Riverside (Sisowath Quay): Right in the Mix

Riverside sits where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers come together. I spent my first few nights here, and I get why people gravitate to it.

You’ve got the Royal Palace a ten-minute walk away. Restaurants and bars line the waterfront. At sunset, locals and travelers gather along the promenade, and there’s usually someone playing music or selling grilled corn.

• The Reality: It gets loud at night. Motorbikes, live music, street vendors – the noise doesn’t stop. And yeah, you’ll pay more for everything here. A beer that costs $1 elsewhere might be $2.50 at Riverside.
• My Take: I loved it for short stays. The energy is infectious, and I could walk to most places I wanted to see. But after three nights, I needed quiet.

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1): The Polished Option

BKK1 feels like a different city. Wide streets, Western-style coffee shops, yoga studios. Lots of expats live here, and you can tell.

I came here when I needed a break from the chaos. Found a great Japanese spot, grabbed iced lattes that actually tasted like home, and wandered through clean, tree-lined streets.

• The Reality: It’s pricier. You’re not getting the raw Cambodian experience here – it’s curated and comfortable. If you want authentic street food, you’ll need to venture out.
• My Take: Perfect if you’re staying longer or need familiar comforts. I met travelers who’d been in Southeast Asia for months and appreciated the reprieve BKK1 offered.

Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung): Where Locals Actually Live

The Russian Market area surprised me. It’s grittier, less polished, and I ended up eating some of my best meals here. The market itself is crammed with vendors selling silk scarves, knockoff sneakers, and spices I couldn’t identify. Outside, the neighborhood hums with motorbike repair shops and noodle carts.

• The Reality: You’re further from the main tourist sites. Some streets flood when it rains. Infrastructure here is still catching up.
• My Take: I stayed here for five days and loved it. My guesthouse cost $12 a night, and I’d walk ten minutes to find $2 banh mi that made me question ever eating a sandwich anywhere else.

Wat Phnom Area: The Quiet Corner

Named after the small hill and pagoda at its center, this neighborhood gave me breathing room without feeling disconnected. I’d start mornings walking around Wat Phnom, watching people do tai chi and feed the resident monkeys. Then I’d grab breakfast at a corner café before heading out for the day.

• The Reality: Not much happens here at night. Restaurant options are limited compared to Riverside or BKK1.
• My Take: I appreciated the calm. It felt residential but still close enough to walk to the action when I wanted it. Good middle ground.