Where to Stay in Cambodia: Best Areas and Hotels

From lively city centers to tranquil coastal retreats, the country’s accommodations range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. This guide will help you identify the best areas to stay in Cambodia and highlight notable hotels across popular destinations such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal towns.

Central Phnom Penh around the Riverside and BKK1 neighborhoods are the top choices for visitors seeking convenience and amenities.

The Riverside area, near the Tonle Sap and Mekong River confluence, places you within walking distance of landmarks like the Royal Palace and National Museum. Hotel prices here range from $30 to $150 per night. BKK1 has a quieter setting with cafes and bars, about 3 kilometers west of the Riverside. It features mid-range hotels averaging $40 to $80 per night. Both areas are well connected by tuk-tuks and taxis, with Phnom Penh International Airport 11 km south, roughly a 30-minute drive.

The Old Market and Pub Street areas are ideal for tourists wanting easy access to dining, markets, and transport to Angkor temples.

Accommodation prices in Siem Reap commonly range from $15 for budget guesthouses to $200 for upscale hotels. The Old Market area is within 7 km of Angkor Wat, making tuk-tuk rides to the temple complex about 15 to 20 minutes. Pub Street features lively nightlife and restaurants, with plenty of mid-range hotels costing around $40 to $100 per night. For a quieter stay, consider areas like Wat Bo, approximately 2 km from the center.

Sihanoukville is suitable for travelers wanting beach access and island connections, though it’s currently undergoing rapid development.

The main beaches such as Ochheuteal and Serendipity offer hotels ranging from $20 budget stays up to $150 for resorts. Sihanoukville town center is about 230 km from Phnom Penh, a 4- to 5-hour drive. From here, travelers can catch ferries to islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. Despite construction noise in some areas, the beaches provide convenient access to water activities and boat tours.

Kampot’s riverside area and Kep’s beachfront are prime spots for visitors seeking calm atmospheres and local culture.

Kampot’s riverside hotels and guesthouses charge between $20 and $70 per night, with many within 1 km of the central market. Kep’s accommodations near the beach start around $25, with boutique resorts costing up to $120 per night. Kampot is roughly 150 km from Phnom Penh, about a 3-hour drive, while Kep lies 25 km further south. Both towns are known for relaxed vibes and fresh seafood dining.

In Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, eco-lodges and guesthouses near natural attractions provide the best lodging options.

Prices in these provinces typically range from $20 to $60 per night. Mondulkiri’s Sen Monorom town has several guesthouses within 2 km of the center. Ratanakiri’s Banlung town also has budget to mid-range hotels. Both provinces are reachable by 6- to 8-hour bus rides from Phnom Penh. Staying here allows visitors proximity to waterfalls, ethnic villages, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Budget hotels in Phnom Penh’s BKK1 and Riverside areas provide comfort for under $30 per night.

Examples include The Pavilion, with rooms from $25, located 2 km from the Royal Palace. Another option is Okay Boutique Hotel in Riverside, offering rooms around $28. These hotels include amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Both locations have easy access to public transport and local dining.

Luxury accommodations near Siem Reap’s Old Market and Angkor Archaeological Park offer upscale amenities and prices starting at $120 per night.

The Park Hyatt Siem Reap, about 1 km from Pub Street, features rooms from $160 with a spa and pool. The FCC Angkor, set on the river in the Old Market area, starts at $130 per night. Both hotels provide concierge services for temple tours and airport transfers. Angkor Wat is accessible within a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride.

Family-friendly hotels and resorts are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal towns with facilities such as pools and family rooms.

In Phnom Penh, the Sun & Moon Urban Hotel has family rooms from $70 per night. Siem Reap’s Tara Angkor Hotel features suites starting at $90 with kid-friendly amenities. Coastal resorts in Kep, like Veranda Natural Resort, provide family villas averaging $100 to $150 per night. Many hotels offer airport shuttles and easy access to attractions suitable for children.

Most popular hotels in Cambodia’s main cities are within 2 to 5 kilometers of key tourist sites, with transport options widely available.

For instance, Phnom Penh’s Riverside area hotels are within a 10-minute walk of the National Museum. In Siem Reap, hotels near Pub Street are about 7 km from Angkor Wat, with tuk-tuk rides lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Coastal hotels in Sihanoukville are just minutes from the beach, while ferry terminals to islands are often less than 10 km away. Airport transfers typically take 20 to 30 minutes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.