The short answer
Best areas to stay in Phnom Penh
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Riverside and Sisowath Quay | First-time visitors who want the palace, museum and restaurants within a short ride |
| BKK1 (Boeng Keng Kang 1) | Families and older travellers who want cafes, quieter streets and easier access to restaurants |
| Central Market and Wat Phnom area | Budget-conscious travellers and market lovers |
Area by area
Phnom Penh neighbourhoods compared
- 01
Riverside and Sisowath Quay
Best for: First-time visitors who want the palace, museum and restaurants within a short ride
Good to know: The most convenient base, with many hotels, cafes and the river promenade. It is busy in the evening and touts are common near the main strip, so choose a hotel with a lift and quiet rooms away from the bars.
- 02
BKK1 (Boeng Keng Kang 1)
Best for: Families and older travellers who want cafes, quieter streets and easier access to restaurants
Good to know: A residential area with cafes, boutique hotels and international restaurants. It sits a short tuk-tuk ride from the Independence Monument and central sights, so you rely on short rides rather than walking.
- 03
Central Market and Wat Phnom area
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and market lovers
Good to know: Central, with good access to the market and Wat Phnom. Traffic is heavy and pavements uneven, so it is less relaxed for older guests than BKK1.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Before you book
What to check when booking for older travellers
- Ask for a lift, or a ground-floor room — many heritage hotels have steps and no lift.
- Check how far the hotel is from the sights you care about, in minutes by road, not kilometres.
- Prefer free cancellation until close to the date, in case plans or health change.
- Look for 24-hour reception, in-house dining and a doctor-on-call policy.
- Read recent reviews for noise — old-city streets and wedding venues can be loud late.