Where To Stay In Phnom Penh First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Phnom Penh first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Phnom Penh first time?
Where to stay in Phnom Penh with family?
Where to stay in Phnom Penh for backpackers?
Where to stay in Phnom Penh for couples?
Where to stay in Phnom Penh for nightlife?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
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Overview of the best areas to stay in Phnom Penh
| Name of the area in Phnom Penh | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area along the Tonle Sap River is the most popular area in the city for the majority of the tourists with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s close to major attractions like the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Wat Phnom. You can find all types of accommodations in all types of budget classes. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Known as one of Phnom Penh’s most upscale neighborhoods, BKK1 is a popular area for those with a larger budget. Many expats have settled here. You can find top-notch amenities and accommodations that are incredibly comfortable. The area is quieter while still being centrally located. A great option for families and couples! |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This historic district is named after the hill where Wat Phnom stands and is characterized by its French colonial architecture. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Central Market (Phsar Thmey) and the Independence Monument. It’s a great option for those interested in the city’s history and French architecture. It lacks a Khmer atmosphere, though. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Situated south of the city center, Tonle Bassac is a rapidly developing area known for its modern high-rise buildings, upscale residences, and entertainment venues. It’s close to attractions like Aeon Mall and the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge. It’s a good option for those seeking a luxury experience, but the area lacks authenticity. |
5. Tuol Tompoung (Russian Market) Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This part of Phnom Penh is named after the famous Russian Market. Tuol Tompoung has a vibrant expatriate community and is filled with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. This area does offer a Khmer atmosphere. You’re located a bit further away from the other major highlights of the city, |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Located southwest of the city center, Beoung Trabek is a residential area popular among expatriates and long-term visitors. It offers a more local experience with traditional markets, street food stalls, and authentic Khmer eateries. While fewer accommodation options are available compared to other areas, Beoung Trabek is a bit of an off-the-beaten-path experience that some travellers are looking for. |
Where to stay in Phnom Penh first time
The best areas to stay in Phnom Penh first time are Riverside, BKK1, and Daun Penh.
For the majority of the tourists, the top choice for first-time visitors in Phnom Penh is Riverside (Sisowath Quay).
It’s a central area with major attractions nearby where you can find a ton of restaurants, cafes, and shops and it’s home to many accommodations in all budget classes.
It’s by far the most convenient area.
For a more upscale experience with top-notch amenities, consider staying at BKK1.
You’re located centrally while staying in a quieter area.
This makes it a popular area among families and couples.
Daun Penh is the historic district where you can find French colonial architecture as well as several iconic landmarks.
It’s a great spot for sightseeing and you’re located just above Phnom Penh’s Riverside, the tourist epicenter of the city.
Now, there are a few alternative areas that are worth considering.
Tonle Bassac is a modern area full of high-rise buildings.
It’s a great area for a luxurious experience but lacks authenticity.
Tuol Tompoung is an authentic area where you can find the famous Russian Market.
It’s not that far from Riverside, and great for finding budget-friendly accommodations.
Beoung Trabek is located further away from the city center but is a great area to experience the daily life of Phnom Penh with plenty of local eateries, traditional markets, street food, and Khmer architecture.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh with family
The best areas to stay in Phnom Penh with family are Riverside, BKK1, and Tonle Bassac.
Riverside is for most tourists the first choice when it comes to the best areas in general.
That includes families too.
Yes, some parts of this area are known for their nightlife, but along the river, you can find plenty of family-friendly accommodations without the noise of the party-minded people.
If you prefer a quieter area, then stay at the nearby BKK1.
Just keep in mind that this area is an upscale area so prices here are higher than in most of the other parts of Phnom Penh.
The area also has fewer things to do compared to Riverside.
If you prefer an area filled with modern amenities, consider staying at Tonle Bassac.
It’s also home to the popular Aeon Mall where you can find plenty of international restaurants with kids’ menus, a cinema, and other family-friendly entertainment options.
But the area lacks authenticity.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh for backpackers
The best areas to stay in Phnom Penh for backpackers are Riverside and Tuol Tompoung.
Riverside is a popular choice for backpackers due to its central location, affordable guesthouses, and the things you can do during the day and night.
As you can find Phnom Penh’s main nightlife area here as well, located around Street 51, it automatically attracts many backpackers.
However, the nearby Street 172, which is technically not part of Riverside, is one of the best options for backpackers.
Another great option is Tuol Tompoung, known as the Russian Market.
This is because it’s a particularly budget-friendly area with affordable accommodation options as well as affordable costs of living.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh for couples
The best areas to stay in Phnom Penh for couples are Riverside, Daun Penh, and BKK1.
When it comes to convenience, the best area for couples is Riverside.
It’s the tourist epicenter and you can find plenty of nice restaurants, boutique hotels with riverside views, shops, and nice bars.
Daun Penh is a great option for couples who want to stay in a romantic hotel with French colonial architecture.
It’s the historic district and you can find many iconic landmarks here.
If you prefer an upscale experience with your loved one, BKK1 is a great option.
The area is located south of Riverside and the hotels come with many modern amenities and conveniences.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Phnom Penh for nightlife are Riverside and BKK1.
Within Riverside, the main nightlife area is in and around Street 51.
For the majority of travellers who want to experience Phnom Penh’s nightlife scene, this is arguably the best option.
But for those who seek an upscale experience, stay at BKK1.
Here you can find a good variety of trendy bars, cocktail lounges, and rooftop venues.
The area is particularly popular among young locals and expats.
As an alternative, you can also explore Bassac Lane, located in Tonle Bassac.
This is a bit of a hidden gem where you can find quite some unique bars within a narrow alleyway.
It offers a much more laid-back vibe compared to the main nightlife areas of the city.
1. Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Simply put, Phnom Penh’s Riverside is the most popular area among tourists.
As the name already suggests, Riverside offers a beautiful setting along the Tonle Sap River, with a wide promenade.
The area is located centrally and within walking distance of many of Phnom Penh’s major attractions, including the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, and the Silver Pagoda.
It’s an incredibly convenient base to explore the city’s highlights.
But the area offers more than that.
There are so many things to do.
Especially during the evening, this area comes alive when locals and tourists gather to enjoy the street life.
You can find many great restaurants in all budget classes.
Those who want to explore the city’s nightlife should head over to 51 Street, where you find many bars and nightclubs.
When it comes to accommodation options, the area offers everything you can possibly think of.
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, it’s all there.
For the majority of the tourists, Riverside is the most convenient area.
Just keep in mind that it’s an incredibly touristy area.
And there are areas nearby that are quieter and more authentic.
But to be honest, you can’t go wrong with a convenient area like this.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. BKK1
Boeung Keng Kan 1, also known as BKK1, is located just under Riverside.
It doesn’t have a direct view of the river, but what it does have is an upscale atmosphere.
You can find plenty of boutique shops and trendy cafes in this somewhat small area while you’re still located centrally.
The area is also known to be a much quieter area compared to other central areas.
Because of this, it’s perhaps the most ideal area for families and couples.
As you can expect from an upscale neighborhood, it’s well-maintained, with wide tree-lined streets, and has a safe environment.
All of this while you have great access to the major attractions.
Those who want to explore Phnom Penh’s nightlife scene won’t have to travel far, because you can find bars, pubs, and lounges in this area too, all with a more sophisticated vibe.
Besides, a short tuk-tuk ride will bring you straight to the major nightlife area of Phnom Penh in Riverside.
Is there anything not to like about this particular area?
Well, it comes with a bit of a premium price tag for Cambodia standards.
But you sure will have a carefree stay in this unique city.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Daun Penh
The historic parts of the city are often the most beautiful ones and Daun Penh is no exception.
Here, you can find stunning French colonial architecture with beautifully preserved buildings.
You can also find some of Phnom Penh’s most iconic historical landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia, Central Market (Phsar Thmey), and Independence Monument.
It’s an incredibly popular area among tourists to visit this area and that automatically means that you can find loads of restaurants, cafes, and local eateries.
The area doesn’t have a nightlife scene.
As Daun Penh is centrally located, visiting other popular neighborhoods is a piece of cake.
When it comes to accommodations, you can find some of the most stunning-looking hotels in this historic part of the city.
Now, so far, it sounds like the ideal area.
But keep the following thing in mind.
It’s also one of the most crowded areas of the city, as many tourists spectate its beauty during the day.
Most tourists tend to stay in the more vibrant areas of the city and visit Daun Penh just for sightseeing purposes.
Yes, the historic part of a city comes with its beauty, but often lacks modern amenities too.
So, I’m not saying that it’s a bad area. On the contrary, staying in a hotel with French colonial architecture is quite a nice experience.
But you can also stay in a more convenient area with a proper nightlife scene, plenty of shops, and other venues to keep yourself entertained during the evening.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Tonle Bassac
Tonle Bassac is an emerging neighborhood in Phnom Penh and is characterized by its modern developments, including high-rise buildings, luxury condominiums, and upscale shopping malls.
If you prioritize luxury and modernity over authenticity and local culture, it’s the area you are looking for.
That also means that you have great access to several entertainment and recreational facilities, including Aeon Mall, one of Phnom Penh’s largest shopping centers.
You also have great access to the scenic riverside promenade along the Tonle Sap River.
As you’re strategically located, you have great access to other popular areas.
But the area is also home to major roads and transportation hubs.
Although most of the nightlife takes place at either Riverside or BKK1, I must give away a bit of a hidden gem.
In this area, you can find Bassac Lane, where you can find unique bars within a narrow alleyway that offer a more laid-back vibe compared to the other two areas.
Is there anything not to like about this area?
Well, obviously, luxury doesn’t come cheap.
So, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, this is not an area for you.
Secondly, it simply lacks authenticity.
But when it comes to modern amenities, this is by far the best option of all of Phnom Penh.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Tuol Tompoung
Tuol Tompoung is the complete opposite of the previously recommended area.
Also known as the Russian Market area, it offers an authentic Khmer experience, with its bustling market, local eateries, and traditional shops.
Here, you can truly witness everyday life in Phnom Penh.
It’s one of the most budget-friendly areas in the city.
When staying here, you’re not as conveniently located as, for example, Riverside, but a short tuk-tuk ride will take you to the tourist epicenter.
What it does offer compared to Riverside is that the cost of living here is much lower.
The area is dotted with local eateries and street food stalls and an ice-cold beer from a local bar doesn’t cost a dime.
You won’t find major attractions here, except for the Russian Market.
What this area is really good at is smoking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of Phnom Penh’s local life.
If you’re the type of traveller that appreciates all of this, then it’s an incredible area to stay at.
But if you prefer well-maintained areas, then stick to the upscale areas like BKK1 and Tonle Bassac.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Beoung Trabek
The last area that we recommend is Beoung Trabek, a lesser-known area.
Similar to the previously recommended area, it provides a more local and authentic experience compared to tourist-centric areas.
In fact, these two areas are neighbors.
What sets Beoung Trabek apart from Tuol Tompoung is that it’s an often overlooked area among tourists.
Tuol Tompoung is home to the Russian Market, but this area doesn’t offer any major attractions.
That means it offers a quieter atmosphere full of local eateries, street food stalls, and large restaurants serving authentic Cambodian food at affordable prices.
It also offers plenty of affordable accommodations, all while you’re located close to the river.
And while Beoung Trabek may be quieter, it’s still conveniently located within easy reach of Phnom Penh’s major attractions.
If you’re looking for a bit of an off-the-beaten-path experience, Beoung Trabek is an excellent choice.
Just keep in mind that there are simply far fewer things to do compared to the popular tourist areas.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.