Where to Stay

Phnom Penh is one of Asia's smallest capital cities and, perhaps, the most compact. Virtually all hotels and other accommodations lie in the central city area-taken as being no more than two kilometers in any direction from the Royal Palace. Every type of hotel is available, ranging from cheap hotels to the most luxurious five-star properties.

The city is less than 15 minutes from the airport, and the fixed fare is USD7 by taxi to anywhere in the city. Although there are few taxis roaming the city, travel is easy via the numerous motos-simple motorbikes with an enlarged seat that can access most of the city within ten minutes at cheap prices. A more sedate method of transportation are cyclos-pedal-driven seats with some degree of rain protection. Most hotels have either limousines or other transportation for short or long hire. Walking is often an option, but care should be taken at night.

Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find the city's heat ravel is easy via the numerous motos, simple motorbikes with an enlarged seat that can access most of the city within ten minutes at cheap prices. A more sedate method of transportation are cyclos-pedal-driven seats with some degree of rain protection. Most hotels have either limousines or other transportation for short or long hire. Walking is often an option, but care should be taken at night.

Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find the city's heart-the area around the Royal Palace that lies adjacent to the river-to be almost parkland in character. There are a number of impressive state buildings and temples in this historical area such as the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda. From here, the city spreads in two main directions to the west and south, with a small northern spur centering on the venerable Wat Phnom.

All the city's hotels enjoyed a bonanza in the early 1990s with the presence of UNTAC, the United Nations' peacekeeping force. Since then, they have had to withstand three major shocks to occupancy--the 1997 uprising, the Asian currency crisis and direct international flights into Siem Reap Airport. Previously, all visitors to Angkor Wat needed to pass through Phnom Penh. This has led to a general reduction in room rates and quite a few hotel closures, particularly those in the mid-range. Rates still remain comparatively high for such a small city. The visitor has many choices and hotels are rarely full. There are some excellent hotels at all price levels and visitors can look forward to a safe and secure stay in this unusual corner of the world.

Riverside Surprisingly, there are few hotels located on what is considered to be Phnom Penh's biggest and best landmark. The Riverside Hotel is the most northern and although basic, is good value and close to Wat Phnom. The most southern is the Hotel Cambodiana near the Royal Palace. It is one of the largest and plushest hotels and is where many business people stay. Moored at the back of the hotel is the Naga Floating Casino. Next door is the MiCasa Hotel Apartments that is also top of the range and highly regarded. The nostalgic Renakse Hotel is sadly in need of renovation but has the advantage of overlooking the Silver Pagoda. There are a few smaller and lower-priced hotels located around the riverfront restaurant area. These have smaller rooms, but still boast a great location. One of the best is the Sun Shine Hotel.

Wat Phnom This Buddhist temple gave the city its name and sits in an amphitheater of trees a little more than one kilometer north of the Royal Palace. There are some sizable modern hotels close by, such as the Sharaton and the Sunway. The former has no connection to the hotel chain of a similar name and doubles as an entertainment center; whereas, the latter is one of the city's best luxury hotels. Journalists huddled at the Hotel Le Royal as the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh. It is known as one of Asia's most historic hotels, but some find it hard to justify the high tariffs.

Independence Monument This imposing edifice to peace is found a little to the southwest of the Royal Palace and is surrounded by embassies and non-governmental organization offices. There are a number of small and medium sized hotels close by, of which the Golden Gate, Goldiana and Royal Phnom Penh hotels are the best known. The first two are pleasant mid-range options with a clientele that includes business people and aid workers. The Royal Phnom Penh is an elegant hotel with landscaped grounds and even its own golf driving range. Central Market There are two main thoroughfares running north to south in the middle of town, Norodom and Monivong Boulevards. Mooning is to the west and passes close to Psah Theme--the Central Market. Near this market are many similar hotels, mainly of six to eight stories. Several have closed their doors due to lack of business. Of those remaining open, the Asie is a very reasonable choice for a low tariff. The New York Hotel was refurbished in 2000 and now offers large, modern rooms for just a little more. The Monorom Holiday Villa is one of the best. An international chain runs it, and the quality and service make that apparent. Olympic Stadium Not far to the southwest of the city center lies the currently disused Olympic Stadium that is slated to become the centerpiece of a major commercial development. It also marks the outer limits of the central city and few hotels lie beyond it. Nearby are the Juliana and Royal Palace hotels. The former has an attractive garden setting and the latter is one of the few hotels possessing a central atrium. Slightly beyond the stadium is Phnom Penh's largest hotel, the Inter-Continental. This is one of the few truly international hotels in town. Its Angkor Wat theme and five-star facilities and service make for a luxurious stay.

Whatever the purpose of your stay, you will be able to find the right place at the right price.