In a historic regional recognition, Cambodia has achieved a remarkable milestone: five of the nation’s outstanding tourist cities have been honored with ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard awards for the 2026-2028 period. This prestigious recognition, announced at the 5th ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard competition held during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu, Philippines (January 27-31, 2026), underscores Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable tourism, urban cleanliness, and creating memorable experiences for international and domestic visitors.
Prime Minister Hun Manet celebrated this achievement, emphasizing that “clean cities are valuable tourism products that offer memorable experiences for guests.” These awards validate Cambodia’s strategic shift toward quality tourism infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and urban beautification—positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in responsible tourism development.
The Five Award-Winning Cities: Cambodia’s Clean Tourism Champions
Cambodia’s five ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard award winners for 2026-2028 represent the nation’s most dynamic tourism destinations, each offering distinct experiences while maintaining exceptional cleanliness and environmental standards.
1. Siem Reap: The City of Ancient Temples
Award Status: ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2026-2028) Significance: Cambodia’s primary tourism hub and gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park
Why Siem Reap Excels:
Siem Reap’s award reflects years of systematic urban improvement and tourism infrastructure development. The city, which welcomed approximately 1 million visitors annually pre-pandemic, has transformed its urban landscape to accommodate global tourism while preserving cultural authenticity.
Key Achievements:
- Modern waste management systems and sanitation infrastructure
- Public space maintenance and streetscape improvements
- Green building standards for hospitality facilities
- Clean water and air quality management
- Sustainable tourism practices throughout the city
Tourist Experience Benefits: Visitors to Siem Reap now experience:
- Clean, well-maintained streets in the city center
- Modern public restrooms meeting international standards
- Organized night markets and commercial areas
- Reduced pollution and improved air quality
- Green spaces and river promenades
- Sustainable hospitality services
Growth Implications: Siem Reap’s award recognition is expected to boost tourism further, particularly among travelers prioritizing clean, sustainable destinations. The award validates Siem Reap’s positioning as Asia’s 5th best cultural destination (per 2026 TripAdvisor rankings).
2. Battambang: The Creative Capital
Award Status: ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2026-2028) Significance: Cambodia’s emerging cultural and creative tourism hub
Why Battambang Excels:
Battambang’s award celebrates the provincial city’s remarkable cultural renaissance and sustained commitment to environmental quality. Known as Cambodia’s creative capital, Battambang successfully balances rapid development with preservation of colonial heritage and community-centered tourism.
Key Achievements:
- Pristine colonial architecture preservation and urban restoration
- Clean City Arts Festival integration into annual programming (2025 onward)
- Sangkae River waterfront development and management
- Sustainable tourism infrastructure for artisans and cultural enterprises
- Community-based waste management and sanitation improvements
- Green hospitality standards for boutique hotels and restaurants
Cultural Tourism Distinction: Unlike mass tourism destinations, Battambang emphasizes:
- Authentic encounters with local artists and artisans
- Pottery workshops and traditional craft preservation
- Cultural performances and contemporary art exhibitions
- Responsible tourism practices benefiting local communities
- Environmental sustainability in cultural programming
2026 Momentum: Battambang recorded 12% tourism growth during the 2025 Royal Water Festival, with nearly 120,000 participants. The ASEAN Clean City award is expected to accelerate growth in cultural tourism specifically.
3. Kampong Cham: The Peaceful Mekong Riverside Gem
Award Status: ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2026-2028) Significance: Cambodia’s riverine tourism destination offering authentic Mekong experiences
Why Kampong Cham Excels:
Kampong Cham’s award recognizes a smaller secondary city’s commitment to sustainable riverside tourism development. Located on the Mekong River, Kampong Cham offers travelers authentic experiences without the infrastructure overwhelm of major tourist centers.
Key Achievements:
- Mekong River waterfront cleanliness and management
- Sustainable fishing community tourism
- Riverside market sanitation and organization
- Colonial-era architecture preservation
- Water quality monitoring and protection initiatives
- Community-based ecotourism standards
Authentic Experiences: Kampong Cham’s appeal centers on:
- Mekong River boat tours through natural landscapes
- Rubber plantation visits and agricultural tourism
- Local market exploration and street food experiences
- Sunrise and sunset viewing over the river
- Interaction with fishing communities and local life
- Eco-tourism activities in surrounding countryside
Development Advantage: As a secondary tourism destination, Kampong Cham benefits from award recognition that positions it as an alternative to overcrowded primary destinations, attracting travelers seeking authentic experiences.
4. Stung Treng: The Jungle-Nestled Gateway
Award Status: ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2026-2028) Significance: Cambodia’s emerging eco-tourism and adventure travel destination
Why Stung Treng Excels:
Stung Treng’s award is particularly significant—it recognizes a remote, less-developed provincial city’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth. Stung Treng represents Cambodia’s frontier for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
Key Achievements:
- Wetland and river ecosystem protection
- Sustainable wildlife tourism standards
- Community-based ecotourism development
- Environmental conservation initiatives
- Clean water and air quality management
- Low-impact tourism infrastructure
Adventure & Nature Tourism: Stung Treng specializes in:
- Irrawaddy dolphin watching on the Mekong River
- Jungle trekking and rainforest exploration
- Birdwatching and wildlife observation
- Waterfall exploration and river kayaking
- Rural village homestays and cultural immersion
- Off-the-beaten-path adventure experiences
Tourism Positioning: The award validates Stung Treng as a sustainable eco-tourism destination, attracting adventure travelers and environmentally-conscious visitors seeking authentic, low-impact experiences.
5. Preah Sihanouk (Sihanoukville): The Coastal Jewel
Award Status: ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2026-2028) Significance: Cambodia’s primary coastal tourism destination
Why Preah Sihanouk Excels:
Preah Sihanouk’s award recognizes Cambodia’s coastal tourism hub’s transformation from a rough-and-tumble port city into a modern beach destination. The province has undergone significant urban renewal focused on cleanliness, infrastructure, and tourism amenities.
Key Achievements:
- Beach cleanliness and marine pollution reduction
- Port and harbor management improvements
- Modern tourist infrastructure and facilities
- Coastal ecosystem protection initiatives
- Island tourism sustainability standards
- Green building practices in hospitality sector
Coastal Tourism Experiences: Preah Sihanouk offers:
- White sand beaches and swimming
- Island hopping (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Ta Kiev)
- Water sports (snorkeling, diving, kayaking)
- Sunset viewing and beach dining
- Marine protected area exploration
- Luxury and budget accommodation options
Strategic Importance: As Cambodia’s primary coastal destination, Preah Sihanouk’s award is expected to boost international beach tourism, particularly from regional markets (Australia, Thailand, Vietnam).
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard: What It Means
Evaluation Framework
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS) evaluates cities across multiple dimensions:
Environmental Quality:
- Air quality and pollution levels
- Water quality and sanitation
- Waste management and recycling
- Green spaces and environmental protection
Tourism Infrastructure:
- Accommodation quality and cleanliness
- Dining and food safety standards
- Public restroom facilities and maintenance
- Tourist information services
- Transportation systems
Urban Development:
- Public space cleanliness and maintenance
- Streetscape and urban design
- Heritage preservation and restoration
- Community infrastructure
- Public health and safety
Sustainability:
- Green business practices
- Carbon footprint reduction
- Community benefit and poverty alleviation
- Environmental protection measures
- Climate change adaptation initiatives
Award Validity Period
The 2026-2028 award period (3 years) incentivizes continuous improvement rather than one-time compliance. Cities must maintain standards throughout the validity period, with re-evaluation for 2029-2031 cycle.
National Context: Cambodia’s Clean City Movement
Government Commitment
Cambodia’s tourism minister led a unified delegation to the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, embodying public-private synergy in tourism development. The government emphasizes that clean cities represent a strategic tourism asset, not merely aesthetic improvements.
Minister’s Statement: “These awards honor Cambodia’s collective commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism. Clean, green cities are now recognized as valuable tourism products offering memorable experiences for guests while improving quality of life for local residents.”
National Clean City Day 2026
Cambodia celebrated the 13th National Clean City Day on February 27, 2026, themed “Solidarity for Clean Cities.” The commemoration emphasized that clean cities serve as:
- Foundation for sustainable tourism growth
- Symbols of national pride and identity
- Economic drivers creating green jobs
- Instruments for poverty alleviation
- Environmental protection measures
Economic Integration
Clean city improvements directly support Cambodia’s broader economic strategy:
Tourism Sector Growth:
- 2025: Cambodia welcomed nearly 5.6 million international tourists (down 16.9% from 2024’s 6.7 million due to global factors)
- International tourism revenue 2025: $3.7 billion
- 2026 projections: Anticipated 5% growth with award momentum
Employment Creation:
- Direct tourism employment: 150,000+ workers
- Indirect employment: 300,000+ in hospitality, transportation, food service
- Green job creation in sustainability sectors
- Skill development and training opportunities
Community Benefits:
- Improved living standards for tourism-adjacent communities
- Local business opportunities (shops, restaurants, guides)
- Cultural preservation and pride
- Educational opportunities through tourism
- Infrastructure improvements benefiting all residents
The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026: Cambodia’s Performance
Historic Achievement
Cambodia’s five-city award sweep represents a historic achievement at the 5th ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard competition. The Kingdom’s performance demonstrates sustained commitment to tourism quality and sustainability.
Broader Recognition: Beyond clean city awards, Cambodia swept 27 prestigious distinctions at ATF 2026:
- 5 ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Awards
- 5 ASEAN Green Hotel Awards (pioneering sustainability establishments)
- 15 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) trophies
Strategic Significance: This comprehensive recognition positions Cambodia as an ASEAN tourism leader not merely in attractions (temples) but in infrastructure quality, sustainability, and hospitality standards.
Regional Context
The ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2026-2030 emphasizes quality tourism over volume. Cambodia’s award performance aligns with this strategic shift, prioritizing:
- High-value tourism experiences
- Sustainable development practices
- Community benefit and poverty alleviation
- Environmental protection
- Cultural preservation
Tourism Growth Projections: 2026-2028
Award Impact Expectations
Award winners typically experience measurable tourism increases following ASEAN Clean City recognition:
Expected Growth Ranges:
- City-level tourism: 10-20% growth in years 1-2
- International visitor composition: Increasing from quality-conscious markets
- Average visitor spending: Typically higher for award-winning destinations
- Repeat visitor rates: Increased due to positive experiences
Market Implications
Siem Reap & Preah Sihanouk: Established destinations expect consolidation of market leadership positions with award-validated quality assurances.
Battambang: Emerging destination positioned for accelerated growth as cultural tourism hub gains international recognition.
Kampong Cham & Stung Treng: Secondary destinations gaining awareness among travelers seeking authentic experiences and sustainable tourism.
Practical Implications for Travelers
What This Recognition Means for Your Visit
If you’re planning Cambodia travel in 2026-2028, these awards offer assurance regarding:
Urban Cleanliness:
- Modern waste management systems
- Well-maintained public spaces and streets
- Clean water and sanitation
- Reduced pollution and improved air quality
Tourism Quality:
- Improved hospitality standards
- Better tourism infrastructure and services
- Enhanced dining and food safety
- Professional guides and tourism operators
Sustainable Practices:
- Environmental protection initiatives
- Community-friendly tourism operations
- Heritage preservation efforts
- Green building and operation standards
Booking & Planning Recommendations
Award-Winning Cities (2026-2028): Book accommodations in these five destinations with confidence in receiving quality, clean, sustainable tourism services.
Alternative Approach: Many travelers intentionally choose secondary destinations (Kampong Cham, Stung Treng) to experience authentic Cambodia with fewer tourists while supporting sustainable development.
Conclusion: Cambodia’s Clean City Vision
The recognition of five Cambodian cities as ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard award winners represents far more than a regional accolade. It validates Cambodia’s strategic transformation toward sustainable, quality tourism that benefits both visitors and residents.
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s emphasis that “clean cities are valuable tourism products that offer memorable experiences” encapsulates this shift: cleanliness and sustainability are not burdensome regulations but powerful competitive advantages in global tourism markets increasingly prioritizing responsible travel.
For Cambodia’s five award-winning cities—Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Stung Treng, and Preah Sihanouk—the 2026-2028 recognition opens new opportunities:
- Accelerated tourism growth
- International investor confidence
- Enhanced global positioning
- Improved quality of life for residents
- Environmental protection and restoration
As travelers increasingly seek destinations aligning with sustainability values, Cambodia’s award-winning cities stand poised to welcome visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences, natural beauty, and responsible tourism in Southeast Asia’s most compelling destination.
Plan your 2026-2028 Cambodia journey with confidence. These award-winning cities await your discovery.