Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Cambodia
|Pop. 1.6M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Phnom Penh at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Phnom Penh
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
When taking tuk-tuks, agree on the fare *before* you get in, and be prepared to negotiate politely. For longer distances or specific routes, using ride-hailing apps like Grab can offer fixed prices and a degree of transparency.
Getting Around
Download Grab and PassApp before you arrive; they offer convenience and often better prices than hailing a tuk-tuk directly.
Watch Out For
Tuk-tuk overcharging (agree on fare beforehand)
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise vigilance, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
Hidden Gems in Phnom Penh
Lesser-known spots the locals love
The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
A somber but essential historical site, this former Khmer Rouge execution center offers a profound and moving glimpse into Cambodia's tragic past. Visitors can walk the grounds and learn about the country's history through audio tours and exhibits.
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
FREEThis iconic Art Deco building is a bustling hub for locals, offering everything from fresh produce and souvenirs to clothing and jewelry. Its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a fascinating place to explore.
Orussey Market
FREEA truly local experience, Orussey Market is a multi-story labyrinth where you can find an incredible array of goods, from fabrics and electronics to street food and household items. It's a great place to practice your bargaining skills and soak in authentic Cambodian daily life.
NagaWorld
FREEWhile known for its casino, NagaWorld also boasts a variety of bars and restaurants with live music and great views of the Mekong River, offering a more upscale nightlife experience popular with locals and expats.
Wat Phnom
FREEThe namesake of the city, this serene temple sits atop a small hill and is a popular spot for locals to pray and relax, especially during weekends. The surrounding park is a pleasant escape from the city bustle.
Friends International
This social enterprise restaurant offers delicious food in a beautiful garden setting, and more importantly, supports marginalized youth. Dining here directly contributes to training and employment for young Cambodians.
What It Costs in Phnom Penh
Daily budget per person in USD
π‘83% cheaper than London
USD 30/day
USD 70/day
USD 150/day
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Royal Palace15 min
- Central Market25 min
- Night Market5 min
Pros
- +Scenic river views
- +Abundant dining and entertainment options
- +Easy access to major attractions
Cons
- -Can be noisy and crowded
- -Traffic congestion is common
Top stays in Riverside
RIVERSIDE APARTMENT HOTEL
$$Offers spacious apartments with kitchenettes and river views.
THE BAOBAB HOME
$Charming boutique guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere and garden.
THE 25 HOTEL
$$Modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool.
KOSAI HOTEL
$$Stylish hotel with a focus on art and design.
Best for
Walk to
- Independence Monument15 min
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)30 min
Pros
- +Excellent food and coffee scene
- +Good infrastructure for expats and digital nomads
- +Relatively clean and well-maintained streets
Cons
- -Can be more expensive than other areas
- -Less traditional Cambodian feel
Top stays in BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
THE PLAZA HOTEL
$$Centrally located hotel with modern amenities and a rooftop pool.
THE KAMPUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$Charming boutique hotel with a tranquil courtyard and personalized service.
BKK1 APARTMENT
$$Serviced apartments offering comfort and convenience for longer stays.
THE ROOMS
$$Stylish boutique hotel with a focus on design and comfort.
Best for
Walk to
- Royal Palace10 min
- Riverside5 min
- Central Market20 min
Pros
- +Close proximity to major historical sites
- +Authentic local market experiences
- +Good value for money accommodation and food
Cons
- -Can be chaotic and noisy
- -Street conditions can be uneven
Top stays in Daun Penh (Old Market Area)
WHITE LOTUS HOTEL
$Simple, clean hotel offering good value and a central location.
SAMATHA HOUSE
$Homely guesthouse with a rooftop terrace and friendly staff.
THE KOSAI HOTEL
$$Stylish hotel with a focus on art and design.
GRAND MEKONG HOTEL
$$Comfortable hotel with a pool and good access to attractions.
Best for
Walk to
- Russian Market5 min
- Independence Monument25 min
Pros
- +Great for authentic street food
- +Vibrant local market experience
- +More affordable than BKK1
Cons
- -Can be noisy and less polished
- -Further from major historical sites
Top stays in Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
THE 25 HOTEL
$$Modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool.
GRAND VIEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$Boutique hotel with a pool and well-appointed rooms.
SUNWAY HOTEL PHNOM PENH
$$Reliable hotel with good amenities and a central location.
THE ROOMS
$$Stylish boutique hotel with a focus on design and comfort.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately surrounding the railway station: Can be gritty, less tourist-friendly, and potentially sketchy, especially after dark, with limited amenities for visitors.
- Some very remote industrial outskirts: Lack of tourist infrastructure, safety concerns due to isolation, and no points of interest for visitors.
Insider tip: When taking tuk-tuks, agree on the fare *before* you get in, and be prepared to negotiate politely. For longer distances or specific routes, using ride-hailing apps like Grab can offer fixed prices and a degree of transparency.
Safety in Phnom Penh
Exercise cautionSolo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise vigilance, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. Tuk-tuk or Grab is recommended for getting around after dark.
Emergency
117 (Police)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tuk-tuk overcharging (agree on fare beforehand)
- 2Distraction theft (opportunistic snatching of phones/bags)
- 3Fake donation requests
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Transport, connectivity, and costs
βοΈ
Airport to City
Tuk-tuk: ~30-45 mins, 7-10 USD; Taxi: ~30-45 mins, 10-15 USD.
π«
Day Pass
Not applicable for tuk-tuks or Grab; single ride costs vary.
Single: Tuk-tuk rides within the city center typically range from 2-5 USD depending on distance and negotiation.
πΆ
Walkability
Good TransitGrab
πΆ
WiFi
Good20-50 Mbps
Public Transport
Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous for short to medium distances; Grab (ride-hailing app) is highly recommended for cars and motorbikes.
Ride-share
Grab (car and motorbike), PassApp (tuk-tuk and car). Typical cost for short rides: 1.50-3 USD.
Transport Tip
Download Grab and PassApp before you arrive; they offer convenience and often better prices than hailing a tuk-tuk directly.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Most cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Pivotal co-working, Workspace. Rates vary, typically starting from 10-15 USD per day.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Dec
Hotels & Accommodation in Phnom Penh
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Who Is Phnom Penh Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Offers a central location with easy access to key attractions, dining, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Digital Nomads
Known for its excellent cafes, reliable internet, and expat-friendly amenities.
Budget Backpackers
Provides affordable accommodation and food options close to cultural sites and markets.
Foodies
This area is renowned for its authentic street food and local culinary experiences.
Couples
Combines scenic river views with a wide array of romantic dining and evening entertainment options.
About Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since 1865 and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its political, economic, industrial, and cultural centre. The city's name derives from Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple, and Lady Penh, the city's founder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phnom Penh
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Phnom Penh Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel