Cambodia has a wide range of accommodation options that can suit any budget. From budget hostels to luxurious 5-star resorts, you’ll find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring temples, beaches, or cities. In this guide, I’ll break down different accommodation types and offer tips on where to stay in Cambodia’s most popular destinations.
Accommodation Options in Phnom Penh
Budget Hostels and Guesthouses
Phnom Penh, the capital, offers plenty of budget-friendly options. Hostels and guesthouses often provide shared rooms or private rooms, making them affordable for solo travelers. Prices start around $5-10 per night for a dorm bed and $20 for a private room. Some good options are:
- Onederz Hostel: Located close to the Royal Palace, this hostel has clean dorm rooms and an on-site café. It’s budget-friendly and highly rated by travelers.
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh: A popular hostel for backpackers. With fun social activities, a bar, and a pool, it is a great place to meet people.
If you’re on a really tight budget, guesthouses also offer simple, no-frills accommodations at a low cost. Many are family-run, adding a local touch to your stay.
Mid-Range and Boutique Hotels
This city has plenty of mid-range hotels that provide more comfort and privacy without a huge price tag. Many of these places are boutique hotels, priced around $25 to $60 per night. Some good choices include:
- The Pavilion Phnom Penh: A peaceful adult-only boutique hotel close to the riverfront. This place offers a mix of colonial and traditional Khmer style.
- Riverside Phnom Penh Hotel: Situated near the Mekong River, this hotel gives you quick access to restaurants and nightlife. Rooms have a charming interior.
Luxury Hotels
If you want to splurge, Phnom Penh has several luxury hotels that offer comfort, service, and stunning views of the city or rivers. Expect to pay $70 and up. Some recommended hotels are:
- Rosewood Phnom Penh: Located in one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, this 5-star hotel offers incredible views and luxury amenities like a spa, pool, and rooftop bar.
- Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: French-style elegance combined with Khmer hospitality. This hotel has excellent dining options, a luxurious pool, and spacious rooms.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Budget Hostels and Backpacker Options
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, and it is packed with budget hostels that cater to backpackers. These rooms often start at $5 for a dorm bed and $15 for private rooms. Some popular spots include:
- Funky Flashpacker Hostel: This place has a party vibe with a swimming pool, bar, and lively common areas. It’s perfect for meeting other travelers.
- Onederz Hostel Siem Reap: A solid, clean choice with good prices, near the night market. The hostel has both dorms and private rooms, giving you flexibility.
Mid-Range Hotels
Siem Reap has a plethora of mid-range options to choose from, and prices hover around $25-$50 per night. These are great choices if you want more privacy but don’t want to break the bank:
- Golden Temple Hotel: A centrally located boutique hotel with a pool, spacious rooms, and friendly staff. They also provide free airport pickups!
- The Aviary Hotel: A stylish eco-friendly hotel with modern rooms and a quiet atmosphere. It is located only steps away from Siem Reap’s bustling downtown area.
Luxury Hotels
For travelers wanting to relax in style, Siem Reap’s luxury hotels offer everything from infinity pools to world-class dining. Prices for the top-end properties start around $80 per night and can soar into the high hundreds. Some standouts include:
- PARK HYATT Siem Reap: This hotel features a colonial design and modern conveniences. Located right in the center of town, it’s perfect for those who want high-end comfort and easy access to attractions.
- Amansara: A historical and unbelievably luxurious resort built for guests of the late King Norodom Sihanouk. Perfect for a truly once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Accommodation in Sihanoukville
Budget Hostels and Cheap Rooms
Sihanoukville is known for its beaches and nearby islands. For budget travelers, the city offers cheap hostels and guesthouses, starting at around $5 per night. Popular places to stay include:
- Monkey Republic Hostel: Situated near Serendipity Beach, this is a favorite among backpackers for its social environment and cheap dorm beds.
- Onederz Sihanoukville: Like their other locations in Cambodia, this is clean, affordable, and perfect for the budget traveler.
Mid-Range and Boutique Hotels
Most mid-range hotels in Sihanoukville are priced between $30-$60 per night and offer a step up in terms of comfort and amenities. Some good options are:
- 360 Resort: Perched on a hill, offering sweeping views over Sihanoukville and the Gulf of Thailand.
- Mary Beach Hotel & Resort: A mid-priced beachfront property, just steps from history and nightlife while staying outside the busier areas.
Tip: If the hustle of Sihanoukville gets to you, hop on a boat and head to the islands of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem. These islands have many simple but lovely guesthouses and hostels for beach lovers.
Luxury Resorts
Sihanoukville may not be as rich in high-end properties as Siem Reap, but you’ll still find a handful of upscale resorts. These resorts typically start at around $100 per night and offer excellent views, pools, and beach access. Notable options are:
- Sokha Beach Resort: This private beachfront resort caters to families and couples looking for a luxury experience with all the comforts. The pools, spa, and various dining options make it perfect for a getaway.
- Independence Hotel Resort & Spa: A quiet, luxury option nestled along its own private beach, offering elegant rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Kampot and Kep
Backpacker-Friendly Choices
If you’re heading to Kampot or Kep, both destinations offer charming and inexpensive places to stay. In Kampot, you can find places starting at around $10-$15 a night, with riverside bungalows and eco-friendly guesthouses being popular options. Good bets include:
- Kampot River Bungalows: Right along the river in a tranquil setting. This is perfect for nature lovers who want to spend time relaxing outside the tourist centers.
- Bacoma Guesthouse, Kep: With spacious rooms and friendly service, this place in Kep is perfectly located for beach walks and visiting local crab markets.
Mid-Range Hotels
If you’re after something a bit nicer, Kampot and Kep won’t disappoint. Mid-range hotel prices here are affordable, often around $30-$50 per night, especially considering the charming settings. Here are a few to explore:
- The Columns, Kampot: An elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Kampot, with colonial-inspired decor and all the modern amenities you’d expect.
- Veranda Natural Resort, Kep: With eco-friendly rooms and incredible views, this resort is a relaxing retreat that’s still close to the action.
Luxury Accommodation
There aren’t as many luxury options here compared to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, but there are still some classy places to unwind. They generally start at around $60-$70 per night and go up from there. Recommendations include:
- Villa Vedici, Kampot: A blend of mid-range comfort with luxury touches. It’s right on the river and has a relaxed, peaceful vibe overall.
- Knai Bang Chatt, Kep: A chic boutique hotel for those who crave privacy and upscale amenities. The artfully designed rooms and ocean views stand out the most.
Additional Tips for Finding Accommodation in Cambodia
Before booking your accommodations, here are some extra tips to help you find the right place:
- Always check the location. In big cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, being close to the action can make it easier to explore, but sometimes it’s nicer to stay outside where it’s quieter.
- Read reviews. Hostels and guesthouses in Cambodia can vary a lot in quality, even in the same price range. Reviews will clue you in on cleanliness, safety, and service.
- Consider booking ahead, especially in the high season (November to February). Prices tend to go up with demand, and popular spots fill up quickly.
- Look for extras like free airport pickups, breakfast, or tour services, which can make your trip a little easier.
With that said, Cambodia’s wide variety of accommodations means you’ll have no problem finding a place that fits your budget and travel style. Whether you’re backpacking through or enjoying a luxury vacation, you’ll have lots of great options to choose from!
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