflected in the rise of local distilleries, boutique cafés and renewed interest in New Khmer Architecture. The work of renowned Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann was cited as an influence on the city’s contemporary cultural revival.

The report noted ongoing friction between Cambodia and Thailand, referencing alerts issued by the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office for border regions. It stressed that Phnom Penh and major tourist sites are unaffected, while advising travellers to check official guidance before travelling.

Alongside Phnom Penh, only two other Asian destinations featured in the global top 20. Ishikawa in Japan was recognised for cultural resilience and the restoration of local craftsmanship following recent earthquakes, while Indonesia’s Komodo Islands were praised for conservation efforts protecting Komodo dragons and coral reefs.

The BBC’s list may shape travel planning for 2026, particularly among visitors seeking destinations aligned with sustainability and community-focused tourism. The full list also included locations across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Oceania, underlining the broadcaster’s global scope.

• Abu Dhabi (UAE)

• Algeria

• Colchagua Valley (Chile)

• Cook Islands

• Costa Rica

• Hebrides (Scotland)

• Ishikawa (Japan)

• Komodo Islands (Indonesia)

• Loreto (Mexico)

• Montenegro

• Oregon Coast (USA)

• Oulu (Finland)

• Philadelphia (USA)

• Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

• Guimarães (Portugal)

• Samburu (Kenya)

• Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)

• Slocan Valley (Canada)

• Uluru (Australia)

• Uruguay

Key Takeaways

• The BBC’s 2026 Travel List excluded Thailand and included Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

• Sustainability, community impact and culture were central selection criteria.

• Phnom Penh was praised for infrastructure development, urban renewal and youth-led creativity.

 Adapted by Asean Now from BBC 2026-01-01

 

Ooh, that’ll upset the TAT! Lol. Should come with a warning regards pickpockets though regards PP.

Not a bad list actually, esp Oregon.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The BBC also pointed to efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve walkability.

Thailand can only dream of making 'walkability' ,, blocked and broken footpaths everywhere, high curbs with no ramps.....

20 minutes ago, brian69 said:

Thailand can only dream of making 'walkability' ,, blocked and broken footpaths everywhere, high curbs with no ramps.....

Yup, road an pedestrian safety isn't even an afterthought here, it is just dismissed as nonsense by the highly regarded Thai culture of "Me-First". The Thai people have no one but themselves to blame for their problems, let them wallow in their filth, polluted air, polluted water, polluted soil, and dangerous roads and pathways. Let ignorance be their downfall.

Was in PP for the weekend before Christmas. What a refreshing change! Good food, cheap beer/drinks, nice overall feeling to the place. Not robbed once, "nightlife" abundant and well below Bangkok rates ($, age and kg), ladies not pressing for refills of their drinks every 30 seconds. Fully intending to return this year, when of course it won't be quite as nice, but nowhere is ever better than the first trip. Not sure if my criteria is entirely the same as the BBC's but I'm with them on the airport, a great way to start and finish the experience.

1 hour ago, brian69 said:

Thailand can only dream of making 'walkability' ,, blocked and broken footpaths everywhere, high curbs with no ramps.....

Who walks? It is too friggin hot?

But when I did walk - Mad Dogs and Englishmen... - up Soi 71 to the electronics shop it was very pleasant and not treacherous.

Good to hear.. it is called Kharma....

Philadelphia and Phnom Phen. No wonder folks laugh at the BBC

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Who walks? It is too friggin hot?

But when I did walk - Mad Dogs and Englishmen... - up Soi 71 to the electronics shop it was very pleasant and not treacherous.

Not much of an issue with soi or stray dogs in Cambodia, credit where its due

Just now, Bday Prang said:

Not much of an issue with soi or stray dogs in Cambodia, credit where its due

Or where I live.👍

11 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

Or where I live.👍

Is that for the same reason ? or just a coincidence

2 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

Is that for the same reason ? or just a coincidence

There are very, very few aggressive stray or soi dogs where I reside. So I don't have the same level of fear or obsession.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)

Well the "Dominican" has always been a favorite of Scousers who have a traditional affinity with sustainability, hence the popularity of the "all inclusive" drink as much as you can deals I'm sure others are aware of it too Surprised at the BBC recommending it though

1 minute ago, VocalNeal said:

There are very, very few aggressive stray or soi dogs where I reside. So I don't have the same level of fear or obsession.

What level of "fear and obsession" have I demonstrated by complimenting the Cambodians on having very few stray dogs ,

3 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

What level of "fear and obsession" have I demonstrated by complimenting the Cambodians on having very few stray dogs ,

Philadelphia???

Off topic post removed @Bday Prang discuss the topic, not your political agenda.

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A central factor was the opening of Techo International Airport, Cambodia’s largest infrastructure project, featuring a futuristic terminal design and a giant silver Buddha intended to position the capital as a global transport hub.

How exactly does a giant silver Buddha help to position an airport as a global transport hub?

Asking for a friend.

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

Yup, road an pedestrian safety isn't even an afterthought here, it is just dismissed as nonsense by the highly regarded Thai culture of "Me-First". The Thai people have no one but themselves to blame for their problems, let them wallow in their filth, polluted air, polluted water, polluted soil, and dangerous roads and pathways. Let ignorance be their downfall.

Still stuck here, eh?

Maybe you can go home this year.

I wonder when Jonathan Head's work visa is due for renewal?

1 hour ago, John Drake said:

Philadelphia???

I had to do a doubletake on that as well. I'm surprised ANYWHERE in the US would be on this list. Oregon coast is a nice place for curing insomnia, but Philadelphia?!?

9 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

Yup, road an pedestrian safety isn't even an afterthought here, it is just dismissed as nonsense by the highly regarded Thai culture of "Me-First". The Thai people have no one but themselves to blame for their problems, let them wallow in their filth, polluted air, polluted water, polluted soil, and dangerous roads and pathways. Let ignorance be their downfall.

That's it. Don't hold back. Let it all out. You'll feel better for it :)

PP is traffic choked, air polluted and not particularly pretty. Some good restaurants though and of course cheap draughts.

Techno Airport looks nice but ... overkill?

But what do you expect from the BBC (reverse 322 for your skull and bones) ?

11 hours ago, simon43 said:

That's it. Don't hold back. Let it all out. You'll feel better for it :)

No need, as you can see, the Thai chickens are coming home to roost. A lot of their bad behaviors are about to slap them right in the face.

It isn’t really an either/or situation between Thailand and Cambodia. You could just as equally say that any of the countries on the list were chosen instead of Thailand. And it must be remembered that the BBC is looking for slightly off beat places that aren’t on the normal package holiday lists. That way there is something for them to write about.

Maybe Thailand is a bit old hat now and people don’t want to read about a place they may well have already visited and which has, let’s face it, a sex pat reputation……or vibrant nightlife as some whimsically call it.

Maybe it’s also a wake up call for Thailand that the tourist world as a whole maybe moving on from them, leaving only hard core mongers, those who have ‘family’ ties and those who find it a convenient base while they work offshore , to visit every year.

It’s also possibly why TAT are always looking for new markets to tap for tourists. Chinese, then Russians, then Indian. Maintaining repeat customers from an existing market requires constant investment in and reinvention of a product. Not really seeing much of that in Thai tourism, imho.

18 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

Not much of an issue with soi or stray dogs in Cambodia, credit where its due

They eat them all.

3 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

They eat them all.

They do indeed, even the scabby ones, ( dogs I mean)

Many Thais are also partial to a bit of "neua sawan" ( heavenly meat ) but unfortunately supply exceeds demand here ,since the animal activists ruined a perfectly good system for exporting the valuable commodity without providing an alternative way of controlling the numbers , hence the frequent Rabies outbreaks

23 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The list highlights destinations judged to offer meaningful travel experiences while supporting sustainability, local communities and cultural preservation.

Meanwhile, in the real world, most travelers are looking for cheaper beer and easier women.

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

No need, as you can see, the Thai chickens are coming home to roost. A lot of their bad behaviors are about to slap them right in the face.

I'm genuinely surprised that you are still here, a true testament to your stamina and resilience. Keep up the negativity and the Thai bashing posts and things will surely improve for you

Who would pay any attention to the BBC??? One good thing that might come from it is less Poms in LOS....