Solo Female Travel Guide to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a intermediate-level destination for solo women travelers in Cambodia.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Riverside
Phnom Penh's main waterfront strip with temples, tours, and restaurants
Best for:First-time visitors who want the key sights within walking distance
The Riverside runs along the Tonle Sap and is where the Royal Palace and National Museum sit. Restaurants and hotels line the road. It feels tourist-facing but still gives a real sense of the city.
Tourists, tuk-tuk drivers, local families walking in the evening, and NGO workers at happy hourBKK1
The expat neighborhood with good cafes, yoga studios, and clean streets
Best for:Remote workers and longer-stay travelers who want comfort and routine
BKK1 is where the NGO crowd and expats live. Specialty coffee shops, co-working spaces, and western restaurants are concentrated here. It feels polished compared to the rest of the city.
Expats on laptops, young professionals, and travelers staying a few weeksRussian Market
A local market district where you shop like residents do
Best for:Budget travelers and curious shoppers who prefer local over polished
Named for the Russians who shopped here in the 1980s. The covered market sells everything from textiles to electronics. Streets around it have local food stalls and backpacker hostels.
Local shoppers, garment workers on lunch, and backpackers hunting for bargain textilesBudget
Average daily budget: $30/day
Where to Stay
Party hostel with a rooftop bar and pool. Female dorms available and secure. Great if you want to me
$This hotel is a great option for solo travelers looking for a stylish and relaxing oasis in the hear
$$The Pavilion is a highly-rated, adult-only boutique hotel with a strong focus on heritage and respon
$$Low-key hostel featuring a lounge & a rooftop terrace with river views, plus free hot drinks.
Polished hotel featuring an airy restaurant & an outdoor pool, plus complimentary breakfast.
Simple rooms in a contemporary building offering free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool & a rooftop hot tub.
We had a very pleasant stay there. Really close to Phnompenh International airport, roughly 25 kms f
Bright quarters, some with city views, in an upscale property offering a cafe, a spa & a pool.
Where to Eat & Drink Coffee
Elegant Khmer fine dining in a stunning pavilion setting. Solo diners are treated with care. Perfect
Reliable local cafe chain with air-con and WiFi. Great for remote work or escaping the heat. Iced co
Pu Rock Café is a truly special place where you immediately feel at home. The atmosphere is warm and
Lovely salad restaurant here in Phnom Penh. I had the fresh Caesar Chicken Rolls as well as the Frie
Spacious coffee shop with a lot of seating indoors (and outdoors I think) and an open coffee counter
A beautiful place surrounded by trees and greenery that makes you feel instantly connected to nature
The most amazing coffee shop. We stayed in Phnom Penh for 5 days and came here every day because the
I ordered an iced mocha coffee, which did not meet the standards of a good mocha; it was too sweet,
Things to Do
Bustling market for souvenirs, textiles, and street food. Solo women feel safe here during the day.
Relaxing river cruise with sunset views over the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Solo travelers can boo
Stunning royal complex with glittering architecture. Solo women can explore easily. Dress modestly—c
Grim museum of the Cambodian genocide housed in a former Khmer Rouge prison & interrogation center.
Richly ornamented 1866 palace complex, home to Cambodian kings & example of Khmer architecture.
Buddhist temple built on site of 14th-century pagoda & the tallest religious structure in the city.
Definitely one of the most important tourist attractions in the city. As you enter, you get access t
Landmark 20-m tower built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia's independence from France.
Events & Festivals
Cambodian Living Arts — the organization dedicated to reviving classical and folk performing arts nearly destroyed durin
Month 1–12Phnom Penh celebrates Khmer New Year with traditional games in public parks, dance performances at the National Museum,
Month 4For fifteen days, Cambodians honor deceased relatives by bringing food offerings to pagodas in one of the most spiritual
Month 9–10Cambodia's grandest festival draws up to two million people to the Phnom Penh riverfront for three days of spectacular l
Month 11Cambodia's capital celebrates its extraordinary street food culture with a multi-day festival that gathers the city's be
Month 12Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phnom Penh safe for solo female travelers?
Bag snatching from passing motos is the main thing to watch for — wear bags cross-body on the side away from the road. The riverside (Sisowath Quay) and BKK1 neighborhood stay lively and well-lit in the evenings with restaurants and cafes. PassApp and tuk-tuks are reliable for door-to-door transport
What are the best neighborhoods in Phnom Penh for solo women?
Top areas include Riverside, BKK1, Russian Market. Phnom Penh's main waterfront strip with temples, tours, and restaurants
How much does it cost per day in Phnom Penh?
Budget travelers spend around $30/day in Phnom Penh.
What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
November to February
How do I get around Phnom Penh?
Tuk-tuks and PassApp rides are cheap. The city is too spread out to walk everywhere. Traffic is chaotic—be cautious if renting a scooter.
What should I know before visiting Phnom Penh as a woman?
Dress modestly at the Royal Palace and pagodas. The Khmer Rouge history is recent and sensitive—approach historical sites with respect. Bargaining is common in markets but be fair.
Can I meet other solo women travelers in Phnom Penh?
Yes. Hostels, cafes, and coworking spaces are great for meeting other travelers. The Sola app connects solo women travelers in Phnom Penh.
What are the must-do activities in Phnom Penh?
Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Learn about Khmer Rouge history at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, Explore the Russian Market for souvenirs and street food, Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, Experience the rooftop bar scene
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