Hotel near Mekong River
Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The excitement will come to you when you arrive in Phnom Penh, especially when you’re staying at a hotel near the Mekong River. For those looking for entertainment, historical sites, and sunset activities by boat. The scenic riverside area offers a variety of fun, adventurous, and relaxed activities based on your preferences.
Below are some highlights and ideas on what to do when visiting the riverside area in Phnom Penh. Find the best hotel near the Mekong River for your stay, and start planning your itinerary with our informative article.
Discovering Phnom Penh Through the Mekong River

While the immediate riverfront is exciting, it can also be noisy and crowded. That is why many travelers prefer a hotel near the Mekong River that offers easy access to the water while keeping them tucked away in a quiet, modern neighborhood.
THINGS TO DO IN THE PHNOM PENH RIVERSIDE
Wondering where to start your discoveries? Take a look at our list of the best things to do around the Phnom Penh riverside area:
Pagoda Trip

Wat Ounalom Monastery is a house believed to be an eyebrow of Buddha and one of the oldest pagodas in Cambodia. If we go a few meters further, we can find Preah Ang Dorngkeu Shrine. The small shrine is opposite the main gate of the Royal Palace. The busy shrine that you can merit or enjoy is the scene of the Royal Palace entrance garden or the Tonle Sap River.
The National Museum of Cambodia is located behind the Royal Palace and within walking distance of Wat Saravan Techo. This pagoda houses around 3,400 manuscripts and has been described as the largest library in the country.
Water Festival

The Water Festival (November) will be filled with joy when the racing boats, Bon Om Touk, and splendid scenes during the night. Fireworks and a boat parade with lamps. During the peak of the Water Festival, the road will be closed and dedicated to the spectacles to celebrate it.
Phnom Penh Night Market

Blend with the locals by visiting Phnom Penh Night Market. Try some local street food, listen to live Cambodian music, and browse for clothing, watches, and various knickknacks. Try to enjoy the night breeze and local dishes by sitting on the floor mat here.
Culinary Time

One of the options is to enjoy the sunset by sitting outdoors, sipping a drink. Bustling activities surrounded by people strolling around. Array options for your preference to spend time with: Western, Middle Eastern, and Asian food. Calm ambiance or boisterous ambiance along the riverside area. Try the opposite way from the boat cruise, and enjoy the Tonle Sap with the Royal Palace and the buildings panorama. Regularly, the boat cruise will offer a dinner with live music while moving around the river.
Cyclo Tour

These iconic vehicles, first introduced in 1936, remain one of the best and most economical ways to see the city. You can plan your route or leave it up to the tour; either way, you will be astonished at the low cost and sheer fun.
Phnom Penh City offers a million activities; one of the most famous is the riverside area that is only 10 minute’s drive from Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1. You will enjoy iconic landmarks when heading to the riverside from the hotel.
FIND THE BEST HOTEL NEAR THE MEKONG RIVER

The Mekong River is a scenic backdrop to your time in Phnom Penh. Staying close to the area means you can not only enjoy beautiful views, but you are also just moments away from some exciting attractions.
The Novotel Hotel is near the Mekong River and offers stylish accommodation for exploring the riverside and beyond. With a choice of 254 guest rooms and suites, business and leisure travelers have a space to make their own. The hotel design is modern and intuitive, for a flawless experience.
Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1 is a full-service hotel with 1 French restaurant, a lobby bar, and a pool bar. Work out in a state-of-the-art fitness center. Or take time to unwind by the outdoor pool or enjoy a massage at Bodia Spa. Everything you need to connect with family, friends, colleagues, and yourself.
The best part of Novotel is that the Riverside Executive Suite offers a spacious 45sqm. for you, with front-row seats to take in the magic of the Mekong River. Large floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright, airy retreat on the higher floors of the hotel. Slip into a comfy King-size bed, or sit back and relax in the separate lounge, taking in the serenity of the riverside views. Just what you would expect from a Phnom Penh Riverside Hotel.
This Phnom Penh Riverside Hotel also has an Executive Lounge to welcome all guests staying in the luxury of the Riverside Executive Suite room type. Wake up to a secluded breakfast and enjoy refreshments throughout the day. A daily hour brings guests together to toast the day and take time to watch the sunset from the Executive Lounge terrace.
Why Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 is Your Best Base
Located in the upscale BKK1 district, Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 gives you the best of both worlds:
- Quick River Access: Reach the Mekong riverfront, Sisowath Quay, and top cultural sights in just 10 to 15 minutes by tuk-tuk or taxi.
- A Quiet Retreat: Escape the heavy street traffic and noise of the riverbanks to enjoy modern rooms, soothing wellness amenities, and peaceful downtime.
- Central Convenience: Explore the city’s best cafes, dining, and attractions with ease, knowing a comfortable, contemporary sanctuary is waiting for you at the end of the day.
How to go to the Mekong River from Novotel Phnom Penh

If you’re looking for the area on maps, the official name of the street is Preah Sisowath Quay Boulevard. The riverfront strip along the Tonle Sap River has a total length of 3 kilometers. The street is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops. Named in honor of King Sisowath of Cambodia, this area is particularly special to the local people.
A gateway into the city and a local spot where locals and tourists come together to celebrate the beauty of the city. When visiting the Mekong Riverside, we recommend you wear comfortable, loose clothing for the warm tropical weather and comfortable shoes for strolling the vast area. Have your camera ready for picturesque sunset selfies and social posts to impress your fans and followers.
Phnom Penh City offers so many interesting sights, fun activities, and sacred spots to explore. One of our favorites is the riverside area. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the Novotel Hotel near the Mekong River, which is only a 10-minute drive away. For the more adventurous, you can walk there within 30 minutes, taking in the sights, sounds, and delicious aromas of the city on your way. You will enjoy many iconic landmarks when heading out of our hotel in Phnom Penh. Book your room online via ALL Accor for the best room rates available.
FAQs about Hotel near Mekong River
Q: Where is the Mekong River located in Phnom Penh?
A: The Mekong River runs along the eastern edge of Phnom Penh. In the city center, it converges with the Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers at a famous geographic point known as the “Chaktomuk” (Four Faces) junction, right next to the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay.
Q: What are the top things to do along the Mekong riverfront?
A: Popular activities include taking sunset boat cruises, walking along the landscaped Sisowath Quay promenade, visiting nearby historical sites like the Royal Palace and National Museum, and dining at rooftop bars or riverside restaurants overlooking the water.
Q: How far is Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 from the Mekong River?
A: Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 is located in the upscale BKK1 district, just a quick and convenient 10- to 15-minute tuk-tuk or taxi ride from the Mekong Riverfront and major riverside attractions.
Q: Is it better to stay directly on the riverfront or in a neighborhood like BKK1?
A: While staying directly on the riverfront puts you right on the water, that strip can experience heavy traffic and street noise. Staying at a hotel near the Mekong River like Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 allows you to easily visit the water while enjoying a quieter, modern, and more peaceful neighborhood at the end of the day.
Q: When is the best time of day to visit the Mekong riverfront?
A: Late afternoon and early evening (around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) are the best times. You can catch the stunning golden-hour sunset over the water, enjoy the cooling evening breeze, and watch locals gather along the esplanade for fitness and socializing.