Where to stay in Phnom Penh: the 3 neighborhoods to know in 2026
As one of our members puts it: “In my opinion, the capital itself is not exactly exceptional, but it is still worth a short visit.” Most visitors stay two or three nights right at the start of a trip to Cambodia, splitting time between the Royal Palace, the markets, and the sobering history of the genocide sites.
Two rivers frame the city, and daily life naturally clusters along the water. Three areas stand out: the Tonle Sap riverfront, the area around the Central Market, and the more residential Boeung Keng Kang. Budget: $34 to $102* for a room, and just $9.10* for a dorm bed.
The influences of different Asian and European cultures are still visible. You can also see that the city is modernizing.
Compare hotel prices in Phnom Penh
In a hurry? Find the best accommodation deals in 3 clicks.
Compare live deals from Booking, Expedia, Agoda and other partners.
At a glance: our picks by traveller type
Pick the profile that suits you to head straight to the recommended neighborhood.
The neighborhood map in Phnom Penh
Get your bearings on the neighborhoods and must-see sights before choosing where to drop your bags. Click a name to jump to its description.
Riverside and the Royal Palace Along the Tonle Sap
for a first visit and sunsets
The Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda, the National Museum with its Khmer sculptures, followed by a long stroll along the river where locals come out in droves at dusk. Terraces and guesthouses line Sisowath Quay. This is the most practical area for a two-night stay since everything is within walking distance. The downside is the noisy traffic and the constant stream of tuk-tuk drivers pitching rides along the promenade.
You can check out the Central Market, stroll along the river, or visit the security prison, which serves as a memorial to the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge.
What to see & do in the neighborhood
Where to stay in this neighborhood
The Plantation Urban Resort & Spa Luxury
Large colonial mansion with two pools and a garden behind the Royal Palace. A quiet oasis right in the centre.
Penh House Hotel Mid-range
Boutique hotel with bright rooms a few blocks from the river, featuring a rooftop pool.
Okay Boutique Hotel Budget
A straightforward, well-run spot near the riverfront, popular with travellers passing through.
Pros
- The palace, the museum and the river on foot
- The widest selection of outdoor terraces
Cons
- Noisy traffic along the quay
- Constant tuk-tuk solicitations
Central Market and Wat Phnom The commercial centre to the west
for markets, transport, and large hotels
The Central Market, a yellow Art Deco hall built in 1937, anchors this business and shopping district, which extends north to the hill of Wat Phnom, from which the city takes its name. This area holds the historic hotels and modern high-rises, plus the bus stations for Siem Reap and the coast. The area is very busy during the day, much less pleasant in the evening, and has no river views.
Where to stay in this neighborhood
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Luxury
A 1929 palace with gardens and a shaded pool, serving as a living piece of the city's history. Located next to Wat Phnom.
Pacific Hotel Mid-range
A large, functional hotel steps from the Central Market, convenient for bus departures.
Cardamom Hotel Budget
A community-run spot with simple rooms where the proceeds fund a local social programme.
Pros
- Markets and bus stations within walking distance
- The city's historic hotels
Cons
- Not very pleasant in the evening
- No direct river access
Boeung Keng Kang The residential district to the south
for peace and quiet, good food, and longer stays
Often called BKK1, this embassy and villa district is the most comfortable base for a multi-night stay, featuring leafy streets, coffee shops, quality restaurants, and boutiques. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former S-21 prison turned memorial site, is located here alongside the Independence Monument. Hotels here tend to offer more space and lower rates than those along the waterfront. Plan for a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride to reach the Royal Palace.
What to see & do in the neighborhood
Where to stay in this neighborhood
Baitong Hotel & Resort Luxury
Eco-conscious hotel featuring a vertical garden and a large pool on a quiet street.
Sensory Park Urban Hotel Mid-range
Bright, modern property right in the heart of the district, five minutes from Tuol Sleng.
Kolab Sor Hotel Budget
A small, well-run hotel with a pool, at rates lower than on the riverfront.
Pros
- Quiet streets and great dining
- Larger rooms for the same money
Cons
- Ten minutes by tuk-tuk from the Royal Palace
- Few sights within the immediate area
Our tips for booking the right place
- Memorial sites need room in your day: Tuol Sleng in town and Choeung Ek fifteen kilometres to the south are often visited on the same day and leave visitors drained. Our members are unanimous: the visit is harrowing and not recommended for children or sensitive individuals. Plan to head back to the hotel afterwards rather than keeping up a packed schedule, which makes a quieter neighbourhood the right choice.
- The Russian Market is worth the trip: Toul Tom Poung, located three kilometres south of the centre, is the local favourite for crafts, textiles, and street food. You will find almost no hotels here, but a tuk-tuk gets you down in a quarter of an hour from any of the three areas in this guide.
- Two or three nights, then onward to the rest of the country: The capital is quick to tour, and several of our members note that the rest of Cambodia feels completely different. Buses and boats for Siem Reap, Battambang, or the coast depart early in the morning from the west side of town, so staying near the Central Market if you head out that way saves you an extra trek.
- Booking a room right on Sisowath Quay: traffic and the terraces keep going late here, and soundproofing is rarely up to the task.
- Picking a hotel north of town towards the airport to save money: the commute into the centre easily takes forty minutes during rush hour.
- Grabbing a windowless room in the cheapest riverside guesthouses: it is common at these rates, and photos do not always show it.
FAQ: where to stay in Phnom Penh
Which area should you choose for a first visit to Phnom Penh?
Where can you stay on a budget in Phnom Penh?
How long should you stay?
Should you visit Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek?
Do you need a car?
How much does a hotel night cost in Phnom Penh?
Keep exploring
Things to do in Phnom Penh
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!