September 4, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat has been named the number one attraction in Asia in Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025, reaffirming its place as one of the world’s most cherished wonders.
The annual awards, based on millions of reviews and opinions shared by travellers worldwide, spotlight destinations that deliver exceptional experiences.
“Out of more than eight million listings on Tripadvisor, fewer than one per cent earn the Best of the Best title,” according to Tripadvisor.
Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose above natural wonders and cultural landmarks across the continent to claim the top spot.
Visitors consistently praised its grandeur, intricate carvings and profound spiritual significance. Many noted the breathtaking sunrise over its lotus-bud towers as an unforgettable highlight.
“Angkor Wat is more than an archaeological masterpiece — it’s a living symbol of Cambodia’s identity and resilience,” said a Siem Reap tour guide Meas Sopha.
“Every stone tells a story, and every sunrise renews its timeless beauty,” added Sopha.
According to Angkor Enterprise, a total of 672,593 foreign tourists purchased Angkor Passes between January 1 and September 3, 2025.
The Ministry of Tourism reported that 3.7 million international visitors arrived in Cambodia in the first seven months of the year.
The top ten list reflected Asia’s vast diversity, stretching from ancient temples to modern museums.
China’s Great Wall secured second place, celebrated for its dramatic views and adventurous hikes.
India’s Taj Mahal followed in third, captivating visitors with its marble elegance and romantic legacy.
Japan’s Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto came fourth, its thousands of vermilion gates drawing pilgrims and photographers alike.
Vietnam appeared twice in the top ten, with Ho Chi Minh City’s War Remnants Museum (5th) and Hoi An Ancient Town (6th), each praised for their cultural and historical depth.
Thailand also claimed two spots: Wat Phra Chetuphon in Bangkok (7th) and the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, also in the capital (9th).
Indonesia’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud (8th) charmed travelers with its unique blend of nature and spirituality, while India’s Qutub Minar in New Delhi (10th) rounded out the rankings with its monumental Mughal architecture.
Tripadvisor noted that this year’s winners demonstrate not only architectural and natural beauty but also the importance of immersive experiences — whether it’s exploring heritage towns, walking through living temples or reflecting on history in thought-provoking museums.
For Cambodia, Angkor Wat’s recognition carries both cultural and economic significance.
As the nation continues to recover its tourism industry post-pandemic, international accolades reinforce the temple complex’s role as the crown jewel of the Kingdom’s heritage and a magnet for global travellers.