The best hotels in Phnom Penh

With 8,000+ places to stay across Phnom Penh's wildly uneven neighborhoods, picking the wrong hotel means noise, bad location, or paying twice what you should. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.

Our Top Picks in Phnom Penh

Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.

The Pavilion hotel in Phnom Penh
#1
Budget Pick
8.1

The Pavilion

BKK1, Phnom Penh

$45–75/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Mad Monkey Phnom Penh hotel in Phnom Penh
#2
Most Popular
8.3

Mad Monkey Phnom Penh

Riverside, Phnom Penh

$55–85/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Plantation Urban Resort and Spa hotel in Phnom Penh
#3
Hidden Gem
8.7

Plantation Urban Resort and Spa

BKK1, Phnom Penh

$110–160/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel hotel in Phnom Penh
#4
Best Location
8.5

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel

Riverside, Phnom Penh

$120–175/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Kabiki Hotel hotel in Phnom Penh
#5
Family Friendly
8.6

Kabiki Hotel

Toul Tom Poung, Phnom Penh

$130–180/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Baitong Hotel and Resort hotel in Phnom Penh
#6
Romantic Stay
8.4

Baitong Hotel and Resort

Chroy Changvar, Phnom Penh

$150–210/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Hotel Cambodiana hotel in Phnom Penh
#7
Business Pick
8.2

Hotel Cambodiana

Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh

$160–220/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Rosewood Phnom Penh hotel in Phnom Penh
#8
Top Rated
9.1

Rosewood Phnom Penh

Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

$185–249/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Raffles Hotel Le Royal hotel in Phnom Penh
#9
Luxury Pick
9.3

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

$280–450/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra hotel in Phnom Penh
#10
Top Rated
9

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh

$260–420/night Check Availability

Free cancellation & Pay later


All Hotels Compared

Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.

# Hotel City & Area Price/Night Score Best For
1 The Pavilion BKK1, Phnom Penh $45–75/night 8.1/10 Budget Pick
2 Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Riverside, Phnom Penh $55–85/night 8.3/10 Most Popular
3 Plantation Urban Resort and Spa BKK1, Phnom Penh $110–160/night 8.7/10 Hidden Gem
4 Amanjaya Pancam Hotel Riverside, Phnom Penh $120–175/night 8.5/10 Best Location
5 Kabiki Hotel Toul Tom Poung, Phnom Penh $130–180/night 8.6/10 Family Friendly
6 Baitong Hotel and Resort Chroy Changvar, Phnom Penh $150–210/night 8.4/10 Romantic Stay
7 Hotel Cambodiana Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh $160–220/night 8.2/10 Business Pick
8 Rosewood Phnom Penh Daun Penh, Phnom Penh $185–249/night 9.1/10 Top Rated
9 Raffles Hotel Le Royal Daun Penh, Phnom Penh $280–450/night 9.3/10 Luxury Pick
10 Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh $260–420/night 9/10 Top Rated

Why These Hotels Made Our List

Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.

The Pavilion hotel interior
#1

The Pavilion

BKK1, Phnom Penh $45–75/night 8.1/10

This small guesthouse on Street 19 in BKK1 punches above its price point. Rooms are basic but clean, with decent air conditioning and hot water. The small pool in the courtyard is a genuine bonus at this price. Staff are friendly and helpful with directions and tuk-tuk bookings. A solid base for budget travelers who want a central location.

Check Availability
Mad Monkey Phnom Penh hotel interior
#2

Mad Monkey Phnom Penh

Riverside, Phnom Penh $55–85/night 8.3/10

Located near the Tonle Sap riverfront, this hostel-style property attracts a younger backpacker crowd but also offers private rooms. The rooftop bar is the social hub and gets lively most evenings. Private rooms are compact but clean with proper beds and air conditioning. The location puts you close to the Night Market and riverfront restaurants. Not ideal for light sleepers given the noise from common areas.

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Plantation Urban Resort and Spa hotel interior
#3

Plantation Urban Resort and Spa

BKK1, Phnom Penh $110–160/night 8.7/10

This colonial-style boutique hotel on Street 184 is one of the more charming properties in the city. The architecture blends French colonial details with modern comforts, and the pool area is genuinely lovely. Rooms are well-furnished with solid air conditioning and good blackout curtains. The spa on site is reasonably priced and worth booking in advance. BKK1 is a great neighborhood, walkable to dozens of restaurants and cafes.

Check Availability
Amanjaya Pancam Hotel hotel interior
#4

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel

Riverside, Phnom Penh $120–175/night 8.5/10

The Amanjaya sits directly on Sisowath Quay with front-facing rooms looking straight out over the Tonle Sap. The riverside promenade is on your doorstep, and the Royal Palace is a short walk south. Rooms are tastefully decorated with dark wood furnishings and Khmer textile accents. The rooftop bar is a strong option for sunset drinks. Service is attentive without being intrusive.

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Kabiki Hotel hotel interior
#5

Kabiki Hotel

Toul Tom Poung, Phnom Penh $130–180/night 8.6/10

The Kabiki is genuinely family-friendly, with a large swimming pool and a kids play area that most hotels in the city simply do not have. It sits near the Russian Market in Toul Tom Poung, a neighborhood popular with expats and tourists alike. Rooms are spacious and well-maintained, with good storage for families traveling with luggage. The garden and outdoor area are well-kept and relaxing. Breakfast is solid and the kitchen accommodates picky eaters.

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Baitong Hotel and Resort hotel interior
#6

Baitong Hotel and Resort

Chroy Changvar, Phnom Penh $150–210/night 8.4/10

This resort-style property sits on the Chroy Changvar peninsula, offering views across the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The setting feels removed from the city's traffic and noise, which is either a draw or a drawback depending on your plans. Rooms are large and well-appointed, with terraces or balconies on most categories. The pool looks out toward the water and is a good reason to spend a lazy afternoon here. A tuk-tuk into the city center takes about 15 minutes.

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Hotel Cambodiana hotel interior
#7

Hotel Cambodiana

Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh $160–220/night 8.2/10

The Cambodiana has been a Phnom Penh institution for decades, sitting on the bank of the Tonle Bassac river near the junction with the Mekong. It is a large full-service hotel with conference facilities, multiple dining options, and a big outdoor pool. Rooms are comfortably sized and well-equipped for business travelers. The location near the National Assembly and embassies makes it convenient for government and corporate visitors. The riverside garden and pool area are the hotel's best feature.

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Rosewood Phnom Penh hotel interior
#8

Rosewood Phnom Penh

Daun Penh, Phnom Penh $185–249/night 9.1/10

The Rosewood occupies the top floors of the Vattanac Capital Tower on Monivong Boulevard, giving it some of the best views in the city from its elevated position. Rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the skyline panorama. The dining options here are genuinely good, particularly the Cuts steakhouse and the Elephant Bar. Service is polished and attentive at every level. This is the closest Phnom Penh gets to an urban luxury tower experience.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal hotel interior
#9

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Daun Penh, Phnom Penh $280–450/night 9.3/10

Raffles Le Royal is the most historically significant hotel in the country, having hosted journalists, diplomats, and heads of state since the 1920s. The building on Monivong Boulevard is beautifully restored French colonial architecture with three swimming pools and manicured tropical gardens. Rooms and suites are large and classically furnished without feeling dated. The Elephant Bar is a Phnom Penh institution and worth a visit even if you are not staying here. Breakfast in the grand dining room sets the tone for the entire stay.

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Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra hotel interior
#10

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh $260–420/night 9/10

The Sofitel sits in the Tonle Bassac district near the Olympic Stadium and is one of the most complete luxury properties in the city. The hotel has a large outdoor pool, a well-equipped spa, and multiple restaurants including a strong French dining option. Rooms are spacious with high-quality linens and finishes that live up to the Sofitel brand standards. The service level is consistently high across all departments. It is a short drive to the riverfront and the city's main sights.

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Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.

Which Phnom Penh neighborhood should you stay in?

Riverside is the obvious first choice: Sisowath Quay runs along the Mekong, and you're within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the FCC (Foreign Correspondents' Club) on Street 240. It's lively, central, and loud on weekends. Mid-range hotels here run $120-175/night.

BKK1 is quieter and slightly cheaper, centered on Streets 240 and 278. think specialty coffee, rooftop bars, and local restaurants without the riverfront tourist markup. If you're staying more than 3 nights, BKK1 gives you a more honest version of the city. The Pavilion and Plantation are both here for a reason.

How to get around Phnom Penh without getting ripped off

Download Grab before you land. It's the single best thing you can do. A tuk-tuk from BKK1 to the Royal Palace should cost $2-3 on Grab; street touts near Sisowath Quay will quote you $8-10 for the same trip. We've seen this mistake hundreds of times. tourists who skip Grab pay double for a month.

For longer trips like the Killing Fields in Choeung Ek (about 15 km south of the city center on Monireth Boulevard), negotiate a tuk-tuk for a half-day: $15-20 is fair and includes the wait time. Don't let anyone talk you into a private car unless you're a group of 4 or more.

Phnom Penh hotel prices: what to actually expect

Budget doesn't mean bad here. The Pavilion in BKK1 at $45-75/night has a pool and colonial courtyard that mid-range hotels in Bangkok charge double for. But don't confuse 'cheap' with 'value'. some guesthouses near the bus station on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard charge $30/night for rooms that will ruin your trip.

The luxury tier in Phnom Penh is genuinely underpriced by global standards. Rosewood starts at $185/night, Sofitel at $260. You'd pay $400+ for comparable quality in Singapore or Hong Kong. If you're splurging, do it here.

The best time to book a Phnom Penh hotel

November to February is peak season. Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) falls in November, usually over 3 days when the Tonle Sap river reversal is celebrated on Sisowath Quay. Hotel prices on Riverside jump 30-40% that week. book 6-8 weeks ahead minimum. The same applies to Khmer New Year in mid-April.

March and October are the sweet spots for value. March is warm (32-35°C) but not brutal, and you'll find Riverside hotels at $20-30 below peak rates. October sees the end of rainy season. afternoons can be wet, but mornings are glorious and prices are the lowest of the year.

Things that will go wrong if you book the wrong hotel

Noise is the number one complaint we see. Phnom Penh doesn't have noise ordinances that are enforced. Hotels on Sisowath Quay face bar and traffic noise until 2-3am on weekends. Always check which direction the room faces before confirming. river views sound romantic until you're awake at midnight.

Location misrepresentation is the second issue. Several hotels near the central market on Street 128 claim to be 'Riverside' in their listings. That's a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Sisowath Quay. Check the address against Google Maps. if it's not on or directly off Sisowath Quay, it's not Riverside.

Eating and drinking near your Phnom Penh hotel

If you're in BKK1, you're already in the best food zone in the city. Street 278 has everything from Khmer barbecue to proper Italian. Daughters of Cambodia Café on Street 178 does excellent breakfast for under $6. Don't waste mornings eating overpriced hotel eggs when the streets outside are this good.

Near Riverside, skip the tourist-trap restaurants on the main quay where menus have pictures and prices are 3x what they should be. Walk one block west to Streets 104 or 106. hole-in-the-wall spots there serve $2-4 noodle soups and rice dishes that are genuinely excellent. Your hotel concierge will probably not tell you this.


Phnom Penh's best neighborhoods

Start with Riverside or BKK1. they put you within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the night market, and the city's best restaurants. Toul Tom Poung and Tonle Bassac are worth it if you want more space for less money, but you'll be in a tuk-tuk every time you want to go anywhere.

Riverside & Daun Penh 3 vetted hotels

The city's historic heart, on the banks of the Mekong.

Sisowath Quay is where Phnom Penh shows its face to the world. You're walking distance from the Royal Palace, the National Museum on Street 13, and the FCC. Three of our vetted hotels sit in this zone: Mad Monkey, Amanjaya Pancam, and Rosewood Phnom Penh in the Vattanac Capital tower.

Daun Penh bleeds into the old French Quarter. wide boulevards, colonial facades, and Wat Phnom sitting on its small hill about 15 minutes walk from the riverfront. Raffles Le Royal and Rosewood are both here. It's quieter than the quay but still completely central.

The tradeoff is noise. Riverside is genuinely loud on Friday and Saturday nights, with bar crawls along Pub Street and motorbike traffic on the quay. Book a higher-floor room and pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper.

Best areas Sisowath Quay, Daun Penh, Street 240
Price range $55-450/night
Best for First-timers, couples, luxury travelers
Avoid Ground-floor rooms facing the quay on weekends
Best months November-February
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) 2 vetted hotels

Phnom Penh's most liveable neighborhood, with the best food scene in town.

BKK1 is centered on Streets 240, 278, and 310. a dense grid of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and NGO offices that gives the neighborhood a cosmopolitan but grounded feel. The Pavilion and Plantation Urban Resort are both here, offering a quiet-lane experience that the Riverside hotels can't match.

You're about 15-20 minutes walk from the Royal Palace and the riverfront, which is far enough to feel local and close enough to not need a tuk-tuk every time. The neighborhood is at its best in the early morning. coffee on Street 278 before the heat hits is one of the better ways to start a day in this city.

Price-wise, BKK1 is the best value zone on our list. Budget hotels here start at $45/night and mid-range goes up to $160/night for Plantation's nicest rooms. You're getting significantly more for your money than equivalent Riverside properties.

Best areas Street 278, Street 240, Street 63
Price range $45-160/night
Best for Repeat visitors, couples, foodies, solo travelers
Avoid Streets far south of Street 310. it gets residential fast
Best months November-March
Toul Tom Poung & Tonle Bassac 3 vetted hotels

More space, less noise, and the Russian Market on your doorstep.

Toul Tom Poung is where expats and long-term residents tend to settle, built around the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) on Street 155. It's 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk from the Royal Palace but feels genuinely removed from the tourist circuit. Kabiki Hotel sits here, and it's the right fit for this neighborhood.

Tonle Bassac borders the southern riverfront and is home to Hotel Cambodiana and Sofitel Phokeethra on Sothearos Boulevard. It's more polished and corporate than Toul Tom Poung, close to the Independence Monument and the diplomatic quarter on Norodom Boulevard.

Both zones cost $10-20/night less than equivalent Riverside hotels. The trade is walkability. you'll be in a tuk-tuk or Grab for most sightseeing. That's a fair deal if you want space and quiet over convenience.

Best areas Street 155, Sothearos Boulevard, Street 63
Price range $130-420/night
Best for Families, business travelers, long-stay guests
Avoid The blocks south of Mao Tse Toung Boulevard. too far from everything
Best months November-February
Chroy Changvar Peninsula 1 vetted hotel

Across the river from the city, with skyline views and resort-level calm.

Chroy Changvar is the peninsula across the Tonle Sap, connected to central Phnom Penh via the Japanese Friendship Bridge. It's a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Sisowath Quay and feels more like a riverside resort than a city neighborhood. Baitong Hotel is the only vetted property out here, and it earns its place for couples and honeymoon travelers.

The views back toward the Phnom Penh skyline across the water are the whole point. You get sunsets that no Riverside hotel can replicate, and the noise of the city completely disappears. It's genuinely quiet here.

The downside is total tuk-tuk dependence. Every meal, every landmark visit, every bar. you're crossing the bridge. It's worth it for a short romantic stay; for a 7-night trip where you want to explore the city, it's frustrating.

Best areas Chroy Changvar riverside, near the Japanese Friendship Bridge
Price range $150-210/night
Best for Couples, honeymooners, weekend escapes
Avoid If you're a solo traveler or visiting for sightseeing
Best months November-February

Best Areas by Vibe

Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Phnom Penh.

Romantic Getaway

Chroy Changvar has the skyline views and seclusion that make it the best romantic base in the city. Baitong's riverside pool at sunset is hard to beat anywhere in Southeast Asia.

History & Culture

Daun Penh puts you within 15 minutes walk of the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Wat Phnom. three of the most significant sites in Cambodia. Raffles Le Royal on Monivong Boulevard is itself a piece of that history.

Family Travel

Toul Tom Poung gives families the space they need: Kabiki Hotel's villa grounds are kid-friendly, and the Russian Market on Street 155 is a 5-minute walk for a low-key morning out.

Budget Smart

BKK1 is where your money goes furthest. $45-75/night at The Pavilion gets you a pool and colonial garden on a quiet lane off Street 240. It's the best budget-to-quality ratio in the city.

Foodie Base

BKK1's Street 278 corridor is the strongest food strip in Phnom Penh, with everything from Khmer barbecue to specialty coffee within a 10-minute walk of both The Pavilion and Plantation.

Riverside Scene

Sisowath Quay on the Riverside pulls the social crowd: sunset drinks at the FCC, night market browsing, and a short walk to the Royal Palace. Mad Monkey and Amanjaya Pancam both sit in this zone.


40%

Location Quality

Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.

30%

Value for Money

We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.

30%

Guest Experience

We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.


When to Visit Phnom Penh

When to visit Phnom Penh and what to pay.

Warming Up

Shoulder Season (Mar-Apr)

Avg hotel: $90-280/nightCrowds: ModerateTemp: 28-38°C

March is manageable, but April is genuinely brutal. temperatures hit 36-38°C and Khmer New Year (mid-April) fills the city, with hotels near the Royal Palace selling out and prices jumping 20-30%. If you're visiting in April, book a hotel with a strong pool and plan to stay indoors from noon to 4pm. Prices drop noticeably in early March compared to February peak.

Budget Friendly

Rainy Season (May-Sep)

Avg hotel: $55-200/nightCrowds: LowTemp: 27-35°C

Rain hits daily, usually in intense afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle. mornings are often clear. Hotel prices drop significantly, with BKK1 budget options dipping to $45-55/night and mid-range Riverside properties hitting $90-130. The Mekong rises visibly through this period, which is actually worth seeing from Amanjaya's balcony. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and embrace the empty streets.


Booking Tips for Phnom Penh

Insider tips for booking hotels in Phnom Penh.

Book Riverside hotels 6 weeks ahead for Bon Om Touk

The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) falls in November. exact dates shift annually with the lunar calendar, but it's always 3 days. Every hotel on Sisowath Quay sells out, and prices jump 30-40% that week. If you want to be on the riverfront for the boat races, lock in your booking by early October. If you don't care about the festival, go the week after and pay normal rates.

Always check which direction your room faces

On Riverside, river-facing rooms get Mekong views and significant noise from the quay. Street-facing rooms at places like Amanjaya are quieter but face motorbike and bar noise from the interior streets. Neither is perfect. ask the hotel for a map of the room layout before confirming. Upper floors (4 and above) reduce the street noise meaningfully at most properties.

Use Grab, not airport taxis

Phnom Penh International Airport has official taxi touts who will quote $25-35 for a ride to BKK1 or Riverside. Grab consistently runs that same trip for $10-15. Open the app before you exit arrivals, connect to the airport Wi-Fi, and have your destination typed in. The Grab pickup point is at the departures level. walk up one floor from arrivals.

Khmer New Year (mid-April) means full hotels and full heat

Khmer New Year falls around April 13-16 each year. It's a 3-day national holiday and the hottest period on the calendar. temperatures regularly hit 37-38°C. Hotels near the Royal Palace and in BKK1 fill up fast and charge 20-30% above standard rates. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for mid-April. If you're visiting Cambodia for the first time, this is genuinely not the best week to start in Phnom Penh.

Guesthouses near the bus station are not worth the saving

The budget accommodation cluster near Phnom Penh Bus Terminal on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard looks cheap at $18-25/night, but you're 25-30 minutes from the Royal Palace by tuk-tuk, and the area has more petty crime than the rest of central Phnom Penh. Spending an extra $20-25/night to be in BKK1 or Riverside is one of the best travel decisions you'll make. The Pavilion at $45/night is in a different world from those guesthouses.

Ask your hotel about tuk-tuk drivers before you go to the street

Most hotels in BKK1 and Riverside have a trusted tuk-tuk driver or two they work with regularly. these drivers know the correct prices and won't overcharge. Asking the front desk for a recommended driver takes 30 seconds and saves you the negotiation theater outside. For the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek (15 km south on Monireth Boulevard), negotiate a half-day rate of $15-20 including the wait time. Street touts will try $30-40 for the same trip.


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Hotels in Phnom Penh — FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Phnom Penh.

What's the best neighborhood to stay in Phnom Penh?

BKK1 and Riverside are the two neighborhoods worth prioritizing. Riverside puts you on Sisowath Quay within 10 minutes walk of the Royal Palace and National Museum, while BKK1 on and around Street 278 gives you the city's best café and restaurant scene. Expect to pay $45-175/night depending on which you pick. Both neighborhoods are walkable in the cooler months; in April, you'll want a hotel with a pool.

Is Phnom Penh safe for tourists?

Generally yes, though bag snatching from motorbikes is a real issue on Sisowath Quay and around Wat Phnom. keep bags on the inside of the pavement, not the street side. The tourist-heavy areas like BKK1 and Riverside are well-lit and actively policed. Avoid the area around the bus station on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard at night. Most hotel concierges will give you current street-level advice; take it seriously.

How much should I budget for a hotel in Phnom Penh?

Solid budget options in BKK1 start around $45/night. Mid-range hotels in Riverside and Toul Tom Poung run $110-180/night and usually include a pool. Luxury stays at Raffles or Sofitel in Daun Penh and Tonle Bassac hit $260-450/night. You can get genuinely excellent hotels for $130-160/night. Phnom Penh doesn't require a big budget to sleep well.

When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

November through February is the sweet spot: temperatures sit around 26-30°C, humidity drops, and the city is at its most comfortable. The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November is spectacular. boats race on the Tonle Sap right in front of Sisowath Quay, and hotel prices spike by 30-40% that week. April is the hottest month (often 38°C+) and coincides with Khmer New Year, which means packed streets and higher prices near the Royal Palace.

How do I get around Phnom Penh from my hotel?

Tuk-tuks are the standard: expect to pay $2-5 for most cross-city trips. Grab (the regional Uber equivalent) works reliably and is usually cheaper than negotiating with street tuk-tuks, often under $3 for a BKK1-to-Riverside run. Phnom Penh has no metro. it's tuk-tuks, Grab cars, and motodops (motorcycle taxis) only. From Phnom Penh International Airport to central Riverside, budget around $12-15 by Grab.

Are there areas of Phnom Penh to avoid when booking a hotel?

Skip the area directly around the Phnom Penh Bus Terminal on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard. Hotels there market themselves as central, but you're 25-30 minutes from the Royal Palace in traffic and surrounded by scams targeting new arrivals. The Stung Meanchey area in the south is similarly poorly located for tourists. Stick to BKK1, Riverside, Daun Penh, or Toul Tom Poung.

Do Phnom Penh hotels include breakfast?

Most mid-range and luxury hotels include breakfast or offer it as an add-on for $8-15/person. Budget guesthouses in BKK1 often skip it entirely. Honestly, skip the hotel breakfast if you're staying near Street 240 or the Old Market. you'll eat better for $3-5 at local spots like Daughters of Cambodia Café on Street 178 or any of the baguette carts on Monivong Boulevard.

What's the difference between Riverside and BKK1 for hotels?

Riverside means Sisowath Quay: you're walking distance from the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the night market, but it's louder and more tourist-facing. BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) sits about 15 minutes walk south, centered around Streets 278 and 240, with a more local café culture, fewer touts, and slightly lower hotel prices. If this is your first trip, Riverside is easier. If you've been before, BKK1 is better.

Is it worth staying at a luxury hotel in Phnom Penh?

At Rosewood or Raffles Le Royal, absolutely. Rosewood in Daun Penh starts at $185/night and delivers a 36th-floor pool and food that rivals any hotel in Southeast Asia at that price. Raffles Le Royal on Street Monivong is a genuine piece of history. These aren't just comfortable places to sleep. they're part of the Phnom Penh experience. If luxury is on the table, don't talk yourself out of it.

How far are Phnom Penh hotels from the airport?

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) sits about 10 km west of the city center. By Grab, you're looking at 20-30 minutes to Riverside or BKK1 depending on traffic, and about $10-15 for the ride. Avoid the airport taxi touts inside arrivals. fixed-price Grab is cheaper and more reliable. Hotels in Tonle Bassac near the Sofitel are the closest to the airport at roughly 15-20 minutes.

What are the best hotels in Phnom Penh for families?

Kabiki Hotel in Toul Tom Poung is the clear pick: it's a villa-style property with large grounds, a proper pool, and room configurations that actually work for families with kids. It's about a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to the Russian Market on Street 155. For families who want more central access, Plantation Urban Resort in BKK1 has the garden space and calm atmosphere that makes it manageable with children.

Does Phnom Penh have good hotels for business travelers?

Hotel Cambodiana on the Tonle Bassac riverfront has the best mid-range business infrastructure in the city: solid conference rooms, business center, and proximity to government offices on Norodom Boulevard. For higher-end corporate stays, Sofitel Phokeethra on Sothearos Boulevard is 8 minutes walk from the diplomatic quarter and handles large delegations well. Both are under 20 minutes from the airport in light traffic.