If this is your first time to Phnom Penh, deciding where to stay is crucial for a hassle-free vacation in the capital city of Cambodia. Widely considered the nation’s cultural, business and political centre, Phnom Penh is split into several areas, each providing an extensive range of sightseeing, shopping, dining, and nightlife choices.
Despite its bleak history, the city has undergone huge development over the years, where you can find breathtaking temples, royal buildings, and fascinating museums set within close proximity to fashionable restaurants, shopping malls, and lively bars. To accommodate visitors from across the world, Phnom Penh hotels range from simple guesthouses for budget-conscious travelers to luxury villas for the affluent. We’ve listed down the city’s most popular districts as well as the pros and cons of every locale to assist you choose where to book your hotel in Phnom Penh.
Hotels In the City Center
The city center encompasses the northern part of Phnom Penh. There’s wide range of accommodation available at the side of many attractions, like the Central Market (Psar Thmey), Golden Sorya Mall, Wat Phnom pagoda, Freedom Park and French colonial buildings as well as five-star hotels and upmarket restaurants. Because of the relatively small size of Phnom Penh, you can get to most places within the city or the surrounds quite easily from anywhere in the city centre.
Who is it for:
- Travelers looking to buy for excellent bargains
- People who want to experience the local culture
- People who want to fancy a good range of eating choices
What's Good:
- Traditional markets provide cheap goods and local cuisine
- A wide range of accommodation is available
- Restaurants and bars cater to different types of person
- Battambang Bus & Taxi Station is next to Central Market
What's Not so Good:
- Traffic can get very busy during peak hours
Hotels Within Riverside Area
Riverside or Sisowath quay is Phnom Penh’s busiest district, housing rows of fashion boutiques, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels that cater to just about any budget level. Located on the intersection of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River rivers, this boulevard attracts tourists looking to visit renowned landmarks like the Royal Palace, Wat Ounalom pagoda, National museum, and traditional markets like Phsar Chas and Phsar Kandal. It gets fairly packed in the evening, where locals and travelers will relish a relaxing walk along the riverfront or savior authentic Khmer, Asian and western cuisine.
Who is it For:
- People who want to be in the heart of the city’s actions
- People who want to experience the local culture
- People looking for nightlife
What's Good:
- A wide range of accommodation options
- Notable landmarks such as Royal Palace and National museum
- Restaurants and outlets cater to different prices ranges
What's Not so Good:
- It’s the most tourist-centric part of the city thus expect touts and beggars
Hotels Within the Independence Monument
Independence Monument is set in southern Phnom Penh at the intersection of Sihanouk Boulevards and the Norodom Boulevards. It’s also called the city’s expat neighborhood because it houses foreign embassies, United Nations and NGO offices, as well as international schools and universities.
Street 51 is a vivacious hub set within walking distance from Independence Monument, where travelers can find many trendy restaurants, café, boutiques, spas, bars and pubs. A 10-minute taxi ride away is Tuol Sleng 21 prison, a historical museum and popular tourist attraction that details the genocidal crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime. Accommodation choices surrounding Independence Monument include boutique hotels, villas, and serviced apartments.
Who is it For:
- Moderately wealthy travellers
- People looking for a busy nightlife scene
What's Good:
- Mid-range hotels, international restaurants and shopping venues
- Popular attractions include Tuol Sleng 21 prison and Independence Monument
What's Not so Good:
- Attractions require the use of public transportation