Cambodia’s capital city holds an interesting juxtaposition of French Colonial and Cambodian heritage. While many first-time travelers to Cambodia pass up Phnom Penh for the allure of Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat temples, it’s worth spending a few days exploring this side of Cambodia. At the confluence of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap River, this bustling city offers a unique cultural experience, just a bit off the beaten path.

This city of 1.5 million people has several areas to choose for your Phnom Penh accommodation, so we’ve put together this guide for where to stay in Phnom Penh in 2019. Remember that when deciding where to stay in Phnom Penh, other areas are just a quick tuk-tuk ride away. 

We will cover off all types of Phnom Penh accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Phnom Penh hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Phnom Penh Cambodia, the best Phnom Penh hotels, best places in Phnom Penh to visit, the best places to stay in Phnom Penh, hotels near Phnom Penh attractions, Phnom Penh neighborhood guide and many more.

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Chamkarmon – Where to stay in Phnom Penh for long term travellers

At the southern edge of Phnom Penh’s central district is Chamkarmon, an area undergoing rapid development and expansion in recent years. Gleaming high-rise buildings are home to nearly 200,000 local residents who live and work here. Some of the attractions of this area include the Olympic Market, the Russian Market, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

It’s also home to the Boeung Keng Kang market, which is sometimes referred to as BKK1. Being a residential area, this is the best location to stay in Phnom Penh if you are looking for a long-term alternative to Phnom Penh hotels and prefer an apartment rental. 

Where to Stay in Chamkarmon

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Chamkarmon
Color Creative Hotel
Envoy Hostel and Tours
Mad Monkey Hostel Phnom Penh
Feliz Hostel

Budget Hotels in Chamkarmon
Grand Elevation Hotel
Toyoko Inn Phnom Penh
Cozy Boutique Hotel
Regent Park Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Chamkarmon
Anik Boutique Hotel
Almond Hotel Bassac River
YK Art House
CASA Meridian Residence

Family Friendly Hotels in Chamkarmon
One Residence
De Ninth Boutique Hotel and Spa
Mansion 51 Hotel & Apartment
La Rose Boutique Hotel & Spa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Chamkarmon
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
La Rose Suites
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Daun Penh – Where to stay in Phnom Penh for tourists

Daun Penh is the most central area of Phnom Penh and therefore the best area for tourists who only have a short time to stay in the capital city. It’s an interesting mix of modern buildings and historic architecture, as well as some of the best things to see in Phnom Penh.

At the center is Wat Phnom, the site of a 14th-century Buddhist temple, in addition to the Royal Palace, the Independence Monument, and the National Museum of Cambodia. This area has the largest selection of hotels in Phnom Penh Cambodia, and a huge selection of restaurants to choose from as well. With all of the parks and play areas, this is also a very family-friendly place to stay in Phnom Penh. 

Where to Stay in Daun Penh

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Daun Penh
Rachana Hostel
B52 Hostel
SLA Boutique Hostel
The Happy House Zone

Budget Hotels in Daun Penh
Sundance Inn & Saloon
Good Morning Guesthouse
Long Lin House

Mid range Hotels in Daun Penh
Blue Lime
Okay Boutique Hotel
Suite Home Boutique Hotel
City Comfort Hotel Royal Palace

Family Friendly Hotels in Daun Penh
Saravoan Royal Palace Hotel
G Eleven Hotel
Plantation – urban resort & spa
Silver River Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Daun Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal 
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Hotel Cambodiana

Riverfront District – Where to stay in Phnom Penh for nightlife

At the northern end of Daun Penh along the Tonle Sap river is the Riverfront District, or Sisowath Quay. With a plethora of bars, restaurants, and the Phnom Penh night market, this is the best area to stay in Phnom Penh for nightlife. Sisowath Quay is also where you’ll find the most budget-friendly accommodation options.

If you are a budget traveler wondering where to stay in Phnom Penh, backpackers love the Riverfront District for cheap accommodation and delicious street food. This also happens to be the launching point for one of the must-do activities in Phnom Penh: taking a ferryboat ride around the rivers. 

Where to Stay in Riverfront District

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Riverfront District
Khmer Village Hostel
One Stop Hostel Phnom Penh
Onederz Hostel Phnom Penh
11 Happy Backpackers

Budget Hotels in Riverfront District
Phnom Penh Le Vincent Hotel
Lucky Ro Hotel
Dara Reang Sey Hotel Phnom Penh
The Irish Place

Mid range Hotels in Riverfront District
TPHD Hotel And Apartment
Le Grand Palais Boutique Hotel
City Centre Hotel
De Art Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Riverfront District
River 108 Boutique Hotel
Vacation Boutique Hotel
Lavanya Boutique Hotel
Grand Waterfront Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Riverfront District
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Naki Suites @ Silvertown
Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel

Sangkat Tumnob Tuek – Where to stay in Phnom Penh with kids

To the west of Daun Penh and Chamkarmon is the area called Sangkat Tumnob Tuek. It is home to the National Olympic Stadium, which hosts soccer matches, swim meets, concerts, and local events. The surrounding area is largely residential and is a good option for travelers looking for family-friendly accommodations in Phnom Penh.

There are supermarkets, shopping centers, and restaurants nearby, and the riverfront is just four kilometers away, making it easy to explore all of Phnom Penh from this home base. 

Where to Stay in Sangkat Tumnob Tuek

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Sangkat Tumnob Tuek
Tuk Tuk Hostel & Cafe
Sovanphum Villa
Base Villa
Lovely Jubbly Villa

Budget Hotels in Sangkat Tumnob Tuek
Kim Guest House
The Mou Hotel
Kirirom Crystal Hotel
Star Wood Inn

Mid range Hotels in Sangkat Tumnob Tuek
Rose Emerald Hotel
V Hotel Phnom Penh
Sim Boutique Hotel
Diamond Serviced Apartments

Family Friendly Hotels in Sangkat Tumnob Tuek
Kravan Hotel
the 252
Essence Hotel & Apartments
Orussey One Hotel & Apartment

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Sangkat Tumnob Tuek
HM Grand Central Hotel
La Rose Suites
The Great Duke Phnom Penh
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort

Phnom Penh Airport – Where to stay in Phnom Penh close to the airport

The Phnom Penh International Airport is about 15 kilometers west of the riverfront. Obviously, this is a good area to stay in Phnom Penh if you have a late arrival or a very early departure from the airport. It’s also a good option if you can’t find budget-friendly accommodation closer to the city center.

Be sure to factor in your transportation costs, though, as you may save money on a hotel only to spend it on tuk-tuk rides. To get from the airport to the city center, there are several options, including bus, taxi or tuk-tuk which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, or the train which takes 30 minutes. 

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh Airport

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Phnom Penh Airport
TOP Hostel

Budget Hotels in Phnom Penh Airport
You Eng Hotel
Bali Bali Resort and Hotel
9 Dragon Hotel & Restaurant
Good Luck Day Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Phnom Penh Airport
California International Hotel
Bodaiju Residences
Tamasa Service Apartment and Hotel
City Comfort Inn

Family Friendly Hotels in Phnom Penh Airport
9 Dragon Hotel & Restaurant
Bonnie Villa
Dara Airport Hotel
CCC Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Phnom Penh Airport
The Great Duke Phnom Penh
Mane La Residence

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