Getting around Phnom Penh

Public transport

A public bus service was introduced in 2014, although services are limited.

Taxis

There are a few metered taxi companies in Phnom Penh, of which Global Taxis (tel: +855 11 311 888) is one. More common are the unmarked taxis that wait outside hotels or can be arranged through the hotel. Fix a price before you leave. Taxi companies which you can book in advance include Choice Taxis (tel: +855 23 888 023) and Phnom Penh Taxi Driver (tel: +855 16 886 544). Their rates are fixed by distance or destination.

Motorbike taxis, or motodops, wait outside the hotels and cruise the streets offering their services to pedestrians. You should negotiate fares before starting the journey and be aware that the fare is higher at night. Also be absolutely clear about your destination as many of the motodop drivers are unfamiliar with Phnom Penh. Cyclos also cruise the streets and wait outside the hotels; these are ideal for shorter journeys or leisurely sightseeing tours, but tend to be more expensive than motodops.

Car hire

It is only possible to hire a car with a driver. You can arrange car hire by private negotiation with taxi firms such as Cambodia Driver (tel: +855 16 639 852; www.cambodiadriver.com) or through tour operators such as EXO Travel (tel: +855 23 218 948; www.exotravel.com) and Diethelm Travel (tel: +855 23 219 151; www.diethelmtravel.com).

Bicycle hire

Cycling is common in the city but the traffic, which mainly consists of motorbikes, is chaotic. Many guest houses hire out bicycles very cheaply for the day. You can also hire bikes from The Vicious Cycle, 23 Street 144 (tel: +855 15 997 939).

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24 hours in: Phnom Penh

Situated at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, Cambodia's capital is a gritty, groovy blend of old colonial architecture and edgy new ventures. Our 24-hour guide will help you get to grips with a city still well off the mainstream South East Asia tourist trail.

City Highlight: Phnom Penh

Authentic and exotic, Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, dazzles visitors with its riverside walks, colourful markets and amazing street food

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Featured Hotels

Villa Langka Hotel

This good value boutique hotel sits in lush tropical gardens in central Phnom Penh. Close to the Independence Monument, and overlooking Wat Langka, the hotel is spread over two converted houses. All 43 rooms are spacious and colonial in style. The hotel's restaurant offers local and international cuisine using the freshest ingredients and meals are either served on the terrace or indoors.

Juliana Hotel

This long-established, resort-style hotel is located at the heart of the city, making it a great base for exploration as most of the major sights are just a few minutes away. The 97 rooms are contemporary in design with Khmer silks and textiles accenting the décor throughout. The swimming pool is surrounded by lush gardens and the hotel's Vanda restaurant serves Asian and Western food and is famed for its barbecued seafood buffet.

InterContinental Hotel

Located in the new business centre of the city, the InterContinental is the first 5-star business hotel in Phnom Penh. With 346 rooms, it's the ideal place for those visiting for work as it has a range of meeting rooms. Its good selection of restaurants offer pan-Asian, Western and Chinese cuisine as well as a popular patisserie.

La Maison D’Ambre

With a superb location on the corner of Sisowath Quay, La Maison D'Ambre has quickly become one of Cambodia's hottest hotels, especially thanks to its river views. Its 10 luxury rooms are individually decorated, while the rooftop bar, Fifth Element, is a huge draw for those after a cool drink at the end of a day. A tree-lined pool and private dining terrace round out a compelling package.

Cozyna Hotel

It's the location of this hotel that makes it such a winner. Right on the main quay, with great access to sights and the city's best nightlife, it's perfect for those on a tight budget. The rooms are simple, but clean, and the staff friendly.

Sunway Hotel

A longstanding favourite, the Sunway Hotel has an excellent location in an upmarket part of Phnom Penh, close to Wat Phnom. The 138 rooms are all large and stylish, some with balconies. The restaurant serves local and international cuisine with special themed nights and there is a patisserie in the lobby. With its own fitness centre and spa, this hotel remains popular.

Introducing Phnom Penh

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