More about hotels in Phnom Penh
Your Complete Guide to Hotels in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, is a city where ancient Khmer heritage meets modern urban energy. Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, this dynamic metropolis has transformed into one of Southeast Asia's most exciting destinations. For Singapore travellers, Phnom Penh offers an affordable and culturally enriching getaway with a fascinating mix of grand colonial architecture, sacred temples, thought-provoking historical sites, and a rapidly growing food and nightlife scene.
From gleaming five-star riverside hotels to cosy boutique guesthouses tucked away in leafy side streets, Phnom Penh has accommodation for every taste and budget. Booking your hotel on Traveloka ensures you get the best rates with instant confirmation and hassle-free planning. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding the perfect place to stay in Cambodia's vibrant capital.
Best Areas to Stay in Phnom Penh
Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
The Riverside promenade along Sisowath Quay is the most popular area for tourists in Phnom Penh. This scenic stretch runs along the Tonle Sap River and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels. Staying here gives you easy access to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and numerous dining options. It is perfect for first-time visitors who want a central and lively base.
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
BKK1 is the trendy expat neighbourhood known for its excellent restaurants, hip cafes, and boutique shops. This area offers a more local and residential vibe compared to the tourist-heavy Riverside district. Hotels here tend to be stylish boutique properties and mid-range options, making it ideal for travellers who appreciate a quieter setting with easy access to great dining.
Daun Penh District
The historic Daun Penh district encompasses the Royal Palace area and many of the city's most important landmarks. Hotels in this neighbourhood range from luxury international brands to heritage boutique properties. It is an excellent choice for history enthusiasts and those who want to explore Phnom Penh's rich cultural attractions on foot.
Russian Market Area (Toul Tom Poung)
Named after the famous Russian Market, this southern neighbourhood is popular with budget travellers and long-term visitors. The area features affordable guesthouses, local eateries, and some of the best bargain shopping in the city. It is a bit further from the main tourist sights but offers an authentic local experience.
Hotel Prices by Star Rating in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh offers excellent value for accommodation across all categories. Here is a guide to typical nightly rates in SGD.
Budget Hotels (1-2 Stars): SGD 12 - SGD 35 per night | Mid-Range Hotels (3 Stars): SGD 35 - SGD 90 per night | Upper Mid-Range (4 Stars): SGD 90 - SGD 200 per night | Luxury Hotels (5 Stars): SGD 200 - SGD 550+ per night
Rates can fluctuate based on season and events. The Khmer New Year period in April and the Water Festival in November tend to see higher prices. Booking ahead on Traveloka helps you lock in the best deals.
Top Hotels in Phnom Penh
For a luxury experience, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is an iconic colonial-era property that has hosted dignitaries and celebrities since 1929. Its elegant rooms, tropical gardens, and legendary Elephant Bar make it a standout choice. Rosewood Phnom Penh, located in the striking Vattanac Capital Tower, offers contemporary luxury with panoramic city views and a stunning rooftop bar.
Mid-range travellers will enjoy Plantation Urban Resort & Spa, a charming heritage property in BKK1 with a beautiful pool and excellent restaurant. Palace Gate Hotel & Resort offers modern rooms with riverside views at competitive rates. For budget stays, Mad Monkey Phnom Penh is a popular hostel with a rooftop pool, while The Billabong Hotel provides affordable rooms with a relaxed garden atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
The ideal time to visit Phnom Penh is during the cool dry season from November to February, when temperatures hover between 25-32 degrees Celsius with low humidity. This is also when the spectacular Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) takes place in November. The hot season from March to May can see temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. The wet season from June to October brings daily afternoon showers but also lush greenery and fewer tourists, along with lower hotel rates that budget-savvy Singapore travellers can take advantage of.
Getting to Phnom Penh from Singapore
Direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) take approximately 2 hours. Airlines including Singapore Airlines (via SilkAir), JetStar, and AirAsia operate regular flights on this route. Return airfares typically range from SGD 180 to SGD 400, with budget carriers occasionally offering promotional fares from SGD 130 return.
Phnom Penh International Airport is located about 10 kilometres west of the city centre. A taxi ride to most hotels takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately SGD 10-15. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also available at the airport. Singapore passport holders require a visa to enter Cambodia, available on arrival for approximately USD 30 or through the e-visa system online.
Top Attractions in Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace is Phnom Penh's most iconic landmark, a magnificent complex of Khmer-style buildings that serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Within the palace grounds, the Silver Pagoda houses priceless Buddhist treasures including a life-sized gold Buddha encrusted with diamonds. The National Museum of Cambodia, a striking terracotta building near the Royal Palace, holds the world's finest collection of Khmer art and sculptures.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are deeply moving historical sites that provide essential context about Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime. On a lighter note, the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is an art deco masterpiece perfect for souvenir shopping. The lively Night Market along the riverside offers street food, live performances, and local crafts. For a peaceful escape, take a sunset cruise along the Mekong River or visit Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple that gave the city its name.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Phnom Penh
Book your Phnom Penh hotel at least two weeks in advance, especially during peak season from November to February and around major holidays like Khmer New Year in April. Many properties on Traveloka offer free cancellation, so you can reserve your room with confidence and flexibility. Consider choosing a hotel with breakfast included, as many properties offer excellent Khmer and international breakfast buffets.
If you plan to visit multiple attractions, staying in the Riverside or Daun Penh area will save on transportation costs. For longer stays, look for serviced apartments in BKK1 which offer great value with kitchen facilities. Check Traveloka's app-exclusive deals and flash sales for additional discounts. Pairing your hotel booking with a flight on Traveloka can also unlock bundle savings for your Phnom Penh trip.
