Phnom Penh

Near the river

Staying on the banks of the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh is highly recommended if it's within your budget. Although generally more expensive than elsewhere in the city, it is a pleasant, albeit touristy, area to stay. Late afternoon strolling along the promenade or relaxing in one of the many bars or cafes -- or on your hotel or guesthouse veranda -- is a great way to finish the day.

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
80%
16 votes
 

Cozyna Hotel - Great location, good bargain
1A Sisowath Quay
T: (023) 222 366;
Location, location, location. Wedged between the much more expensive Amanjaya and Bougainvillier hotels, and surrounded by pubs and restaurants, the Cozyna has bright, spotless rooms with some fine ... Cozyna Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$75 to 150
80%
1 vote
 

Amanjaya Hotel - Flash digs, outstanding river views
1 Street 154, Sisowath Quay
T: (023) 214 747; F: (053) 219 545
Vying with The Quay for the title of the flashest digs on Sisowath Quay, the Amanjaya Hotel is primarily aimed at the aid community and business traveller market. It offers a superior standard of ... Amanjaya Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$75 to 150
80%
1 vote
 

The Quay Hotel - Bright, white and stylish
277 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 992 284, (023) 224 894; F: (023) 224 893
The Quay stands out among the facades of the many historic, slightly crumbling hotels and restaurants lining the riverside's streets. It's modern, almost futuristic, facade is stark and white. The ... The Quay Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
79%
1 vote
 

Boddhi Tree Aram - Expensive but a worthwhile splurge
70 Street 244 Phnom Penh
T: (023) 211 276;
Set in the heart of Phnom Penh's colonial district and within a short walk of both the Royal Palace and the riverfront, Boddhi Tree Aram is the most luxurious of the three Boddhi Tree properties in ... Boddhi Tree Aram complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
75%
3 votes
 

Indochine Hotel - Massive triple rooms
251 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 427 292; F: (023) 427 292
Next door to the Mekong Palace Hotel, the Chinese-style Indochine is very clean and well-kept, but rather featureless. Be warned -- especially if you're staying on the fifth floor – that ... Indochine Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
75%
1 vote
 

Hope & Anchor - Spacious and comfortable rooms
213 Sisowath Quay
T: (023) 991 190;
The Hope & Anchor (previously known as Mikey's) is toward the northern end of Sisowath Quay, atop the same-named popular bar and restaurant. The entrance is at the back of the restaurant, up a narrow ... Hope & Anchor complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
72%
20 votes
 

Bright Lotus 1 Guest House - Great choice, very good value
#22 Street 178
T: (023) 990 446;
The Bright Lotus Guesthouse is in a fabulous location, if you don't mind the noise of the traffic, just across from the National Museum and behind the FCC. It has spotless rooms with air-con, TV, ... Bright Lotus 1 Guest House complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
71%
12 votes
 

The Pavilion - Beautiful rooms and pool
227 Street 19, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 222 280;
The Pavilion, housed in a colonial residence walking distance from both the Independence Monument and the Grand Palace, will appeal to anyone looking to stay in a charming monument to Cambodia's ... The Pavilion complete profile

Luxury
Over US$150
70%
1 vote
 

Himawari Hotel Apartments - Smart apartment style rooms
313 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 214 555; F: (023) 217 111
According to the publisher of the Cambodia Daily (pleased that the hotel provides complimentary copies of his newspaper over rival Phnom Penh Post to guests), the Himawari is the nicest hotel in ... Himawari Hotel Apartments complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
68%
3 votes
 

The River-Star Hotel - Good river view without spending top dollar
185 Sisowath Quay - corner of Street 118, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 990 501-3, (011) 708 501; F: (023) 223 825
The River-Star has a mix of brightly-decorated large rooms with beautiful views of the river and smaller rooms with no windows. Because it is farther north in the riverside area, it is a bit quieter, ... The River-Star Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
64%
14 votes
 

Indochine 2 Hotel - A good mid-range choice
28-30 Street 130, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 211 525; F: (023) 211 787
Located just off the river on Street 130, a giant yellow sign identifies this three-storey, spotless hotel. This great choice offers 35 big air-con rooms with tastefully decorated private bathrooms ... Indochine 2 Hotel complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
63%
31 votes
 

Okay Guest House - Value for money
#5 Street 258, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 300 804;
Located just west of the Cambodiana Hotel, a short moto ride from the river, the Okay Guest House has gone down in recent years as its prices have gone up. Most of the rooms are clean and spacious, ... Okay Guest House complete profile

Luxury
Over US$150
60%
1 vote
 

Hotel Cambodiana - Ugly building, great river views
313 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 218 189; F: (023) 426 392
Though the place looks like a conference centre from hell -- it has to be one of the ugliest hotel buildings in Phnom Penh, with a tacky, 1980s interpretation of Khmer architecture -- it's actually a ... Hotel Cambodiana complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
56%
2 votes
 

Lyon D'Or - Good rooms, indifferent staff
#12, Street 110, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 217 710, (012) 752 972;
Located just around the corner off Sisowath Quay on Street 110, this mid-sized hotel has 22 good and very clean rooms, all slightly cramped but with private bathroom, cable TV, air-con and a lounge ... Lyon D'Or complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
55%
1 vote
 

Angkorchey Guesthouse - Big rooms, good location
30Eo Street 108 (just off Sisowath Quay), Phnom Penh
T: (023) 222 254;
This mid-sized Chinese hotel has huge but slightly shabby air-con and fan rooms just off Sisowath Quay, across from the bustling night market. The narrow lobby, stuffed with boxed merchandise for the ... Angkorchey Guesthouse complete profile

Toprange
US$75 to 150
51%
4 votes
 

Bougainvillier Hotel - A good riverside option
277G Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 220 528; F: (023) 220 529
Decorated in an almost Shanghai Tang style, the Bougainvillier may be loved by some but others find it cheesy. The standards have city views, which translates into peering over the tin roof of the ... Bougainvillier Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
50%
1 vote
 

Star-Royal Hotel - Run of the mill hotel with a view
383 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 219 436; F: (023) 218 476
Clean and modern with updated carpet and tiling throughout, the Star Royal has just one quirk: the hallways run the perimeter of what would have made a lovely courtyard were it not for the fact that ... Star-Royal Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
49%
7 votes
 

Dara Reang Sey Hotel - Minimalist rooms for minimal cost
#45E Street 118, corner of Street 13, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 428 181; F: (023) 427 469
The Dara Reang Sey boasts rooms with hot water bathrooms and air-con, and is just two blocks from the river, but that's where the good stuff stops. The place has a bit of a reputation for hosting ... Dara Reang Sey Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
37%
4 votes
 

Angkor International Hotel - Run down hotel near the river
#38-50 Street 148, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 217 609; F: (023) 217 505
The Angkor used to be a rundown old dump and that's still half true. When the new wing is full they still book people into rooms in the old one, which is a musty, cruddy mess with the same price tag. ... Angkor International Hotel complete profile

Boengkak Lake

This is the backpacker quarter of Phnom Penh, easily the cheapest part of town, but really not the best. The lake is totally toxic and no matter how many beers you've drunk or spliffs you've smoked (a major pastime here) nothing will protect you from the water. Opinions are mixed on this area. There's certainly nothing Cambodian about it, but people keep coming here for the cheap rooms and the relaxed, laid-back scene. We have to admit a Sunday afternoon spent on Lazy Fish's veranda is a very nice way to waste half a day, but there are better areas in town to stay. In 2008, the shortsighted Cambodian government agreed to sell the lake and the area around it to a local developer, who plans to fill in the lake and build expensive condos and a shopping centre. Hello rainy season floods! On any given day, a giant pipe can be seen pumping out sand-filled water from the quickly receding lake. As of early 2009, most guesthouse owners bordering the lake estimated they had between seven months and two years before they would be forced to close, while those away from the lake think they have from one to five years before the developer, with the help of government forces, will kick them out.

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
69%
3 votes
 

Simon's Chi Cafe and Guesthouse 2 - Large rooms
10 Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 608 892;
For a former home, this hotel is decidedly un-homey though it's a popular place that always seems to be full. The converted residence, easily recognisable by its garish pink exterior, features large, ... Simon's Chi Cafe and Guesthouse 2 complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
68%
1 vote
 

Green Lake Guesthouse - Nice suite rooms and good bargain options
15B Street 94, Phnom Penh
T: (092) 407 800;
Although we saw a backpacker go into his room with a sex worker while we visited, this hostel initially struck us as less seedy than some of its neighbours. The rooms are all clean and spacious, and ... Green Lake Guesthouse complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
67%
5 votes
 

Number 9 Sister Guesthouse - Top spot
8A Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 424 240;
Number 9 Sister Guesthouse is an attractive wooden setup with a spacious balcony area overlooking the lake. Its location, hidden down an otherwise uninhabited alley, makes it a true hideaway on the ... Number 9 Sister Guesthouse complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
67%
2 votes
 

#9 Guest House - Sweeping views of the receeding lake
9 Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (011) 714 445;
Located next door to Lake Side Guest House, this equally large place has equally cheap and equally grotty rooms. It's owned by the same people as #9 Sister and, though the ambience is nice, isn't ... #9 Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
63%
1 vote
 

#11 Happy Guesthouse & Restaurant - Plenty of rooms
11D Street 93, Phnom Penh

Plain white cement walls and a porch overlooking the lake, this hostel is nothing special and resembles all the others. When we visited, it had garish Khmer New Year decorations hanging up. Still, ... #11 Happy Guesthouse & Restaurant complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
56%
5 votes
 

Grand View Guest House - Good comfortable spot
4Eo Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 666 547;
This large, multi-storey place isn't right on the lake, but some of the rooms do have views over it. The rooms are clean and well looked after, though they're only mid-sized. The roof-top restaurant ... Grand View Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
51%
2 votes
 

Lazyfish Guesthouse & Restaurant - Best on the lake
15 and 16 Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 703 368;
This Khmer-owned guesthouse consists of the seven-year-old Lazyfish and the former Cafe Freedom and Lodge, which Lazyfish bought two years ago. It has concrete budget single rooms, as well as nice ... Lazyfish Guesthouse & Restaurant complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
50%
3 votes
 

#10 Lakeside Guest House - Very popular and laid back
#10 Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 725 032;
This large and popular guesthouse with a relaxed atmosphere has loads of rooms, all with paper-thin walls but at least the staff are friendly. It's a good place to meet fellow backpackers, though the ... #10 Lakeside Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
44%
2 votes
 

Malis Guest House & Restaurant - Sets itself apart
19 Street 93, Phnom Penh
T: (099) 318 821;
Malis sets itself apart from the score of other lakeside places by not being on the lake. This will be a major downside for some, but the family-owned Malis also attracts a more straightlaced, ... Malis Guest House & Restaurant complete profile

Away from the river

Stretching from Phsar Thmei in the north to the Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) in the south, this area basically covers everything that isn't by the lake or on the river. A few gems are scattered across this area, which is popular with those who want to throw themselves headlong into the real Phnom Penh.

Luxury
Over US$150
90%
1 vote
 

Raffles Hotel Le Royal - Oustanding
92 Rukhak Vithei, off Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 981 888; F: (023) 981 168
The most romantic and atmospheric hotel in Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal dates back to 1929 and following a major renovation in 1997, the hotel retains an old-world colonial charm. The hotel's ... Raffles Hotel Le Royal complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
87%
2 votes
 

Frangipani Villa - Beautiful building, lovely rooms
20R, Street 252, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 687 717;
Frangipani only has seven rooms, and this is probably part of the reason the hotel is so quiet and serene. Set in a gated 1960s-era home, with an outdoor canopied reception area, Frangipani is the ... Frangipani Villa complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
85%
1 vote
 

Kambuja Inn - An excellent family option
8-10 Street 174, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 223 377; F: (023) 213 134
Tucked away on a sleepy road just off Norodom Boulevard, the Kambuja Inn has a bunch of very well-sized, reasonably priced rooms, many with two large double beds, making this a good option for those ... Kambuja Inn complete profile

Toprange
US$75 to 150
80%
1 vote
 

Juliana Hotel - Luxury hidden in the heart of Phnom Penh
#16 Street 152, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 880 530-1; F: (023) 885 750-1
Hidden to the north of Olympic Stadium, the Juliana is an oasis among tin-roofed shanties and roadside moto repair shops. The place was trashed during the 2003 anti-Thai riots but is now well back on ... Juliana Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
80%
4 votes
 

Manor House - Phnom Penh's gay and straight-friendly guesthouse
21 Street 262, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 992 566;
You will feel like a guest staying at the manor of a kind, wealthy Khmer friend here. Set on the stubby Street 262, a quiet, pebble-strewn block behind the Mobitel Office on Sihanouk Boulevard near ... Manor House complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
80%
1 vote
 

Anise Hotel & Restaurant - Looks like it should be pricier
2C Street 278, off Street 57, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 730 099; F: (023) 222 533
Another 2008 entrant to the hotel scene in Phnom Penh's NGOville, Anise looks like a four-star hotel but comes with a three-star price tag. Rooms are gigantic and most have a balcony, DVD players ... Anise Hotel & Restaurant complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
78%
2 votes
 

Me Mates Place - Friendly people, cold rooms
1B4 Street 90, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 724 432;
This guesthouse, located on a quiet sidestreet just north of Wat Phnom, opened in early 2008. It's a bit sterile, with gray marble floors and white walls, but the friendliness of the staff more than ... Me Mates Place complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
78%
2 votes
 

Blue Lime - Blissfully quiet
42 Street 19z (off Street 19), Phnom Penh
T: (023) 222 260;
Blue Lime is set down a narrow alley off the road behind the Royal Palace, hidden by a large, wooden gate and lots of green. Because of its distance from the street, it's the one place in town where ... Blue Lime complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
75%
2 votes
 

Golden Gate Hotel - Smart deluxe rooms, tour group favourite
9CD St 278, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 721 161;
Street 278 is home to a slew of hotels with the word Golden in their name, and rumour has it they're all owned by various members of the same extended family. Of all the Goldens, Golden Gate is the ... Golden Gate Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
75%
7 votes
 

The Billabong Hotel - Great pool
5 Street 158, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 223 703; F: (023) 998 472
The best thing about the Billabong Hotel is the saltwater swimming pool. If you stay here, expect to spend the middle of most days floating around in it - -and your nights too, since it's lit in the ... The Billabong Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
74%
1 vote
 

Villa Langka - Lush garden
14 Street 282, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 449 857;
Villa Langka might be one of the greenest spaces in central Phnom Penh. Dense palms surround a 1960s-style, midcentury French mansion. The pool is a hit with guests and the many expats who bring ... Villa Langka complete profile

Toprange
US$75 to 150
73%
2 votes
 

Phnom Penh Hotel - Luxurious spot
#53 Monivong. Phnom Penh
T: (023) 991 868; F: (023) 991 818
Do yourself a favour and don't look at Raffles before you see the Phnom Penh around the corner, with its hotel name spelled out in giant letters cut into the bushes lining the entrance. This ... Phnom Penh Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
72%
3 votes
 

The Boddhi Tree -- Del Gusto - Be charmed
43 Street 95, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 211 396;
This charming, tucked away guesthouse set in a lovely 1930s villa shrouded in greenery has eight rooms and a small restaurant with friendly staff serving up salads, tapas and delicious pita ... The Boddhi Tree -- Del Gusto complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
70%
12 votes
 

The Boddhi Tree -- Umma - Lovely garden setting
50 Street 113, Phnom Penh
T: (011) 854 430;
Opposite Tuol Sleng Museum, this excellent garden cafe and guesthouse has spotless, well-sized rooms with great bathrooms and a pleasant ambience, though only the expensive rooms have hot water and ... The Boddhi Tree -- Umma complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
70%
1 vote
 

Green Guest House - More buttoned-down than Narin and Tat
53 Street 125, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 216 952;
Green Guest House is, er, very green. Everything is bright green, from the walls to the floors to the employees' shirts. It's more sanitary than the laid-back backpacker joints surrounding it, which ... Green Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
70%
1 vote
 

Narin Guest House - Long-running, popular and friendly
#50 Street 125, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 991 955;
Narin is not very well located unless you plan on spending time hanging around Phsar Orasay, but it's still very popular with backpackers, probably because its rooms are reasonable and staff ... Narin Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
70%
1 vote
 

Narin 2 Guesthouse - Popular with groups and families
20 Street 111, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 305 411;
The Narin 2 is right next door to the Seng Sokhom, but there are some real contrasts -- it's a well-worn part of a group tour operation, so a hideaway it is not. Whereas Seng Sokhom looks like a loft ... Narin 2 Guesthouse complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
70%
1 vote
 

Seng Sokhom Guest House - A great little hideaway
22E1 Street 111, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 898 726;
This is a very down-to-earth place in an out-of-the way location -- probably the most Cambodian guesthouse we've seen that isn't too sketchy. It's just the opposite: a laid-back family-run place ... Seng Sokhom Guest House complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
70%
1 vote
 

Amber Villa & Restaurant - Friendly staff, tasteful rooms
1A Street 57, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 216 303;
Amber Villa and its satellite hotel around the corner at 7B on Street 271, Amber House, is a great new entrant to the guesthouse scene in the BKK 1 area. Rooms at the satellite are a bit cheaper, ... Amber Villa & Restaurant complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
67%
9 votes
 

TAT Guest House - Slightly better than Narin's next door
52E1 Street 125, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 921 211;
Next door to Narin Guesthouse and offering identical prices, TAT has slightly better rooms and a common area on the third storey. The high points of the hotel are the rooftop lounge and the kindness ... TAT Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
67%
4 votes
 

Sunday Guesthouse - Economical option near Olympic Stadium
#97 Street 141, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 211 623;
Located on a road behind Phnom Penh's Olympic Stadium, this friendly guesthouse has a beautiful patio on the third floor that makes up somewhat for its out-of-the-way location and forgettable rooms, ... Sunday Guesthouse complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10
67%
10 votes
 

Top Banana Guesthouse - Popular backpacker haven
Corner St 51 & St 278, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 885 572;
Top Banana Guesthouse is situated on the top floor of a three-storey building on the corner of Pasteur (Street 51) and Street 278. It's a bit tricky to find, requiring you to climb up several steep, ... Top Banana Guesthouse complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
65%
3 votes
 

Flamingos Hotel - Good value standards
#30 Street 172, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 221 640;
This well-equipped hotel is a popular spot with tourists, and it's one of the best midrange hotels in town. The exterior is a bit tacky and off-putting with neon signs and balconies made of pink ... Flamingos Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$35 to 75
63%
1 vote
 

Goldiana Hotel - Aid worker favourite
10-12 St 282, Phnom Penh
T: (053) 219 558; F: (053) 219 558
The long-running midrange Goldiana is a favourite among the aid crowd -- who get a 20% discount -- and was also very popular with Westerners adopting Khmer children until adoptions were banned. The ... Goldiana Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
60%
1 vote
 

Blue Dog Guesthouse - Spacious common room, friendly owner
13 Street 51, Phnom Penh
T: (012) 658 075;
Popular with long-term guests, this is a place to meet some quirky and friendly people. The owner seems to be close friends with some of his guests, who all vouch that the place is the homiest in ... Blue Dog Guesthouse complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
60%
1 vote
 

World Star Hotel - Better on the inside
56 Monivong, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 427 220; F: (023) 427 551
From the outside, World Star looks unappealing, with a garish, faux pagoda rooftop and an adjacent seedy-looking nightclub. Don't let this, the filthy hallways or the No Drugs, No Drugs sign on the ... World Star Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 35
50%
1 vote
 

Angkor Bright Guest House - Great location, adequate rooms
Corner of Street 154 and Street 63, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 211 162;
This is quite a popular spot despite the rooms being unremarkable. Just a couple of streets south of Central Market, Angkor Bright offers rooms with air-con, cable TV and hot water bathrooms. The ... Angkor Bright Guest House complete profile