Hotels in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh: Royal Capital on the Tonlé Sap Confluence

Phnom Penh sits at the junction of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers in central Cambodia. Founded as the royal capital in 1434, the city blends French colonial architecture along Sisowath Quay with gilded temple rooftops and mid-century modernist buildings from the 1960s "New Khmer" era. The Royal Palace, built in 1866, and the adjoining Silver Pagoda anchor the riverfront and draw visitors year-round. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — the former S-21 detention center — and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial, 15 km south of the city center, document the 1975–1979 Khmer Rouge period and remain essential sites for understanding Cambodia's modern history.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

Most hotels concentrate in three areas. BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) offers mid-range guesthouses and boutique hotels within walking distance of Street 278's cafés. The riverside district around Sisowath Quay suits travelers who want colonial-era hotels and river views. Toul Tom Poung, near the Russian Market, attracts longer-stay visitors with apartment-style properties and local street food.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Tuk-tuks and PassApp ride-hail apps cover most journeys; metered taxis exist but are less common.
• Currency: US dollars are widely accepted alongside Cambodian riel; ATMs dispense both.
• Timing: The dry season runs November through April — humidity is lower and riverside evenings are comfortable.