Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, a low-rise capital of colonial shophouses, broad boulevards and temple hills. The Royal Palace and the riverfront give the centre its shape, while the streets behind them fill with guesthouses, cafés and bars.
For a visitor, the practical question is which stretch of the centre to base yourself in. Most accommodation clusters either along the riverside, in the blocks around the Royal Palace and Street 258, or in the BKK1 area near the Independence Monument, with a smaller budget cluster remaining near the former Lakeside. This guide covers those areas and what each suits.
Best areas to stay in Phnom Penh
1. Riverside
The riverfront is the most convenient base for a first visit. Guesthouses and hotels here sit within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the night market, and the area has a steady supply of restaurants and bars. It suits first-time visitors who want the main sights on foot and easy transport connections.
Note that the riverside is also a busy, sometimes noisy strip, and several places sit directly on Sisowath Quay or the streets just behind it. Streets 136, 144 and 148 run back from the river and hold a mix of budget and mid-range options.
2. Around the Royal Palace and Street 258
The blocks near the Cambodia/Vietnam Friendship Park and Street 258 are central and slightly calmer than the quay itself. This is a good choice if you want to be close to the palace, the museum and the river without sleeping on top of the bar strip. Budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels are both found here.
Street 258 in particular has budget options, and the area is walkable to the main riverside sights.
3. BKK1 and the Independence Monument area
BKK1, around the Independence Monument and Wat Langka, is the backpacker and party district. It has hostels with pools and rooftop bars, mid-range hotels and serviced apartments, and a concentration of bars and restaurants. It suits travellers who want nightlife and a sociable scene, and it is a short ride from the palace and riverfront rather than a walk.
Streets 278 and 302 are the core of this area, and Street 51 near Wat Langka also has budget options.
4. Streets 111 and 172
These streets, running between the riverside and the central market area, hold some good budget options and sit within walking distance of both the river and the palace. They suit budget travellers who want a central location without the quay's noise.
5. Lakeside
The former Lakeside area near the filled-in Boeung Kak lake still has a small colony of guesthouses, though it has shrunk considerably. Remaining businesses compete for clients, which keeps prices very low. It suits budget travellers who prioritise cheap rooms over proximity to the sights; the area is away from the main visitor centre and you will need transport to reach the palace and riverfront.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Guesthouses and hostels, including dorm beds and simple private rooms, concentrated around the former Lakeside, Streets 258, 111, 172 and 278, and Street 51 near Wat Langka. Expect basic rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms or no window, and occasional noise.
- Mid-range: Hotels and boutique guesthouses with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and breakfast, found near the riverside, around Street 148 and Kandal Market, and in the BKK1 and Independence Monument area. Some include pools or garden settings.
- Splurge: Larger hotels and resort-style properties, including ones with swimming pools, tennis courts and other leisure facilities, generally set outside the tightest part of the centre.
Best area for a first visit
Stay on the riverside or in the blocks just behind it, around Streets 136 to 148 and Street 258. From there the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the night market are within walking distance, and you have the widest choice of places to eat and drink. It is the simplest base for getting your bearings before deciding whether you prefer the quieter streets or the BKK1 nightlife.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for budget travellers?
The former Lakeside area remains the cheapest, with remaining guesthouses offering very low rates. Streets 258, 111, 172, 278 and Street 51 near Wat Langka also have good budget options closer to the centre.
Where should I stay if I want nightlife?
BKK1, around the Independence Monument and Wat Langka, is the backpackers' district and has the densest concentration of bars and hostels, including party-oriented places with pools and rooftop bars.
Is the riverside noisy?
The riverside is a busy strip with bars and restaurants, so rooms directly on the quay can be noisy. Streets running back from the river, such as 136, 144 and 148, are a compromise between convenience and quiet.
Do I need to be near the river to see the main sights?
The Royal Palace, National Museum and night market are all on or near the riverfront, so basing yourself there keeps them walkable. Areas such as BKK1 are a short ride away rather than a walk.
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