Planning a stay in the so-called Pearl of Southeast Asia? Here are the best places to stay in Phnom Penh!
Cambodia’s gateway and capital, Phnom Penh is an ambivalent city. Many tourists don’t want to discover more than its airport. Yet it’s an essential stop-off point for understanding the country. In addition to its opulent markets and crowded boulevards, the capital is home to many heritage treasures. The Phnom Penh National Palace, Wat Phnom, the Tuol Sleng genocide museum, Silk Island…
Do you have an adventurous spirit? In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to choose the ideal area to stay in Phnom Penh.
Central Market: the liveliest
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Aleksandar Todorovic
The Central Market district takes its name from Phnom Penh’s largest market. A veritable nerve center, it attracts a very diverse population. It’s here that Khmers and foreigners rub shoulders the most! The district is home to numerous shops. At the central market, you’ll find an extraordinary range of goods. Exotic fruits, handicrafts, textiles, electronics and more. It’s also the ideal place to sample delicious traditional cuisine! But the main advantage of Central Market is its accessibility. The district is within easy reach of the city’s main tourist attractions, but above all, it’s home to the bus terminal. Ideal for touring the whole country!
Here you’ll find a wide range of accommodation at very affordable prices. A good option if you want to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the capital. On the other hand, avoid if you’re looking for a quiet area.
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Riverside: the most touristy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mick2770
Riverside is located in Daun Penh, the city’s most touristic district. This is where you’ll find Sisowath Quay, which runs alongside the Tonle Sap River until it meets the Mekong. It’s lined with bars and restaurants, but that’s not all! Here you’ll find the Phnom Penh National Palace and its Silver Pagoda, as well as the Wat Ounalom temple. The area is bustling with locals and tourists alike. In the evening, the atmosphere is particularly pleasant! Street vendors offer local street food, and you can picnic among Khmer families. However, be careful to avoid certain more sensitive areas of the district, where you’ll find girlie bars.
Riverside is Phnom Penh’s most touristic district. As a result, it boasts a vast range of accommodation. From budget guest houses to luxury hotels, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for!
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Prampi Makara: the most authentic
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pon Viro
Would you like to immerse yourself in authentic Phnom Penh? Escape the tourist hustle and bustle? Turn to the Prampi Makara district. Located in the center of the capital, it offers good access to the main points of interest. Yet you’ll find very few tourists. While not the prettiest district in Phnom Penh, it has a unique atmosphere. Shops are run by locals, and restaurants are typical of the area. Here you’ll find Orussey Market, one of the capital’s main business centers. A veritable whirlwind of noise and smells, it attracts hardly any foreigners.
Prampi Makara is the perfect place to stay. Room rental, home exchange, couchsurfing… there are plenty of ways to make the most of it.
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Boeung Keng Kang: the chicest of them all
Photo credit: Flickr – Alan Morgan
Boeung Keng Kang, also known as BKK, is the expatriate district. Surrounded by the Independence Monument, this is the capital’s most fashionable area. In recent years, it has experienced a breathtaking boom. The old colonial houses are gradually being replaced by high-rise buildings. These are home to the luxurious homes of Western immigrants and luxury hotels. Suffice to say, it’s not the most authentic part of town! However, if you’re looking for a night out in the trendy bars, this is the place to stay in Phnom Penh.
Prices are higher than elsewhere in the city, but still very affordable by European standards. What’s more, you’ll also find cheap guest houses in the area.
Please note: the district is subdivided into sub-neighborhoods, BKK1, BKK2 and BKK3.
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Tonle Bassac: the most alternative
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mick2770
Tonle Bassac is a good alternative to BKK if you’re looking for a place to stay in Phnom Penh. Although the district is home to many expatriates, it has retained a certain authenticity. Its narrow streets are pleasant to wander through. They mix typical Cambodian dwellings, colonial houses and buildings with more modern architecture. Here you’ll find many trendy bars and restaurants. The district is a bit hipster, yet not very touristy. This ambivalence gives it a lot of charm.
Here you’ll find hotels and guest houses at more attractive prices than in neighboring BKK. Finally, accommodation at Tonle Bassac gives you easy access to Phnom Penh’s tourist attractions. In fact, it’s not far from Riverside and the Independence Monument.
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Toul Tom Poung: the most family-friendly
Photo credit: Flickr – Claire Backhouse
Toul Tom Poung is a great place to stay in Phnom Penh. This is where you’ll find the Russian market, which is quite touristy, but has a certain cachet. The neighborhood is much like it. It’s home to numerous shops and restaurants run by Westerners, and many expatriates live here. Yet the Khmer population remains in the majority. During the day, all these people contribute to the liveliness of the district. Aside from the Sisowath quay, this is perhaps the most pleasant area for pedestrians! Especially as it’s only 10 / 15 minutes from the center by tuk-tuk. Even so, in the evening, the streets become quiet again.
If you’re a family looking for a place to stay in Phnom Penh, this is a good option. It’s also an ideal area for cheap accommodation.
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Map of hotels and accommodation – Phnom Penh,kh