Where to stay in Phnom Penh

Cambodia's capital sits where the Tonle Sap river meets the Mekong, with the Bassac branching off just to the south. It's a fast-changing, busy city of tuk-tuks, markets and new towers, but the essentials for visitors are fairly close together: the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Wat Phnom, the domed Central Market and the riverside promenade along Sisowath Quay.

The city also holds some of the hardest history in the region. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned Khmer Rouge prison, is in the centre, and the Choeung Ek memorial lies on the southern outskirts. Most visitors give Phnom Penh two or three days, either before heading to Siem Reap or the coast or after. We list a small mix of guesthouses, a B&B, hotels and serviced apartments; filter them below or start with the area guide.

Nearest airport
Techo International (KTI), about 25 km south of the centre; it took over all Phnom Penh flights in September 2025
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps such as PassApp and Grab; the centre is walkable in the cooler hours
To Siem Reap
Buses and minivans take roughly 5 to 7 hours by road; there are also short domestic flights
Driest months
Usually November to April; the rainy season runs roughly May to October

Places to stay in Phnom Penh

6 hotels

B&B in Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)

Dutch Hosted B&B

Dutch hosts, family rooms and a breakfast that caters for vegans

  • terrace
  • air-conditioning
  • free Wi-Fi
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh, area by area

The tourist centre runs from the riverfront inland to Norodom and Monivong boulevards. South of the Royal Palace, the embassy and café district of BKK1 gives way to the Russian Market area, while newer developments spread along the Bassac and towards Diamond Island.

Riverside & Daun Penh

Best for sightseeing on foot

The old heart of the city, along Sisowath Quay and the numbered streets behind it. The Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Ounalom and the night market are all within walking distance, and the riverfront promenade fills up in the evening with families, joggers and food stalls. It has the widest choice of mid-range hotels and guesthouses and is the most practical base for a short stay. Streets nearer the river are livelier at night.

BKK1 & Tuol Sleng

Best for cafés, restaurants and longer stays

Boeung Keng Kang 1, usually shortened to BKK1, is a leafy grid south of Independence Monument with embassies, international restaurants, coffee shops and serviced apartments. The streets to its west lead to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It's popular with expats and anyone staying more than a few days, and the riverside is a short tuk-tuk ride away.

Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)

Best for markets and a local neighbourhood feel

Phsar Toul Tom Poung earned its nickname, the Russian Market, from the Soviet-era expats who shopped there in the 1980s. Today it is a covered maze of textiles, crafts, spare parts and food stalls, and the streets around it have become a favourite for independent cafés, small B&Bs and good-value guesthouses. Expect a residential, low-rise feel and a tuk-tuk ride to the palace and riverfront.

Tonle Bassac & Diamond Island

Best for business trips and modern apartments

The area between Norodom Boulevard and the Bassac river has changed quickly, with apartment blocks, Aeon Mall and the bridges to Diamond Island (Koh Pich), home to a large convention and exhibition centre. Serviced apartments with kitchens and rooftop pools are common here. The Royal Palace is a short ride north.

Toul Kork & Sen Sok

Best for quieter residential stays

North-west of the centre, Toul Kork and Sen Sok are largely residential districts with local restaurants, universities and malls, and few sights of their own. Hotels here tend to be more spacious and better value, but you'll need a tuk-tuk or ride-hail car for the palace, museums and riverside, which can take a while in rush-hour traffic.

Questions about staying in Phnom Penh

Which area of Phnom Penh is best for a first visit?

The Riverside and the streets around it, if you want to walk to the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the riverfront. BKK1 is a good alternative if you prefer a calmer base with plenty of cafés and restaurants.

How do I get from Techo International Airport to the city?

The airport is about 25 km south of the centre, so allow roughly an hour, depending on traffic. Taxis, ride-hailing cars and airport bus services run into the city. Fares and timetables change, so check the latest before you travel.

How long should I spend in Phnom Penh?

Two or three days covers the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Tuol Sleng, the Choeung Ek memorial and a market or two. Stay longer if you want to explore the food scene or take a day trip along the Mekong.

How do I travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?

Most people take a bus or minivan, which takes roughly 5 to 7 hours depending on the service and stops. Domestic flights are much quicker but cost more, and you need to add the transfers at each end.

Is the Russian Market area a good place to stay?

Yes, if you like markets, independent cafés and a more local, residential feel. It's a short tuk-tuk ride from the palace and the riverside rather than walking distance.

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