Cambodia's 'Genuine Smile' Earns Global Recognition, Ranked Fifth Friendliest Country in the World

The Kingdom of Wonder has once again secured international recognition for its hospitality. According to the latest announcement from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia has ranked fifth on the list of "World's Friendliest Countries" in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The country achieved an impressive score of 97.33%, solidifying its reputation as one of Asia's most popular and humane tourist destinations.

These highly-regarded awards are based on votes cast by travelers worldwide, who evaluate destinations on a variety of key indicators, including the friendliness of the people, hospitality, and overall traveler satisfaction.

Cambodia significantly stood out in this global selection, ranking ahead of its neighbors, with Vietnam and Thailand placing sixth and eighth, respectively, on the list. The publication specifically emphasized that Cambodia’s warmth has become a cultural symbol, noting that its genuine smile is among the most memorable for travelers worldwide. As a largely Buddhist country, this pervasive kindness is often linked to the concept of 'metta', or unconditional love for all beings.

This is not the first time Cambodia’s friendly image has been highly praised by the international community, demonstrating a consistent and deeply rooted national trait. In September, 2024, the international data platform DataPandas.org ranked Cambodia fourth globally and first in Southeast Asia in its "World's Friendliest Countries and Regions" survey, which collected responses from over 12,000 expatriates. Many respondents noted they often felt at home on the streets of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, encountering genuine smiles and helpful locals. In 2021, InterNations, an expatriate community platform, ranked Cambodia as the fourth friendliest country in the world and in 2021, Rough Guides, a major travel guide publisher, ranked Cambodia as the number one "friendliest country in the world" through a global reader vote.

Behind this consistent series of international accolades lies Cambodia’s profound cultural heritage and humanistic spirit. The compassion and tolerance espoused in Buddhist culture are deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Cambodian people, shaping a national character centered on warmth and sincerity. This human connection often leaves a deeper impression than even the country's most spectacular historical sites. As one French tourist remarked, he had originally come for the majestic Angkor Wat, but ultimately was deeply moved by the kindness of the people he encountered throughout the Kingdom. Today, Cambodia’s renowned smile is not just an expression, but has become a warm and sincere friendly business card that the country conveys to the world, effectively enhancing Cambodia’s attractiveness and reputation as a premier international tourist destination.