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Where To Stay in Phnom Penh: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Budget

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Finding where to stay in Phnom Penh can shape your whole experience of the city. This is one of those capitals where every neighbourhoods feel very different from each other. Stay in the right area and Phnom Penh feels effortlessly charming. Stay in the wrong one and you may wonder what all the fuss is about.

I honestly didn't have very high expectations before my visit to Phnom Penh, but after exploring Cambodias capital I already know I’m coming back again soon. In my opinion this is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated capitals.

One thing that makes Phnom Penh especially appealing is how affordable exceptional hotels can be. Or the myriad of stunning boutique stays.

You’ll find beautiful heritage mansions turned into hidden retreats, urban resorts with jungle-like pools, design-forward stays, riverside classics and some seriously good-value luxury hotels. Places that would cost triple in Bangkok, Singapore or Europe often feel surprisingly accessible here.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning to stay awhile, these are the neighbourhoods and hotels I’d choose.

pagoda in the royal palace ground in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
an orange house inside the royal palace gardens in phnom penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh

Quick Answer: What’s the Best Area To Stay in Phnom Penh

If you don’t have time to read the full article, I’d focus on these three areas:

Each area has a different personality and where you might want to stay depends on what kind of trip you want.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a nice and relaxing stay in Phnom Penh.

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

This is a longtime favourite, and for good reason. The resort has beautiful gardens, a large pool, elegant rooms and a resort-like calm while still being central.

Check prices and availability

Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh
Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh

This is possibly the most beautiful hotel in central Phnom Penh. Even though it's right in the middle of the city it somehow manages to feel tropical, design-forward and serene.There are jungle-like pools, gorgeous architecture, excellent food and a rooftop bar.

Check prices and availability

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Raffles Hotel Le Royal

This is an institution and arguably Phnom Penh’s grandest hotel. If old-world glamour is your thing, this is the place. Think heritage luxury, high ceilings, famous cocktails, impeccable service and serious history. For some it might be a splurge, but this place is worth splurging on.

Check prices and availability

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Map of the Best Hotels in Phnom Penh

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Phnom Penh to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

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BKK1: One of the Best Areas to Stay in Phnom Penh

If I were staying in Phnom Penh for a week or more, I’d choose BKK1 without hesitation. This is the neighbourhood that often makes people fall for the city.

This neighbourhood has a good mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels, making it easy to find somewhere to eat or relax after a day of exploring. It feels a little more modern and polished than some parts of central Phnom Penh, with plenty of international food options alongside Cambodian restaurants.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in BKK1 is the convenience. You can easily get around the city by tuk-tuk, whether you’re heading to the Royal Palace, the National Museum, the riverside or the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The area also has plenty of coffee shops if you need a break from the heat or want somewhere to catch up on work, which makes it a good choice for digital nomads and travellers staying a little longer.

monks walking along the road on phnom penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh

Best Hotels in BKK1

The Pavilion
The Pavilion

If someone told me they wanted a romantic adults-only boutique hotel hidden in the middle of the city, this is where I’d send them. Set inside a restored colonial villa, it has lush tropical gardens, multiple pools and a peaceful atmosphere that feels miles away from traffic outside.

Check prices and availability

Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort
Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort

One of the best-value design hotels in the city. It has minimalist rooms, a stunning rooftop infinity pool and some of Phnom Penh’s best skyline views. The rooftop alone makes it worth considering and sunset from the pool is magic.

Check prices and availability

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

This is a longtime favourite, and for good reason. The resort has beautiful gardens, a large pool, elegant rooms and a resort-like calm while still being central.

Check prices and availability

Tonle Bassac: Best for Rooftop Bars, Restaurants and a Modern City Vibe

Tonle Bassac is a great area to stay in Phnom Penh if you enjoy good restaurants, stylish cafés, rooftop bars and a more modern side of the city.

It’s located just south of BKK1, and has a mix of contemporary hotels, apartment buildings, shopping centres and cozy dining spots. So it’s particularly appealing if you want somewhere comfortable to return to after a day of sightseeing.

One of the biggest draws is the area's nightlife and dining scene. You’ll find everything from casual restaurants and international cuisine to cocktail bars where you can enjoy a drink with views over the city.

Tonle Bassac is also close to attractions such as the Independence Monument and the riverside area, while the Royal Palace, National Museum and central markets are an easy tuk-tuk ride away.

woman drinking wine at Sora sky bar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh

Best Hotels in Tonlé Bassac

Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh
Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh

This is possibly the most beautiful hotel in central Phnom Penh. Even though it's right in the middle of the city it somehow manages to feel tropical, design-forward and serene.There are jungle-like pools, gorgeous architecture, excellent food and a rooftop bar.

Check prices and availability

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

If you’re looking for a luxury stay, this is a great option. This five-star hotel combines French-inspired elegance with spacious rooms, landscaped gardens, swimming pools, a spa and several restaurants. Its location near the Bassac River also makes it convenient for exploring the city.

Check prices and availability

La Rose Suites
La Rose Suites

For a smaller, more intimate stay, this is worth considering. This boutique-style property offers a more personal alternative to the larger hotels, with comfortable suites and a quieter atmosphere after a busy day exploring Phnom Penh.

Check prices and availability

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The Riverside: Best for First-Time Visitors and Exploring on Foot

The Riverside area is one of the most popular places to stay in Phnom Penh, particularly if you want to be close to the city's waterfront, restaurants and some of its main attractions. It’s the most touristy area, but also the most convenient if you just want to explore Phnom Penh on foot.

This part of the city has a lively atmosphere, with cafés, bars, restaurants and hotels lining the surrounding streets. It's a good choice if you enjoy being able to head out for a walk along the river in the evening, watch the city come alive after sunset and have plenty of places to eat within easy reach.

a cruise boat waiting along the river side in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh

Staying near the riverside also puts you in a convenient location for sightseeing. The Royal Palace and National Museum of Cambodia are within walking distance of much of the area, while Wat Phnom and the Central Market are a short tuk-tuk ride away. You can also visit the riverside promenade early in the morning, when locals come out to exercise and enjoy the cooler temperatures, or return in the evening for dinner and a drink overlooking the water.

However, it's worth knowing that the Riverside area can be busy, particularly around the main tourist streets, and the atmosphere varies from one block to another. Some streets are lively well into the evening, so if you're a light sleeper, it's worth checking recent hotel reviews and asking for a room away from the road.

the royal palace and gardens in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh
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Best Hotels Near the Riverside

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Raffles Hotel Le Royal

This is an institution and arguably Phnom Penh’s grandest hotel. If old-world glamour is your thing, this is the place. Think heritage luxury, high ceilings, famous cocktails, impeccable service and serious history. For some it might be a splurge, but this place is worth splurging on.

Check prices and availability

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM

This is one of the prettiest luxury stays in the city. It feels elegant without feeling formal with beautiful Khmer-inspired interiors, excellent location and a rooftop pool with palace views.

Check prices and availability

Hotel KVL
Hotel KVL

This is a contemporary boutique hotel with a modern design andw a particularly convenient location close to Sisowath Quay. It's a good option if you want to be right in the riverside area, with restaurants, cafés and the waterfront just a short walk away.

Check prices and availability

Final Thoughts: Where To Stay in Phnom Penh

If you want my honest advice I would say to stay in BKK1 if you want the best overall experience. It's easy to get to most areas either by a long walk or short tuk-tuk ride.

However, If you know you're looking for a fun night out then you might as well base yourself in the heart of it in Tonlé Bassac.

If you want a truly luxurious stay, see all the major sights and you only have a couple of days I think the Riverside is a logical place to base yourself.

No matter which of these hotels you decide to stay in, I'm sure it will be a good base to explore Phnom Penh from.

Plan Your Trip to Phnom Penh

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Phnom Penh. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Hotels
Hotels
Flights
Currency
Activities
Activities
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Insurance

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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If you have any questions about travel in Cambodia, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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