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Best Hotels in Phnom Penh for Every Budget — 49 Real Picks From £11 (2026)

13 July 202622-26 min readBy JetMeAway Scout
Best Hotels in Phnom Penh for Every Budget — 49 Real Picks From £11 (2026)

Our top Phnom Penh hotel pick for 2026 is Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the 1929 colonial landmark where history and Art Deco grandeur meet — but the real story of Cambodia's riverside capital is at the other end of the price list, where real, bookable rooms a short ride from the Royal Palace start at £11 a night. We've built this guide around all three price bands: 10 luxury landmarks, 10 mid-range hotels, and 29 budget hotels we verified as real, distinct, currently-bookable properties — 49 hotels in all, each linking straight to its live prices.

Phnom Penh is a Buddhist capital on the Mekong that pairs the golden spires of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda with the moving, essential history of the Khmer Rouge years. It's one of the best-value capital cities in Asia — and whether you're spending £11 or £218 a night, your pound goes a long way here. For trip planning it's worth browsing Cambodia's official tourism board, and UK visitors should check the UK Foreign Office's Cambodia travel advice for the latest entry and safety guidance before booking.

Jump to your budget: Luxury landmarks · Mid-range · Budget stays from £11

Scout's 3 best budget picks right now: 🛏️ Velkommen Guesthouse Phnom Penh — from ~£11, the cheapest verified bed in this guide, a long-running backpacker favourite. 🏨 GLOW PARK HOTEL Grand Royal Palace — from ~£38, a 4★ with thousands of reviews right by the Palace. 🌅 Sun Chakra Boutique Hotel — from ~£36, a 4★ literally 50m from the National Museum and Royal Palace. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

A quick note on money before the hotels: US dollars are used for almost everything in Phnom Penh — hotels, tuk-tuks, restaurants and markets all quote and take dollars, with Cambodian riel appearing only as small change. We quote pounds here as a rough guide; you'll pay in dollars on the day. [Compare live Phnom Penh hotel prices](/hotels?city=Phnom Penh) or search UK flights to Phnom Penh (PNH) — there are no direct flights, so expect a connection via Bangkok, Singapore or Doha.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's luxury tier ranges from genuine colonial history to sleek riverside towers — and by global standards it's remarkable value, with several 5★ properties well under £100 a night.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

1. Raffles Hotel Le Royal — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 654 reviews · from ~£174/night. The grande dame of Phnom Penh, opened in 1929 and beautifully restored, with Art Deco and Khmer detailing, two swimming pools set in tropical gardens, and the storied Elephant Bar. It's a short walk from Wat Phnom and the museum quarter, and the single most historic address in the city.

SUN & MOON, Riverside Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2. SUN & MOON, Riverside Hotel — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 448 reviews · from ~£50/night. A stylish riverside 5★ with a rooftop pool and bar looking over the Mekong, moments from the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay. Contemporary Khmer design and a walkable location make it one of the best-value luxury picks in this guide.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

3. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 371 reviews · from ~£130/night. A polished international 5★ near Wat Phnom, blending a restored colonial-era cinema facade with a modern tower, spa, and a large pool. Reliable, spacious rooms and strong service make it a favourite for business and comfort-first travellers.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

4. Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 264 reviews · from ~£133/night. A large, luxurious resort-style hotel with one of the city's best pools, several restaurants and a French-Khmer sense of occasion. It sits a little south of the centre, trading walkability for scale and a genuine resort feel.

Himawari Hotel Apartments — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

5. Himawari Hotel Apartments — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 210 reviews · from ~£53/night. A riverfront hotel with spacious apartment-style rooms, a riverside pool and Mekong views, popular with longer-stay guests and families. Excellent value for a 5★ on the water, a short ride south of the Royal Palace.

Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

6. Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 188 reviews · from ~£51/night. A high-rise serviced-apartment hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and sweeping city views, in the Toul Kork/business district. Roomy units with kitchenettes make it ideal for families or anyone staying more than a few nights.

Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

7. Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 155 reviews · from ~£61/night. A grand riverside resort on the Chroy Changvar peninsula, across the water from the centre, with expansive grounds, a large pool and panoramic river views. Its own island-like calm is the trade-off for a short bridge crossing to the main sights.

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

8. Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 139 reviews · from ~£47/night. A boutique luxury resort in a restored 1960s New Khmer Architecture building, right by the Royal Palace and river. Leafy gardens, a lovely pool and a walkable location make it one of the most charming — and affordable — 5★ stays here.

The Balé Phnom Penh by LifestyleRetreats — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

9. The Balé Phnom Penh by LifestyleRetreats — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 129 reviews · from ~£74/night. A serene, design-led riverside retreat on the Chroy Changvar side, with minimalist suites, a striking pool and a real sense of escape from the city bustle. Best for couples and design lovers who want calm over central convenience.

Rosewood Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

10. Rosewood Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 5★ · 107 reviews · from ~£218/night. The city's most spectacular address, occupying the top floors of the 39-storey Vattanac Capital Tower, with the celebrated Sora rooftop sky bar cantilevered over the skyline. Impeccable rooms, a superb spa and unbeatable views make it the definitive splurge.

Prices are live from-rates pulled while writing and will vary by date and season — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates. [See all Phnom Penh stays](/hotels?city=Phnom Penh) or search flights to Phnom Penh (PNH).

The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Phnom Penh

This is the sweet spot in Phnom Penh — polished 4★ hotels, most with a pool and breakfast, clustered around the Royal Palace and riverfront for well under £70 a night.

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

11. Plantation Urban Resort & Spa — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 5,098 reviews · from ~£54/night. A beloved oasis behind the Royal Palace, built around two saltwater pools in lush tropical gardens, with a spa and a colonial-Khmer aesthetic. Its enormous review count and near-perfect location make it one of the best-loved hotels in the city.

GLOW PARK HOTEL Grand Royal Palace — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

12. GLOW PARK HOTEL Grand Royal Palace — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 3,238 reviews · from ~£38/night. A modern, well-run 4★ steps from the Royal Palace and riverfront, with a rooftop pool and generous rooms at a genuinely low price. Thousands of strong reviews make it a standout value pick right in the heart of the sights.

The Pavilion — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

13. The Pavilion — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 2,893 reviews · from ~£48/night. An adults-only boutique hotel in a 1920s mansion near the Independence Monument, with two pools tucked among frangipani trees and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere. A romantic, grown-up hideaway a short walk from the Palace.

Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

14. Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 2,287 reviews · from ~£48/night. A comfortable, contemporary 4★ near the riverfront with a rooftop pool, spa and consistently praised service. Reliable, spacious and well-placed for both the sights and the restaurant scene.

Jungle Addition — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

15. Jungle Addition — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 1,736 reviews · from ~£62/night. A lush, plant-filled design hotel that brings a slice of jungle into the city, with a striking pool and green, calming rooms. A distinctive, Instagram-friendly boutique choice for travellers wanting character over a chain.

Chaiya Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

16. Chaiya Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 1,546 reviews · from ~£46/night. A smart, modern 4★ with a rooftop pool and roomy, well-appointed rooms at a keen price. A solid, comfortable base close to the central attractions with strong reviews for value.

The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

17. The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 1,361 reviews · from ~£40/night. A well-priced 4★ within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace and river, with a rooftop pool and tidy contemporary rooms. Great location-to-price ratio for first-time visitors who want to be central.

Caravan Hotel by EHM — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

18. Caravan Hotel by EHM — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 1,278 reviews · from ~£41/night. A stylish boutique 4★ in the Boeung Keng Kang area, popular for its rooftop pool, cocktail bar and design-forward rooms. A hip, sociable base close to the city's best cafes and restaurants.

SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

19. SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 1,157 reviews · from ~£38/night. The sister property to the Riverside 5★, a contemporary Khmer-design hotel with a rooftop pool near the Independence Monument. Excellent value with the same design sensibility at a lower price point.

TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

20. TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 872 reviews · from ~£45/night. A sleek, design-led Accor hotel in the historic Post Office square, walking distance from the river and Wat Phnom. Modern, efficient rooms and a rooftop bar make it a fresh, well-located mid-range choice.

Prices are live from-rates and vary by date — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates. [See all Phnom Penh stays](/hotels?city=Phnom Penh) or search flights to Phnom Penh (PNH).

Cheap Hotels in Phnom Penh — 49 Real, Bookable Options From £11

This is the heart of the guide. Phnom Penh is one of the best-value capitals in Asia, and these are real, distinct, currently-bookable budget properties — private en-suite rooms, most with air conditioning, from £11 a night. Prices climb gently to around £37 at the top of the budget band.

Velkommen Guesthouse Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

21. Velkommen Guesthouse Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 1★ · 220 reviews · from ~£11/night. The cheapest verified bed in this guide, a long-running, sociable guesthouse near the riverfront with simple, clean rooms and a friendly backpacker feel. Unbeatable on price for anyone wanting a central base for pennies.

Comfort House — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

22. Comfort House — Phnom Penh · 2★ · 55 reviews · from ~£14/night. A tidy, well-kept budget guesthouse offering excellent value for money with air-conditioned rooms and helpful staff. A no-frills, reliable choice for cost-conscious travellers.

Bar Oz Riverside Guesthouse — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

23. Bar Oz Riverside Guesthouse — Phnom Penh · 2★ · 66 reviews · from ~£15/night. A cheerful riverside guesthouse above a popular bar, walking distance from the Royal Palace and night market. Basic but great value, and hard to beat for location at this price.

Okay Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

24. Okay Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 46 reviews · from ~£20/night. A simple, central 3★ hotel near the river with air-conditioned rooms and a convenient base for exploring the sights on foot. Straightforward comfort at a low price.

Grand Residence — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

25. Grand Residence — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 93 reviews · from ~£20/night. A good-value 3★ offering spacious rooms and apartment-style options, well suited to longer stays. Quiet and comfortable for the money.

Botum Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

26. Botum Palace Hotel — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 51 reviews · from ~£21/night. A neat 3★ near Wat Botum park and the Royal Palace, with comfortable air-conditioned rooms and a walkable location. Solid value close to the centre.

WH Hotel 310 — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

27. WH Hotel 310 — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 159 reviews · from ~£21/night. A modern, well-reviewed 3★ with clean, contemporary rooms and friendly service at a very fair price. A dependable budget pick with better polish than its rate suggests.

Pacific Hotel, Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

28. Pacific Hotel, Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 123 reviews · from ~£22/night. A long-standing central 3★ offering roomy, air-conditioned accommodation at a low price. Practical and well-located for the markets and riverfront.

Emerald Hotel Residence — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

29. Emerald Hotel Residence — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 129 reviews · from ~£22/night. A comfortable residence-style 3★ with generous rooms, good for families or longer stays. Reliable value with helpful staff.

85 SOHO Hotel & Serviced Apartment — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

30. 85 SOHO Hotel & Serviced Apartment — Phnom Penh · 2★ · 20 reviews · from ~£23/night. A modern serviced-apartment option with kitchenette-equipped rooms, well suited to independent travellers and longer stays. Good value for the space you get.

4 RIVERS HOTEL — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

31. 4 RIVERS HOTEL — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 80 reviews · from ~£23/night. A contemporary 3★ with tidy, comfortable rooms and a central location near the river. A dependable budget base with a fresh, modern feel.

SSB Residence — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

32. SSB Residence — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 97 reviews · from ~£25/night. A quiet, well-kept residence with spacious rooms and a homely atmosphere, popular with returning guests. Excellent value for money away from the busiest streets.

Phuminh Hotel Riverside — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

33. Phuminh Hotel Riverside — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 207 reviews · from ~£26/night. A friendly riverside 3★ with a strong review record, air-conditioned rooms and an unbeatable location near the Palace and quay. One of the best-value central picks in the budget tier.

ARK HOTEL — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

34. ARK HOTEL — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 38 reviews · from ~£26/night. A modern 3★ with clean, comfortable rooms and a convenient location for the central sights. A straightforward, good-value stay.

Apple Hotel Three — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

35. Apple Hotel Three — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 120 reviews · from ~£27/night. A well-reviewed 3★ offering comfortable air-conditioned rooms and friendly service at a modest price. A reliable choice for value-seeking travellers.

Almond Hotel Sothearos — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

36. Almond Hotel Sothearos — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 76 reviews · from ~£27/night. A smart 3★ on Sothearos Boulevard near the Royal Palace, part of a well-regarded local group, with comfortable rooms and a good breakfast. Strong value in a walkable, central spot.

Rambutan Resort - Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

37. Rambutan Resort - Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 77 reviews · from ~£31/night. A leafy boutique resort with a lovely pool set in tropical gardens, near the Independence Monument. A cut above the usual budget stock, with real resort atmosphere at a low price.

The Snowbell Hotel & SPA @ The Bridge. — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

38. The Snowbell Hotel & SPA @ The Bridge. — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 63 reviews · from ~£31/night. A modern 3★ in The Bridge development with a rooftop pool, spa and contemporary rooms. Good value with amenities that punch above the price.

Vinny Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

39. Vinny Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 20 reviews · from ~£32/night. A small, stylish boutique hotel with individually designed rooms and personal service. A characterful budget-boutique pick for travellers who want a bit more design.

Koh Dach View Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

40. Koh Dach View Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 34 reviews · from ~£32/night. A peaceful boutique stay with views toward Silk Island (Koh Dach), offering a quieter, more rural feel near the river. A calm escape for those happy to be a little out from the centre.

CHECK inn Phnom Penh BKK 1 — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

41. CHECK inn Phnom Penh BKK 1 — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 23 reviews · from ~£32/night. A neat, modern hotel in the desirable Boeung Keng Kang 1 area, surrounded by the city's best cafes, bars and restaurants. Great for travellers who want to be in the trendy district on a budget.

Anik Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

42. Anik Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 102 reviews · from ~£35/night. A charming 4★ boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and elegant, well-priced rooms near the Independence Monument. A step up in style while staying firmly in the budget band.

Luxcity Hotel & Apartment — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

43. Luxcity Hotel & Apartment — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 134 reviews · from ~£36/night. A modern 4★ with a rooftop pool, spacious apartment-style rooms and a lively bar scene nearby. Excellent value for the amenities and space on offer.

TK VIEW HOTEL & APARTMENT — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

44. TK VIEW HOTEL & APARTMENT — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 39 reviews · from ~£36/night. A contemporary 4★ in the Toul Kork area offering roomy apartment-style units, good for families and longer stays. Comfortable and quiet, a short ride from the centre.

Sun Chakra Boutique Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

45. Sun Chakra Boutique Hotel - 50m to Museum & Royal Palace & Walking street — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 478 reviews · from ~£36/night. An outstanding-value boutique 4★ literally 50 metres from the National Museum, Royal Palace and riverfront walking street. Stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace and the best location-to-price ratio in the whole guide.

Golden House International Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

46. Golden House International Hotel — Phnom Penh · 3★ · 75 reviews · from ~£37/night. A comfortable, centrally located 3★ with spacious rooms and attentive service. A dependable, no-surprises base for exploring the city.

OCEAN HOTEL — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

47. OCEAN HOTEL — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 126 reviews · from ~£37/night. A modern 4★ offering smart, well-equipped rooms and good facilities at a budget-friendly rate. Reliable comfort with more polish than the price implies.

Indra Hotel — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

48. Indra Hotel — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 80 reviews · from ~£37/night. A contemporary 4★ with a rooftop pool and comfortable, spacious rooms in a convenient central location. Strong value for a full-service hotel at the top of the budget band.

Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh, Cambodia

49. Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh · 4★ · 380 reviews · from ~£37/night. A well-run Citadines serviced-apartment hotel near the riverfront, with a rooftop pool, gym and kitchenette-equipped units. Ideal for families or longer stays wanting brand reliability at a budget price.

Every price here is a live from-rate pulled while writing and varies by date and season — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates. The true top price in this guide is Rosewood Phnom Penh at around £218/night; the cheapest is Velkommen Guesthouse from ~£11. [See all Phnom Penh stays](/hotels?city=Phnom Penh) or search flights to Phnom Penh (PNH).

What to see in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh rewards a slow few days. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, with their golden spires and a floor of solid silver tiles, are the city's centrepiece — dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) to enter. Next door, the National Museum of Cambodia holds the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture in a beautiful terracotta pavilion.

The city's most important sites are also its most sombre: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school turned Khmer Rouge prison, and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields memorial on the outskirts, together tell the unflinching story of 1975-79. Both are deeply moving, superbly presented with audio guides, and worth a quiet half-day — treat them as places of mourning.

For lighter hours, stroll the riverfront along Sisowath Quay where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap meet, browse the Art Deco Central Market (Phsar Thmei), and climb Wat Phnom, the temple-topped hill the city is named after. Sunset boat trips on the Mekong leave from the quay most evenings.

Explore more of Cambodia

Planning a wider Cambodia trip? Read our companion guides:

Phnom Penh Hotels FAQs

Do UK visitors need a visa for Cambodia? Yes. UK passport holders need either an e-visa (apply in advance at the official evisa.gov.kh site, around $36 including the processing fee) or a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (around $30, bring a passport photo and cash in US dollars). Only use the official government e-visa site — many look-alike sites charge a mark-up. Your passport must have at least six months' validity.

What currency is used in Phnom Penh? US dollars are used for almost everything — hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuks and shops all quote and accept USD. Cambodian riel is used mainly as small change, typically given back for amounts under a dollar (roughly 4,000 riel to $1). Bring clean, undamaged notes, as torn bills are often refused. We quote pounds as a guide only; you'll pay in dollars.

How much does a budget hotel cost in Phnom Penh? Real, bookable budget rooms in this guide start around £11 a night (Velkommen Guesthouse), with most of the budget tier between £14 and £37 — usually a private en-suite with air conditioning, and often breakfast. It's one of Asia's best-value capitals.

What is the most expensive hotel in this guide? Rosewood Phnom Penh, from around £218 a night, atop Vattanac Capital Tower with the Sora sky bar. Raffles Hotel Le Royal is next at around £174. Several other 5★ properties sit far lower, from around £47-£74.

When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh? November to February — dry, cooler and less humid, ideal for the riverfront and sights. March to May is very hot; June to October is the wet season with heavy afternoon rain (but lower rates). Aim for the Nov-Feb dry season for comfort.

Is Phnom Penh safe for tourists? Broadly yes, with normal city awareness. The main risk is opportunistic bag-snatching by passing motorbikes — keep bags on the pavement side, don't drape a phone or handbag loosely, and be cautious alone late at night on quiet streets. Petty theft is far more common than violent crime. Use a reputable app rather than an unmarked ride after dark.

How do I get around Phnom Penh? Tuk-tuks are the workhorse. The PassApp and Grab apps hail metered tuk-tuks and cars at fair upfront prices — easier than street negotiation and safer at night. Short central hops cost a couple of dollars. The riverfront and Palace area are walkable, but heat and traffic make tuk-tuks the sensible default.

Are there direct flights from the UK to Phnom Penh? No — there are no direct flights to Phnom Penh (PNH). Routings connect via a hub (Bangkok, Singapore or Doha are most common), with total journeys from around 14-16 hours. Compare fares on our flights page.

What are the main things to see in Phnom Penh? The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, the sombre Tuol Sleng (S-21) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, the riverfront along Sisowath Quay, the Central Market, and Wat Phnom — the temple hill the city is named after.

How do I dress to visit the Royal Palace and temples? Modestly — shoulders and knees covered to enter the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and working temples. A sleeved top and trousers or a long skirt are fine; vests, shorts and short skirts are refused. Carry a light scarf, and remove shoes and hats before entering temple buildings.

Should I visit Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields? Most visitors do and find them deeply moving. They document the Khmer Rouge genocide with unflinching honesty; the audio guides are excellent and respectful. Not suitable for young children — allow a quiet half-day and treat both as places of mourning.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Phnom Penh? Budget stock is spread across the centre, deepest near the riverfront and Central Market, and cheaper still toward Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) and the Boeung Keng Kang fringes. Riverside is walkable to the Palace and nightlife; inland areas trade a short ride for lower rates.

Is the riverside a good area to stay? Yes for first-timers — Sisowath Quay and the streets behind it are walking distance from the Royal Palace, National Museum, night market and countless restaurants. It's the liveliest, most convenient base; a room a block or two back is quieter for the same money.

How many days do I need in Phnom Penh? Two to three full days — a day for the Palace, Silver Pagoda and Museum, a sober half-day for Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek, and time for the riverfront, Central Market and Wat Phnom. Add a day for a Mekong boat trip or a slower pace.

How do I get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap? By road it's around 6-7 hours by bus or shared van; comfortable air-conditioned coaches (Giant Ibis and similar) run several times daily for a modest fare and are the most popular option. Short domestic flights (around 45 minutes) also exist. Book a day or two ahead in peak season.

Is breakfast usually included at Phnom Penh hotels? Often at mid-range and luxury properties, and at many budget guesthouses too — but not universally at the cheapest tier, where it's sometimes a small add-on. Check what the rate includes on the live page.

Do Phnom Penh hotels have air conditioning? Almost all do, including most of the budget tier — near-essential in Cambodia's heat. The very cheapest rooms occasionally offer a fan-only rate; confirm the room type on the live page if air conditioning matters.

Can I use my card, or do I need cash? Bring US dollars in cash for day-to-day spending — tuk-tuks, markets, street food and small guesthouses are cash-first. Mid-range and luxury hotels and larger restaurants accept cards (a surcharge is common). ATMs dispense US dollars. Clean, small-denomination notes pay smoothest.

Is Phnom Penh good value compared to other Asian capitals? Very — one of the cheapest capitals in Southeast Asia, with budget rooms from around £11, street meals for a couple of dollars, and even 5★ landmarks undercutting Bangkok or Singapore. Your pound stretches a long way.

What language is spoken, and is English widely understood? Khmer is the national language. English is widely understood in hotels, tourist restaurants and by central tuk-tuk drivers — enough to get by comfortably. A few words of Khmer are appreciated, but you won't struggle in the tourist areas.

Are the budget hotels in this guide actually bookable? Yes — every one of the 49 hotels is a real, distinct, currently-bookable property pulled from live inventory while writing, from £11 Velkommen up to Rosewood. Each hotel name links to its own live page with real-time rates and a date picker.

Is tap water safe to drink in Phnom Penh? No — stick to bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and everywhere; most hotels provide it in the room. Avoid ice from unknown street stalls, though ice in established restaurants and bars is generally fine.

What's the tipping custom in Phnom Penh? Not obligatory but warmly received, as wages are low. Rounding up tuk-tuk fares, leaving a dollar or two at restaurants, and tipping guides is normal. Some upmarket restaurants add a service charge — check the bill first.

Can I do a day trip on the Mekong from Phnom Penh? Yes — sunset cruises leave the riverfront most evenings, and longer trips run to Silk Island (Koh Dach), a rural weaving community, for an easy half-day. Your hotel or a riverfront operator can arrange either.

Which hotels are best for first-time visitors? Riverside and Royal Palace-area picks — walking distance from the sights and nightlife. Sun Chakra Boutique Hotel (50m to the Museum and Palace), The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel and SUN & MOON Riverside Hotel all put you in the heart of it across different budgets.

How do I book these exact hotels at the prices shown? Every hotel name links to its live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates, taxes shown, and a date picker for your trip. The from-prices here were pulled on live searches while writing; your dates will differ, so tap through for today's number. No booking fees either way.

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