Riverside and Sunset Cruises in Phnom Penh

Part of the Phnom Penh travel guide — see every topic in All Phnom Penh Guides.

Phnom Penh grew up where the Tonle Sap river meets the Mekong. The best way to feel the city is on the water or beside it. Sisowath Quay is a riverside promenade about 3 km long, with lawns, palm trees, cafés and hotels. In the early evening, local families come out to walk, eat and exercise, and small boats leave the piers for sunset cruises. This guide covers the promenade, the boat trips, the riverside night market and the best time of year.

Sisowath Quay

Sisowath Quay runs along the west bank of the Tonle Sap river, from the park in front of the Royal Palace towards the north of the old centre. The river side is a wide, open walkway with lawns and palm trees. The city side is a row of cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels. Many of the upstairs terraces look straight over the water. The quay is busy at two times of day. At dawn, locals do group exercise and aerobics to music, and the sun rises over the river. In the early evening, the air cools down and families arrive with snacks, children and balloons. Keep your phone and bag close in crowds, as on any busy promenade.

Sunset boat trips

Many boats leave the riverside piers every evening for a sunset cruise. A typical trip lasts about one to two hours. Boats go up the Tonle Sap, past the Chroy Changvar peninsula, then out to the wide meeting point with the Mekong. From the water you see the roofs of the Royal Palace, the riverside skyline and the new towers on the far bank. Some boats serve drinks and snacks. Others offer a full dinner. You can join a shared boat or hire a whole boat for a small group. Book at your hotel, at a riverside counter or online, and ask what food and drinks are included before you pay.

The riverside night market

The Phnom Penh night market sits near the river, between Street 106 and Street 108. It is mainly for local people, which is part of its charm. At the back there is a large food area. You choose grilled meat, noodles, seafood or sweets from the stalls, then sit on mats on the ground to eat. Remove your shoes before you step onto the mats. The front part sells cheap clothes, bags and phone accessories, and there is often a small stage with music. The market is busiest on weekend evenings, and opening days can change, so check locally before you go. Bring small notes and some patience to bargain.

The Water Festival

The Water Festival, called Bon Om Touk, is the biggest event on the riverside. It usually takes place in October or November, at the end of the rainy season. The exact dates follow the lunar calendar, so they change every year. Long, narrow racing boats with many paddlers race on the Tonle Sap in front of the Royal Palace. At night there are lit floats on the river and fireworks. Huge crowds travel to the city, so hotels fill up early and traffic is very slow. If you want to see the races, book a room with a river view well ahead, or watch from a riverside terrace.

When to go

Phnom Penh is hot all year, often between about 22 and 35 °C. The dry season, from about December to April, is the most comfortable time for river trips. The air is drier, the sky is often clear and sunsets are strong. March to May is the hottest part of the year. The rainy season runs from about May to November. Rain often comes as a short, heavy shower in the late afternoon, which can delay a sunset cruise. The river is at its highest and widest late in the rainy season. For the riverside, plan your walk for early morning or after about 5 pm, when the heat drops.

Riverside and Sunset Cruises at a glance

More in Phnom Penh

All 7 Phnom Penh guides·Where to stay in Phnom Penh·Cambodia tourist maps

Featured Videos