Quick Answer
The best areas to stay in Cambodia are Phnom Penh’s Riverside and BKK1 neighborhoods, Siem Reap near the Angkor Wat temples, and the coastal town of Sihanoukville for beach access. Recommended hotels include the Rosewood Phnom Penh (~$200/night) for luxury in the Riverside, the Shinta Mani Angkor (~$150/night) in Siem Reap for mid-range comfort, and the Sokha Beach Resort (~$120/night) in Sihanoukville for beachfront amenities.
Best for
Phnom Penh for city convenience and culture; Siem Reap for temple visits; Sihanoukville for beach relaxation.
Main advantage
Each area offers easy access to key attractions and a range of accommodations from budget to luxury.
Main tradeoff
Phnom Penh can be noisy and crowded, Siem Reap gets busy during peak temple season, and Sihanoukville’s infrastructure is still developing with some areas less polished.
Good alternative
Kampot provides a quieter riverside experience with boutique guesthouses and is a good option for travelers seeking a slower pace.
Cambodia presents a variety of lodging options that suit different budgets and travel styles.
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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.
Purchase a 3-day Angkor pass (~$62) to save money and see multiple temples at your own pace instead of buying separate daily tickets.
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What Are the Best Areas to Stay in Phnom Penh?
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 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.
Book your hotel in Riverside or BKK1 at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (November to February), to secure the best rates and availability near key attractions.
Where Should I Stay When Visiting Siem Reap?
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.
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.
Use a tuk-tuk from Old Market or Pub Street for a quick 15-20 minute ride to Angkor Wat, often costing less than $3 each way when negotiating directly with drivers outside your hotel.
Is Staying in Sihanoukville Recommended for Beach Lovers?
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.
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.
Plan your beach days in Sihanoukville between November and February when the weather is dry and temperatures are cooler, making boat trips to Koh Rong islands more comfortable and sea conditions calmer.
What Are Good Places to Stay in Kampot and Kep?
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.
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.
When paying for accommodations in Kampot or Kep, always carry small US dollar bills ($1, $5, $10) to avoid issues as many places prefer exact change and may not accept larger bills or local currency for deposits.
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How to Choose Accommodation in Cambodia’s Remote Areas Like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri?
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.
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.
Check if your chosen eco-lodge in Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri features combined tours or shuttle services to nearby waterfalls and ethnic villages, as this can save transport costs and simplify logistics.
What Are the Recommended Hotels in Phnom Penh for Budget Travelers?
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.
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.
Where Can I Find Luxury Hotels in Siem Reap?
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.
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.
Are There Family-Friendly Accommodation Options in Cambodia?
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.
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.
How Accessible Are Cambodia’s Popular Hotels to Tourist Attractions?
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier. Temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing, and rainfall is minimal compared to the wet season from May to October.
Phnom Penh International Airport is about 11 km south of the city center. You can take a taxi or tuk-tuk, which usually takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately $7 to $10.
Yes, tuk-tuks are the most common and convenient mode of transport in Siem Reap, especially for short trips to the Angkor temple complex. They are affordable and can be hired by the hour or day.
Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and insect repellent. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket may be useful during the dry season.
While Kampot and Kep are less busy than Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, it’s advisable to book ahead during peak season (November to February) to secure preferred accommodations, especially boutique hotels and resorts.
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“Most travelers find staying near the Riverside in Phnom Penh gives easy access to cultural sites during the day and lively dining options at night. However, if you want a quieter neighborhood with good cafes and expat hangouts, BKK1 is a solid choice that's just a short tuk-tuk ride away.”
Sokha Chan/ Local Tour Guide, Phnom Penh
More in Where to Stay
Related GuideWhere to Stay in Siem Reap: Area Guide and Top HotelsRead this guide
Related GuideBest Hostels in Cambodia for Budget TravelersRead this guide
Related GuideLuxury Hotels in Cambodia: From Raffles to Park HyattRead this guide
Related GuideWhere to Stay in Phnom Penh: BKK1 and BeyondRead this guide
What are useful resources for traveling in Cambodia?
Siem Reap Guide by Lonely Planet
Travel tips, accommodation listings, and transport advice for visiting Siem Reap and Angkor temples.
Kampot Province Information by Tourism Cambodia
Details on attractions, accommodations, and local culture in Kampot and surrounding areas.
Phnom Penh on Wikipedia
Comprehensive historical and cultural background of Cambodia’s capital city.
