I’ve been to Phnom Penh multiple times and surprisingly liked the small city. It has a tragic, recent history and to say it’s been through a lot is an understatement. But the city welcomes travelers with open arms.
Home to Khmer-era temples, a VIBRANT culture, a modern music scene and a vast array of mind-blowing sights – it has something for everyone.
Deciding where to stay in Phnom Pehn can be a daunting task, as there are many different areas to choose from. But don’t worry about a thing! That’s where I come in.
Whether you’re looking to sightsee, party, or entertain your kids, this guide has all the information you need (and more!) to book the perfect place for your trip.
So, let’s get into it!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Riverfront District
The Riverfront District is the best neighbourhood in Phnom Penh to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time. This vibrant riverfront area is home to an excellent selection of restaurants, shops and bars that will entertain travellers of all ages, interests and budgets.
Daun Penh
Daun Penh is a small neighbourhood set north of the Riverfront District. This centrally located neighbourhood is home to a good selection of famous attractions and landmarks.
BKK1
BKK1 is a vibrant and lively neighbourhood in central Phnom Penh. It is known as the city’s expat hub and is where you’ll find many embassies and foreign houses, as well as UN and NGO headquarters, international schools and universities.
Tonle Bassac
The Tonle Bassac neighbourhood is one of the best places in Phnom Penh to stay. Located near the BKK1 and Riverside neighbourhood, Tonle Bassac sits off the beaten tourist path.
Toul Kouk
Toul Kouk is located outside of the city centre. Not long ago it was an underdeveloped suburb with little to offer travellers. Today, thanks to a recent revamp and revitalization, it is one of the most desirable locations in the city with restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
Phnom Penh’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Phnom Penh was once known as the Pearl of Asia because of its stunning architecture and overall vibe. Although it can be a bit rough to visit these days, it’s still one of the must see places while backpacking Cambodia.
Let’s break down what areas to stay in the city in much more detail. Each neighborhood offers something a little different, so choose wisely!
1. Riverfront District – Where to Stay in Phnom Penh for Your First Time
Riverfront District is the best neighborhood in Phnom Penh, especially if you’re new to Southeast Asia travel. This vibrant riverfront area is home to an excellent selection of restaurants, shops and bars that will entertain visitors of all ages, interests and budgets.
This area is also home to popular and renowned landmarks and attractions, including Wat Ounolom, the National Museum, the Russian Market, and the Central Market.
- Best For: First timers, foodies, casual nightlife lovers
- The Vibe: Relaxed, lively, social, tourist-friendly
- Proximity to Airport: 30-45 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport
- Transport Level: Easy – lots of rideshares available and it’s possible to walk
- Budget: Backpacker to luxury, there’s lots of options
- Crowds: Calm during the day but high around sunset evening
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Top Things to Do in Riverfront District
- Be amazed by Wat Ounolom, an impressive Buddhist temple.
- Enjoy a Mekong River sunset cruise and bbq
- Browse the stalls at the Kandal Market.
- Delve deep into the rich and tragic history of Cambodia at the National Museum.
- Explore the amazing Royal Palace and its lush grounds, which includes the Silver Pagoda.
- Go for a stroll through lovely Riverside Park.
- Snack, shop and marvel at the décor of the Central Market.
Best Budget Hotel in Riverfront District: Vacation Boutique Hotel
Vacation Boutique Hotel is a comfortable and cosy hotel in the Riverside District, one of Phnom Penh’s best neighborhoods. It’s a short walk from the Royal Palace and other great historical landmarks. This hotel boasts amazing amenities, comfortable rooms and a tasty breakfast.
Best Hostel in Riverfront District: The Big Easy Phnom Penh
This brand-new hostel is conveniently located in the Riverside District. It offers easy access to popular tourist attractions, bars, shops and cafes. Dorms are outfitted with large pod beds with modern amenities, curtains and reading lights. Ideal for budget backpackers!
Best Airbnb in Riverfront District: City Central King Suite
This apartment is so chic, you may just want to spend the day inside! Designed in a modern, minimalistic style, the apartment is a great place for everyone who visits the city for the first time. All hotspots are within walking distance, and you’ll have numerous cafes and restaurants nearby.
2. Daun Penh – Best Place to Stay in Phnom Penh on a Budget
This centrally located neighborhood is home to a good selection of famous attractions and landmarks. Within the district, you’ll find the incredible Wat Phnom as well as the lush Memorial Park, the Giant Clock of Phnom Penh and the delicious and busy Night Market which is ideal for some street food.
It’s an especially solid backpackers option Cambodia on a budget because it has such a great selection of backpacker hostels and budget hotels.
- Best For: Backpackers, history buffs, social travelers
- The Vibe: Energetic, walkable, historic, central
- Proximity to Airport: 30-45 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport
- Transport Level: Easy – walkable with ride shares
- Budget: Backpacker to mid-range
- Crowds: Moderate with more energy at night
Top Things to Do in Daun Penh
- Excite your senses at the famous Russian Market
- Explore the peaceful grounds of Wat Phnom.
- Snack and sample your way around Phnom Penh’s Night Market.
- Start your day with Bai Sach Chrouk, or pork and rice from a street-side eatery.
- Visit the Statue of King Sisowath.
- Wander through Memorial Park and see the Giant Clock of Phnom Penh.
- Spend a heavy day at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Best Hotel in Daun Penh: TRIBE
This modern hotel is situated just a stone’s throw from Phnom Penh’s most famous attractions. It is also close to a vast array of bars, restaurants and shops. It offers safe, cosy and large rooms with A/C, an epic swimming pool and so much more.
Best Hostel in Daun Penh: Onederz Phnom Penh
This riverside property is my favorite hostel in Phnom Penh, and one of the best hostels in Cambodia. It’s centrally located and within walking distance of famous tourist attractions and landmarks. You’ll get to choose between dorm-style and private rooms with comfortable beds, personal reading lights and plug sockets, though my personal fave amenity is the amazing rooftop swimming pool.
Best Airbnb in Daun Penh: Entire Budget Apartment
Not often do you get a whole apartment to yourself when traveling on a budget, but this Airbnb is affordable and in a great location too! Attractions are in walking distance, you’ll have AC in your bedroom and all the amenities you might need.
3. BKK1 – Best Area to Stay in Phnom Penh for Digital Nomads
BKK1 is known as the city’s expat hub and is where you’ll find many embassies and foreign houses, as well as UN and NGO headquarters, international schools and universities. It’s an ideal place for nomads and other long-stay travelers.
Tucked throughout its thriving streets are a great variety of amazing bars, clubs, restaurants and pubs that offer fun nights out.
There’s also plenty of hip and modern restaurants, cozy cafes and steaming street stalls where you can excite your senses and satisfy your appetite.
- Best For: Digital nomads, expats, urban comfort seekers
- The Vibe: Polished, cafe-centric, modern, walkable
- Proximity to Airport: 25-40 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport
- Transport Level: Easy – walkable with ride shares
- Budget: Flashpacker to luxury, so not exactly the cheapest
- Crowds: Low, it’s not a tourist-heavy area
Top Things to Do in BKK1
- Excite your sense with a snack from one of BKK1’s famous Nompang carts (basically like banh mi!).
- Take a stroll around the neighborhood
- Visit the Independence Monument.
Best Hotel in BKK1: Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
This lux hotel is worth it for a PP splurge. Modern and stylish with tons of greenery, it’s right behind the Royal Palace. The colorful rooms are kitted out with air conditioning, refrigerators, free wifi and a working space. There’s also a delicious on-site restaurant serving a mix of Cambodian and French cuisine, and it has the most exquisite pool surrounded by a huge tree canopy.
Best Hostel in BKK1: Mad Monkey Phnom Penh
This lively party hostel is located in nearby BKK1. It is just a short walk from the bars, restaurants, shops and attractions of the area. You’ll also get to enjoy a swimming pool, a rooftop bar, and a delicious on-site restaurant. Dorms are comfortable, spacious and equipped with oversized mattresses.
Best Airbnb in BKK1: Entire One-Bed Studio
This Airbnb is not the largest space in town BUT it is perfect if you’re travelling solo or as a couple. You’re right on the busiest street in the city, which is great for exploring the nightlife of Phnom Penh.
Everything inside the apartment is high in quality and very clean according to previous guests – you’ll love this place. Not to mention the rooftop pool, gym and epic city views.
4. Tonle Bassac – Coolest Place to Stay in Phnom Penh
Located near the BKK1 and Riverside neighborhood, this cute spot sits off the beaten tourist path. It doesn’t have a lot of tourist sights, which means it offers visitors a more local feel, attitude and atmosphere.
But what Tonle Bassac lacks in monuments it certainly makes up in food!
It has everything from elegant restaurants to street-side stall, all which serve mouthwatering dishes from throughout Cambodia and around the world.
A stay in Tonle Bassac will have you licking your lips and loving every delicious minute of it!
- Best For: Upscale travelers, digital nomads, lowkey nightlife seekers
- The Vibe: Polished, scenic, expat-friendly, walkable
- Proximity to Airport: 25-40 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport
- Transport Level: Easy – walkable with ride shares
- Budget: Flashpacker to luxury, so not exactly the cheapest
- Crowds: Low – this isn’t a touristy area
Top Things to Do in Tonle Bassac
- See the Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
Best Hotel in Tonle Basak: YK Art House
YK Art House has a variety of facilities, including a library, an on-site restaurant and an airport shuttle. Rooms are modern, spacious and well-equipped with A/C and wireless internet.
Best Boutique Hotel in Tonle Basak: Teav Bassac Boutique Hotel & Spa
Set in the city centre, this four-star hotel offers easy access to popular tourist attractions, landmarks, bars and shops. It has 19 bright rooms with essential amenities. And, breakfast is available each morning. The pool was the winner for me to beat Phnom Penh’s heat!
Best Airbnb in Tonle Bassac: Apartment Overlooking City Center
This epic Airbnb is in the perfect location and has all the modern amenities you could need. There’s even an epic restaurant on the 42nd floor! It’s also well equipped, and you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the Mekong, a gym, and more on-site!
5. Toul Kouk – Best Neighborhood in Phnom Penh for Families to Stay In
Not long ago, Toul Kouk was an underdeveloped suburb with little to offer travelers. Today, thanks to a recent revamp and revitalization, it is one of the most desirable locations in the city with restaurants, cafes and boutiques families travelling with kids will love.
It is also home to TK Avenue, an outdoor shopping mall that has everything from toys and clothes to a supermarket and entertainment outlets.
- Best For: Families, expats, long term travelers
- The Vibe: Residential, local, casual
- Proximity to Airport: 30-50 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport
- Transport Level: Easy – walkable with ride shares
- Budget: Flashpacker to luxury, you won’t find any hostels here!
- Crowds: Low – it’s not touristy at all
Top Things to Do in Toul Kouk
- Shop, snack and sample your way through one of Toul Kouk’s markets.
Best Hotel in Toul Kouk: AMATA Residence
AMATA is an excellent hotel for simple, affordable luxury. This property has an epic rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre and a sauna. It also offers large and clean rooms with all the essentials you could need!
Best Apartments in Toul Kouk: City View Apartment Phnom Penh
Stunning views and a cozy setting – what more could you want? Set at the center of the city, this property has comfortable rooms all within walking distance of popular tourist attractions and famous landmarks. There’s also an epic rooftop swimming pool and fast wifi.
Best Airbnb in Toul Kouk: Vibrant Condo
You and your family will love this loft-style Airbnb! The top-rated home is equipped with great amenities. If you’re looking for a bit of activity during the day, head up to the roof and hang out in the amazing rooftop pool!
A few commonly asked questions…
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Phnom Penh
Good travel insurance is a MUST when exploring Cambodia!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Ready for Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is such an underrated capital city. It has a rich history, vibrant culture and one of the best food scenes in Asia. Add to that amazing landmarks, the Mekong and a pretty lit nightlife and you’ve got a cool Cambodia stop.
If you’re still not 100% sure which is right for you, Onederz Phnom Penh is my pick for the best hostel in Phnom Penh because it has super modern beds and is within walking distance of famous tourist attractions and landmarks.
Meanwhile, YK Art House is my fave PP hotel! It has an airy, artsy vibe and I always tend to love a boutique hotel 🙂
Let us know where you ended up staying!
