Phnom penh: Cambodia has been ranked the best country for eco-tourism in Southeast Asia, followed by Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia, according to U.S. News and World Report, as cited by the Ministry of Tourism.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodia also achieved a global ranking of 17th in eco-tourism, with Seychelles taking the top spot worldwide, followed by Slovenia and Croatia. The U.S. News and World Report highlighted Cambodia's cultural history, rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism, and its status as the home of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth.
The report emphasized that the best eco-tourism destinations are those that blend natural beauty with active environmental protection and a rich cultural heritage. The ranking was based on several factors, including deforestation, linguistic diversity, natural attractions, protected areas, species richness, sustainable trade, and World Heritage Sites.