The Ultimate Riverside Phnom Penh Guide (2025 Data)
Your expert guide to the new 57-hectare pedestrian zone, $10 cultural icons, $300 apartments, and $1 street food.
Did you know that in 2025, Phnom Penh’s Riverside is undergoing a 57-hectare transformation, creating one of Southeast Asia’s largest new pedestrian zones? This isn’t the Riverside you read about in old guidebooks.
Forget the outdated advice; this comprehensive guide uses verified 2025 data to navigate the new reality of Riverside, from its three distinct “walking street” zones to its fragmented rental market, where a 1-bedroom apartment can cost $330 or $1,500.
The New Riverside: A 2025 Guide to the 57-Hectare Pedestrian Transformation
The single most significant development is the “Phnom Penh Pedestrian Street” project. This is a massive 57-hectare urban transformation designed to formalize and sanitize the Daun Penh district, turning it into a primary, family-friendly leisure hub.
The core of the plan involves making the entire area vehicle-free from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. This project is divided into three distinct zones, each with a specific purpose.
Actionable Tip: With the strict vehicle ban, plan to use ride-hailing apps (Grab, PassApp) and set your drop-off point at the border of a zone (e.g., Street 13) and walk in.
The Four Personalities of Sisowath Quay
The “vibe” of Riverside is not singular; it is entirely dependent on the time of day. Our analysis reveals four distinct “personalities” you need to know.
The “Local” Hub
The promenade buzzes with local residents and expats jogging, practicing Tai Chi, and joining public aerobics sessions. The atmosphere is healthy, communal, and peaceful.
The “Dead Zone”
As a fully exposed waterfront, the promenade becomes “desolate” under the intense midday sun. Most shops are quiet. This is the worst time to explore.
The “Golden Hour”
This is when the promenade truly shines. As the sun sets, the air cools, and the promenade fills with families, students, and couples, taking on a “carnival atmosphere” with street food vendors.
The “Nightlife” Zone
This includes upscale rooftop bars but also the notorious “girly bar streets” (now formalized in Zone 2) and is the atmosphere that dominates tourist reviews.
Riverside’s Top 5 Cultural Icons: A 2025 Visitor’s Guide
Riverside is the historical epicenter of Phnom Penh, containing the city’s most important landmarks, all within easy walking distance. Here is the verified 2025 data you need to visit them.
Strict Dress Code Enforced
The Royal Palace and Wat Ounalom strictly enforce a “shoulders and knees covered” policy. You will be denied entry or forced to buy/rent a sarong if you wear tank tops or short shorts.
| Attraction | Entry Fee (Foreigner) | Hours | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda | $10 USD (ticket includes both) | 8:00-10:30 AM & 2:00-5:00 PM | Strict |
| National Museum | $10 USD (Adult) | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Respectful |
| Wat Phnom | $1 USD | 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM | Respectful |
| Wat Ounalom | Free | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Strict |
| Central Market (Phsar Thmei) | Free | 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM | N/A |
A Shopper’s Guide to Riverside’s Markets
Riverside is bordered by the city’s most famous markets, each offering a completely different experience.
Insider Tip: The “Vibe vs. Buys” Hack
The Phnom Penh Night Market is a terrible place for quality shopping but a fantastic place for atmosphere. Go for the experience—eating street food on the mats and watching live music—but do your actual shopping at Central Market.
| Market | Best For | Hours | Bargaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Market (Phsar Thmei) | Souvenirs, Jewelry, Architecture | 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily) | Essential |
| Phnom Penh Night Market | Atmosphere, Street Food, Live Music | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Fri-Sun) | Expected |
| Sorya Center Point | Air-Con, Mall Brands, Cinema | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily) | Fixed Prices |
Living in Riverside: 2025 Rental Market & Cost of Living
For expats, the massive rental price range ($330 vs. $1,500 for a 1-bedroom) is the most confusing aspect of Daun Penh. The data reveals a clear “3-Tier” system.
Tier 1: Local Shophouse
- Authentic, budget-friendly
- Located in older, classic buildings
- No amenities (pool, gym, security)
- Often a walk-up
Tier 2: Serviced Apartment
- Modern buildings
- Includes Pool & Gym
- Includes 24-hr Security
- Cleaning/Internet often included
Tier 3: Luxury Condo
- High-end, new-build property
- Luxury finishes & infinity pools
- Full-service staff
- Highest price point
The Riverside F&B Scene: A Curated 2025 Guide
Riverside has a high concentration of restaurants, but many famous names are now gone.
Insider Tip: 2025 Restaurant Closures
Many iconic restaurants still listed in major travel guides are PERMANENTLY CLOSED as of 2025. Do not waste a trip looking for:
- Friends the Restaurant
- Romdeng
- Chinese House
- Mok Mony
- The Vegetarian Restaurant
Any guide still recommending them is obsolete.
Verified 2025 Recommendations (That Are Open)
Oskar Bistro
A “classy” French-owned spot with high-quality Western cuisine from a Michelin-starred consultant chef. Great for cocktails.
Bopha Phnom Penh Titanic
A long-standing institution known for its sweeping river views and free nightly Apsara dance shows (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
Hummus House
A highly-rated, great-value Lebanese restaurant. Offers full meal sets (including a Vegan Set) for around $7.50.
The Riverside Accommodation Index (2025)
Riverside is the primary hotel district, offering everything from 5-star luxury to budget hostels.
Insider Tip: The “Buyer’s Market” Hack
Official sources claim 77.8% hotel occupancy, but 2024 industry data shows the real number is a “very low” 45.5%. This means it is a buyer’s market. For stays of 3+ nights, email the hotel directly to ask for a 15-20% discount or an upgrade.
| Hotel Name | Tier | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Palace Gate Hotel & Resort | Luxury ($$$$) | Lush Gardens, Steps from Palace |
| Hotel KVL | Luxury ($$$$) | Modern, Chic, Rooftop Bar |
| Ohana Phnom Penh Palace | Boutique ($$$) | Excellent Rooftop Pool & View |
| TAO Riverside Residence | Aparthotel ($$$) | Full Suites w/ Balconies |
| Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel | Mid-Range ($$) | Popular Skybar, Great Value |
| Onederz Phnom Penh | Budget ($) | Top-Rated Hostel w/ Rooftop Pool |
The Essential Safety Brief: How to Avoid Riverside Scams
While violent crime is rare, Riverside is the undisputed hotspot for petty crime and scams targeting foreigners. The U.S. State Dept. maintains a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory. The #1 threat is drive-by phone and bag snatching.
The “Scam-Killer” App Solution
The single most important action you can take is to download Grab or PassApp. This 100% solves the classic tuk-tuk overcharging scam by giving you a fixed, fair price upfront. It eliminates all haggling and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverside Phnom Penh safe for tourists in 2025?
Riverside is generally safe, but petty crime like phone and bag snatching is common, especially at night on the promenade. You must remain vigilant, keep valuables secure, and use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of walking alone late at night.
What is the entry fee for the Royal Palace in 2025?
The verified 2025 entry fee for foreigners is $10 USD. This single ticket includes entry to the Silver Pagoda, which is located inside the palace complex.
What are the hours for the new pedestrian street?
The official operating hours for the new 57-hectare pedestrian zones are from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. During these hours, the area is strictly vehicle-free.
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