The Riverside Phnom Penh refers to the main promenade that runs from the Chaktomuk Conference Hall (in front of the Royal Palace) all the way up along the riverside to the night market (Phsar Reatrey). Officially called Preah Sisowath Quay Phnom Penh, and known by several other names locally such as Sisowath Riverside Park, Riverside Path and most recently Walking Street Phnom Penh due to the pedestrianization of Preah Sisowath Quay every Saturday and Sunday evening (18:00-23:00).
Pubs, sky bars, restaurants and hotels line the road adjacent to the river, and local street vendors set up their stalls in the evenings on the promenade along the Preah Sisowath Quay selling everything from fried insects to ice-cold beer!
Riverside Park
Preah Sisowath Quay, or Riverside Path Phnom Penh, is the perfect place to enjoy an evening stroll, grab a refreshing drink at a riverside pub, or dine in one of the many riverside restaurants!
For international tourists a trip to the capital would not be complete without visiting the Riverside Phnom Penh! For locals and expats, the Riverside Phnom Penh is a popular place to exercise, enjoy a night out or to simply relax and unwind after a long day at the office.
Riverside Bars
Phnom Penh’s riverside has one of the largest and most varied selection of bars in the city. You’ll find everything from small local watering holes and traditional pubs to cocktail bars, sports bars, rooftop venues and lively late-night spots. Many are concentrated around the riverside streets, making it easy to wander between different places. Whether you’re after a quiet beer, a few cocktails or a full night out, there’s plenty of choice.
Riverside Restaurants
Preah Sisowath Quay is lined with all different kinds of restaurants which cater for absolutely every style of food that you could possibly imagine. Some of the more well-known Riverside Phnom Penh restaurants include Le Moon Rooftop, a popular sky bar with fantastic views over Riverside Phnom Penh, and Metro Hassakan - formerly known as Cafe Metro. As you walk along Preah Sisowath Quay from the Royal Palace towards the riverside night market all the restaurants will be on your left – note that many of the Riverside Phnom Penh Restaurants with the best views will be located on the upper floors!
Riverside Sunset Cruise
For the best views of the Riverside Phnom Penh, it is recommended to take a sunset cruise along the river! At the northern end of Preah Sisowath Quay (opposite the riverside night market) you will find countless boats operating sunset cruises. The Riverside Phnom Penh is set on the Tonle Sap River which flows from the Tonle Sap Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake located in Siem Reap. In the evenings boats cruise along Preah Sisowath Quay down the Tonle Sap River to where the Tonle Sap River meets the mighty Mekong River offering stunning views of the Royal Palace and Sisowath Riverside Park.
Popular Riverside Hotels
Why not stay close to the action? There is no shortage of accommodation options on or very near the Riverside Phnom Penh. While the Riverside Phnom Penh is a popular tourist attraction itself, it is also central to several other tourist attractions in the city such as the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum of Cambodia, the Night Market (Phsar Reatrey), the Central Market (Phsar Thmey) and The Wild Rover Irish Pub to name just a few!
Popular hotels on the Riverside Phnom Penh include the Amanjaya Pancam Hotel, the Himawari Hotel Apartments and Hotel KVL, while other popular hotels just off the Riverside Phnom Penh include the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh and the Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel.
Riverside Shops
Phnom Penh’s riverside isn’t just about bars and restaurants; it’s also a good area for a bit of shopping while exploring the city. Along the riverside and surrounding streets you’ll find convenience stores, small independent shops, souvenir shops, clothing stores, pharmacies, minimarts and places selling locally made products. Nearby markets add even more choice, making the riverside a handy area to pick up everyday essentials, gifts or something distinctly Cambodian.
Is the Riverside Safe?
Yes! Phnom Penh’s Preah Sisowath Quay, Riverside Park, is generally considered extremely safe due to the large numbers of people that visit the area along with the presence of tourist police. Bag snatching incidents, that are common place elsewhere in the capital, would be less common in busy areas like the Riverside Phnom Penh. However, just like any other city or town in the world it is best to keep your wits about you. It is not recommended to go for a walk along Preah Sisowath Quay or walk home alone from the Riverside late at night.
At certain times, such as the Water Festival and the International New Year, the Riverside Phnom Penh can get extremely busy, with thousands of local and international visitors coming to see the boat races, light displays and fireworks, so it is recommended to be extra vigilant.
Refreshments at the Riverside
Phnom Penh is Hot! And a trip to the Riverside Phnom Penh is without-a-doubt going to be thirsty work! No trip to Preah Sisowath Quay Riverside Park would be complete without a refreshing drink in a riverside Pub. If you are looking for a traditional pub with air-conditioning, great prices and experienced staff we recommend visiting The Wild Rover.
With a collection of Imported beer (Guinness & Stella Artois), local beer (Angkor & Cambodia Beer), locally brewed Irish craft beer, 33 different kinds of Irish Whiskey and a selection of wine and pub snacks, it’s probably the best pub in Phnom Penh riverside area, and you are sure to find something to satisfy your thirst!
Come visit us at The Wild Rover, Phnom Penh
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