Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Cambodia
|Pop. 1.6M
|4 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sean Oulashin / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Riverside is the best neighbourhood to stay in Phnom Penh. Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels. Ideal for first-timers, couples, nightlife. Budget travellers can get by on USD 30/day.
Areas to Avoid in Phnom Penh
Safety rated "Exercise caution". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels. | Mid-range | first-timers, couples | Generally safe during the day, but be aw... |
| BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) | Trendy and cosmopolitan area known for its cafes, international restaurants, and expatriate community. | Luxury | digital nomads, foodies | Considered one of the safest neighborhoo... |
| Daun Penh (Old Market Area) | The historic heart of the city, bustling with markets, colonial architecture, and a mix of local life and tourist activity. | Budget | first-timers, culture | Busy during the day with pickpocket risk... |
| Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area) | A more local neighborhood centered around the bustling Russian Market, offering a glimpse into daily life with plenty of food stalls and shops. | Budget | budget, foodies | Generally safe, but be cautious of petty... |
Riverside
Mid-rangeLively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at ...
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
LuxuryTrendy and cosmopolitan area known for its cafes, international restaurants, and expatriate community.
Considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Phnom Penh, with good street light...
Daun Penh (Old Market Area)
BudgetThe historic heart of the city, bustling with markets, colonial architecture, and a mix of local life and tourist activity.
Busy during the day with pickpocket risks; at night, stay on main roads and be a...
Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
BudgetA more local neighborhood centered around the bustling Russian Market, offering a glimpse into daily life with plenty of food stalls and shops.
Generally safe, but be cautious of petty theft in the market itself; street ligh...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Phnom Penh
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Riverside
Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Our top picks in Riverside
Daun Penh (Old Market Area)
The historic heart of the city, bustling with markets, colonial architecture, and a mix of local life and tourist activity.
Our top picks in Daun Penh (Old Market Area)
Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
A more local neighborhood centered around the bustling Russian Market, offering a glimpse into daily life with plenty of food stalls and shops.
Our top picks in Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
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Things to Do in Phnom Penh
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
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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.
Things to Do in Phnom Penh
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Phnom Penh tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Phnom Penh
Daily budget per person in USD
💡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.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Riverside
Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Stay in BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
Trendy and cosmopolitan area known for its cafes, international restaurants, and expatriate community.
Stay in Daun Penh (Old Market Area)
The historic heart of the city, bustling with markets, colonial architecture, and a mix of local life and tourist activity.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Phnom Penh
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List Your PropertySafety 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
Compare hotel deals in Phnom Penh
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Phnom Penh
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Cambodia
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Cambodia and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Phnom Penh
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Tuk-tuk: ~30-45 mins, 7-10 USD; Taxi: ~30-45 mins, 10-15 USD.
🎫
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.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitGrab
📶
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.
Rent a Car in Phnom Penh
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Dec
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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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