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Phnom Penh travel guide

Phnom Penh sits where the Tonle Sap river meets the Mekong, and most of what visitors come for lies within walking distance of Sisowath Quay, the riverside promenade below the Royal Palace. Streets are numbered on a grid running back from the river, which makes it easy to judge how far a hotel really is from the waterfront.

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Getting there and choosing your base

  • Techo International Airport (KTI): The city's new airport, which took over from the old Phnom Penh International Airport in September 2025. It lies nearly 20 km south of the centre and the road in is often congested, so allow extra time for early departures; an Airport Express Bus runs into town for those travelling light.
  • Bus company offices: There is no single bus station: operators leave from their own offices, many just west of the Central Market or north of the night market by the river. A hotel near your company's office makes an early departure to Siem Reap or the coast much simpler.
  • Sisowath Quay pier: Speedboats to Chau Doc in Vietnam use the pier on the riverfront. Boat services to Siem Reap are suspended.

Areas to consider

Riverside (Sisowath Quay)

Suits first-time visitors who want the Royal Palace, National Museum and river walks on foot. Rooms over the quay can pick up noise from the promenade and nearby bars, so ask for a side-street or upper-floor room.

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang)

Suits travellers wanting the more upmarket restaurant and bar scene, along with the hostels around Street 278. Because some streets here mix party hostels and quieter hotels, read recent comments about late-night noise before booking.

Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market)

Suits longer stays and shoppers, with cafés and the covered market close by. This area is a tuk-tuk ride from the riverfront sights, so factor in daily transport if you plan to sightsee there.

Former Lakeside (Boeung Kak)

Suits budget travellers after the very cheapest rooms in a few surviving guesthouses. The lake has been filled in and many places have closed, so confirm the guesthouse is still trading before you travel.

When to go

The cool, dry months from November to March are the main season; April and May are very hot, and June to September brings late-afternoon downpours. Khmer New Year in mid-April and Pchum Ben in September or October empty the city as people travel home, while the Water Festival boat races in October or November fill the riverside with crowds.

Before choosing a room

  • House numbers are not sequential, so note the hotel's street number and a nearby landmark to give to your tuk-tuk driver.
  • If you are booked on a riverside room, check whether it falls on Water Festival dates, when the quay is packed day and night.
  • Many hotels price in US dollars; ask for change in small, undamaged notes, as torn bills are often refused around the city.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

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