More about hotels in Phnom Penh
About Phnom Penh accommodation
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's riverside capital, pairs gilded royal architecture with laid-back riverside cafes and some of Southeast Asia's best value stays. Whether you're after a rooftop pool with Mekong views or a simple guesthouse near the markets, this city makes your travel dollar go a long way.
Most visitors base themselves along the riverside or in leafy BKK1, both an easy tuk-tuk ride from the Royal Palace, Central Market and a bowl of good amok. You'll find plenty of English-speaking staff, reliable wifi and prices that stretch much further than back home.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
- Riverside, Sisowath Quay: the buzzing promenade along the Mekong, lined with restaurants, bars and sunset cruise piers, walking distance to the Royal Palace and National Museum.
- BKK1: the leafy expat hub, known for boutique hotels, rooftop bars and cafes, a short ride from the Russian Market.
- Daun Penh: the historic downtown core, home to French colonial landmarks like the Central Post Office and Royal Railway Station, plus the Rosewood tower.
- Chamkar Mon: a quieter, tree-lined embassy district with easy access to riverside attractions, good for families.
How much is Phnom Penh accommodation?
- Budget: AU$15-40, a simple guesthouse or hostel with a fan or air-con room, often near the riverside or markets.
- Mid-range: AU$45-110, a boutique hotel with breakfast and a rooftop or courtyard pool in BKK1 or Riverside.
- Luxury: AU$150-400+, a five-star riverside or tower hotel with a spa, pool and multiple restaurants.
What Phnom Penh is known for
- The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: golden spires and manicured palace grounds, with the pagoda's floor laid with thousands of silver tiles.
- Sisowath Quay riverside: a lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap for sunset walks and boat cruises.
- Central and Russian Markets: Psar Thmei's Art Deco dome and the Russian Market's stalls of clothing, handicrafts and street food.
- Cambodian cuisine: fish amok, a fragrant curry steamed in banana leaf with coconut milk and kroeung spice paste.
Top-rated hotels in Phnom Penh
- Rosewood Phnom Penh: occupying the top floors of Vattanac Capital Tower, with panoramic Mekong views, a spa and six restaurants.
- Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: a riverside five-star with French colonial-inspired decor, pools and multiple dining options.
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal: a historic colonial-era hotel with landscaped gardens near the Royal Palace.
- M Residence: a BKK1 favourite known for its rooftop infinity pool and sky bar with city views.
- The Pavilion Phnom Penh: a riverside boutique stay set in a restored colonial villa with garden pool.
Travel tips for Phnom Penh
- US dollars and Cambodian riel are both used everywhere, so carry small USD notes for tuk-tuks and markets.
- Ride-hailing apps and tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around the spread-out city.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- November to February is the coolest, driest time to visit.
- Bargain politely at the Central and Russian Markets, prices are rarely fixed.
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