Whether you are staying in Phnom Penh for a simple layover, a short period, or a long period of time, you should be firstly be excited to visit the versatile and growing capital of Cambodia.
We know arriving in the victorious capital can be overwhelming. Like any city you aren’t too familiar with, we know deciding where to stay during your visit can be the hardest part. We have lived in Cambodia for the past year and have compiled a list of your options to make this part a little easier for you.
So, where should you stay in Phnom Penh? Let’s get to it.
The Riverside (Doun Penh)
If you’ve done a little bit of research on Phnom Penh, you have probably heard of “the riverside”. The riverside is, by far, the most popular area for tourists to stay in while visiting the city. Staying in this area is recommended if you don’t want to go for a long walk to find a great restaurant, bar or shop.
Pros: Most blogs you’ll read will tell you this is where to stay in Phnom Penh. It’s close to bars, restaurants, shopping, the night market, and tourist attractions such as Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, National Museum, and of course, the river. You can even book a boat for lunch or dinner on the river daily. Tuk tuk drivers are easy to come by, and it’s not hard to find another group of tourists or expats if you’re looking to socialize. Whether you are a luxe traveller or not, there is an accommodation for everybody – you can find guest houses for as low as $3.00/night (USD) and nicer hotels for up to $150.00/night (USD).
Cons: Being close to bars means you won’t always get a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re staying in a hostel. Although Cambodia is beautiful, it’s no secret that there is rubbish on the streets and this is very obvious on the riverside. Also – we consider Phnom Penh to be a safe city, but the riverside can be one of the dodgier areas at night – so you’ll need to keep a good eye on your loose stuff (phones, long purses, etc.) and avoid the sketchy looking establishments.
Commute + price from airport: Unless you’re a good bargainer, it should be no more than $9 USD by tuk tuk from the airport, and about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
City Center (near Central Market)
Pros: If you stay in this area, you’ll be close to Central Market which is a great visit. It also isn’t too far away from the riverside. There is a great western mall in this area if you want to go see a movie, and a small bar strip called Pub Street, also close to a popular tourist nightclub. You can even get late night pizza at the famous Katy Peri’s Pizza. There is many good higher-end hotels with pools in this area, along with AirBnBs. This area is also a little quieter than the Riverside or the Independence Monument, with still plenty of access to tuk tuks.
Cons: This area isn’t as popular for hostels if you’re looking for a cheap stay. The night scene is existent, but not as bustling as other areas of the city. You will have to get in a tuk tuk to go anywhere else besides the mall or Central Market – although this restriction is very common for many areas of the city. Central Market is fantastic to visit – but you won’t get the best bargain here!
Commute + price from airport: Unless you’re a good bargainer, it should be no more than $9 USD by tuk tuk from the airport, and about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
Russian Market (Tuol Tom Pong)
Pros: Russian Market is by far the least expensive area for expats and tourists alike to hang out and experience the Phnom Penh culture. Russian Market itself is a great place to find everything you need, from clothes to food, all at a great price. There are many interesting bars and restaurants around the area that are all accessible by walking around. Russian Market is also close to the very sad but very important attraction Tuol Sleng (the Genocide Museum). Many people book this as a part of a tuk-tuk tour, so you can skip the extra cost by staying in this area.
Cons: The streets near Russian Market can be very busy in the early evening on weekdays, as many people are buying groceries and it may be difficult to navigate through the streets. You will be a little far from the riverside and other tourist attractions, although this type of restriction is standard for many areas of the city.
Commute + price from airport: Unless you’re a good bargainer, it should be no more than $9 USD by tuk tuk from the airport, and about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
BKK1 / BK51 / Street 278 (Near Independence Monument)
Pros: A popular area for both tourists and locals alike, this area near the Independence Monument is filled with great restaurants and bars. It really has a great mix of quick food, supermarkets, and nice restaurants. You’ll be close to the iconic Independence Monument, Wat Langka, and you’ll have tuk tuks right at your door to take you anywhere you want to go. It’s a great spot as you will avoid the dodgier vibes at the riverside, but still be close to nightlife. We consider this area to be very versatile as you can find cheap hostels and higher end hotels. Hint – many of the hotels in this area have pools that are accessible to not only guests, but also to the public for under $0-$5.
Cons: Although you can avoid them, many of the restaurants are on the pricier side so if you’re a budget traveler, this might not be your best bet for food & drinks. Also – if you’re close to the popular nightclub Club Love, you may hear drunk tourists stumbling home late at night.
Commute + price from airport: Unless you’re a good bargainer, it should be no more than $9 USD by tuk tuk from the airport, and about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
Conclusion
Staying close to the tourist attractions is not such a bad thing to do in Phnom Penh. Unless you’re familiar with the city, some of the rural areas might be more difficult to navigate and access.
Thinking of moving to Phnom Penh? Check out our article Moving to Cambodia? Here’s our guide.
Tired of reading? Find our Youtube videos on all-things-Cambodia here.