Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Introduction
Nestled at the convergence of 3 rivers, Phnom Penh is a vibrant city mingling French Colonial architecture with sleek modern high rises and intricately carved Buddhist temples. There are Angkor ruins to discover, lavish palaces and fascinating museums to explore and lively nightclubs for evening cocktails and dancing. Whether you love to stroll at leisure through elegant gardens, wander the colourful and chaotic streets or look for hand-crafted treasures and exotic spices at the bustling markets, this city has it all.Hotels in Phnom Penh
Hotels in Phnom Penh range from discount hotels with fans and basic beds to luxury hotels with premium amenities and spectacular views of the city. Boutique hotels offer unique furnishings, private pools and gardens, and personalised service you may not find in the big chain hotels. The luxury hotels include 24-hour business centres, free valet parking and opulent palm-lined swimming pools. Guesthouses abound in Phnom Pen and range from basic accommodation ideal for backpackers and travellers just looking for a cheap place to sleep, to opulent villas surrounded by gardens that offer free WiFi, air conditioning and complimentary laundry services.Where to stay
The city centre and riverside of Phnom Pen are the ideal hotel locations for travellers wanting to be at the heart of the action in this bustling city. Here you'll find luxury hotels, restored mansions and boutique hotels with custom finishes, elegant outdoor swimming pools and spas offering lavish body treatments. The Phnom Penh Independence Monument provides an inspiring landmark for guests staying in this neighbourhood. Beautifully appointed boutique hotels abound in this area, offering guests sleek, modern interiors and reliable airport shuttles only minutes from the most popular attractions in the city. Budget hostels are sprinkled throughout the city.Things to see
Take in the dazzling sights of Phnom Penh by taking a sunset river cruise past the Royal Palace and floating fishing villages, then meander along the waterfront for shopping in the charming boutiques and later, a fine dinner. You can learn about Cambodia's sobering history under the Khmer Rouge regime and pay homage to its victims by visiting the moving Choeung Ek memorial and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. A visit to Silk Island will give you reason to smile again as you tour a rural weaving village and discover how silk is spun, woven and dyed by the highly skilled village artisans. The National Museum of Cambodia is an excellent place to see performances of traditional Cambodian folk and classical dances, and you can learn classic Cambodian cooking at numerous cooking classes available in the city. Animal lovers can feed birds and animals with bananas, coconuts and sugar cane at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.How to get to Phnom Penh
As the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has its own international airport located just west of the city. Arrival by plane is the easiest way to get to Phnom Penh. Bus travel is another option that is quite inexpensive, and comfortable if you're willing to pay a few dollars more for a high-quality bus; alternatively try a share taxi with travel companions. For more adventurous travel, you can take a fast boat and sit on the roof for excellent views as you speed up the river, or board a train for a long and leisurely trip through the countryside.
