Sisowath Quay
Walk
Sisowath Quay, often simply called the Riverside, is Phnom Penh's most iconic promenade, tracing the eastern bank of the Tonle Sap River and catching the breeze where the rivers meet. Named after King Sisowath, it has evolved from a simple embankment into one of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh, linking grand sights like the Royal Palace and National Museum with a lively strip of cafés, bars and guesthouses. Morning walkers, evening strollers, vendors and kids on bikes all share the same palm-lined pavements, giving the area an easy, social feel.
The quay is also a practical gateway to the city's highlights. From here you can wander to Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia and the Phnom Penh Night Market, or slip into nearby streets like 178 and 240 for galleries and boutique shops. As the sun sets and the lights come on, the riverfront transforms into a casual nightlife district, with everything from simple street stalls to rooftop cocktail spots, making Sisowath Quay a great place to visit on a walking tour of Phnom Penh that links culture, food and riverside views.
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History and Significance of Sisowath Quay
Sisowath Quay sits at the heart of Phnom Penh's relationship with its rivers. For centuries, this stretch of bank along the Tonle Sap - near its confluence with the Mekong - has been a trading, transport and meeting point, where boats docked, goods were unloaded and people gathered. Over time, the embankment was formalised, widened and planted with trees, slowly becoming more of a promenade than a purely functional river edge.
Named after King Sisowath, who ruled in the early 20th century, the boulevard reflects Cambodia’s royal and colonial histories as much as its modern life. French-era buildings, royal compounds and pagodas line or sit just behind the riverfront, while contemporary hotels, restaurants and travel agencies signal its role as a tourism hub. From here, important national events and festivals spill out onto the streets, and the promenade becomes a stage for processions, boat races and firework displays.
Today, Sisowath Quay is as much about everyday rhythms as big occasions. Locals jog at dawn, families stroll at dusk, teens gather on benches, and travellers people-watch from café terraces. The boulevard's ability to connect major landmarks, local neighbourhoods and the river itself makes it a living cross-section of Phnom Penh's past and present.
Things to See and Do in Sisowath Quay
Start your visit with culture: from the riverside you are only a short walk from Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, where you can admire Khmer architecture, glittering stupas and manicured gardens before wandering across to the National Museum to explore Angkorian sculpture and ancient artefacts. Back on Sisowath Quay, pause on the promenade to watch ferries and fishing boats move along the Tonle Sap, and look across to the far bank for a reminder that the city is always in dialogue with its river.
As the day warms up, duck into cafés and bakeries along the riverfront for iced coffee, brunch or a simple Khmer meal. You will find everything from backpacker bars to more refined restaurants with balconies overlooking the water. Nearby markets such as Phsar Chas (Old Market) and Phsar Kandal offer a more local shopping feel, while streets 178 and 240 host small galleries, jewellery boutiques and contemporary silk shops where you can pick up thoughtful souvenirs.
In the evening, Sisowath Quay really comes into its own. The pavement fills with people out for a stroll, vendors set up snack carts and the Phnom Penh Night Market further along the riverfront flickers into life with lights, music and food stalls. You might choose a rooftop bar to watch the sky darken over the river, or simply sit on the low wall facing the water with a takeaway drink. This spot is one of the best places to see in Sisowath Quay's riverside district if you want to feel the city's mood shift from daytime bustle to relaxed twilight.
How to Get to Sisowath Quay
Most visitors arrive in Cambodia via Phnom Penh International Airport, which lies west of the city centre and offers straightforward taxi, tuk-tuk and ride-hailing connections into town and down to the riverside. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com.
While Cambodia does have a limited train network that serves Phnom Penh, in practice most overland travellers reach the capital by bus or minivan from cities such as Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot or Sihanoukville and then switch to local transport for the short hop to the quay.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once in the city, tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get directly to Sisowath Quay; simply ask for the Riverside, and most drivers will take you to the riverfront near the Royal Palace or Night Market.
If you are travelling by car, Sisowath Quay runs along the eastern edge of central Phnom Penh beside the Tonle Sap, with multiple access points from cross streets leading in from major boulevards; visitors usually get dropped near a landmark such as the Royal Palace, Wat Ounalom or the Night Market, then explore the promenade on foot.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Sisowath Quay
- Suggested tips: Plan your time so you can see Sisowath Quay in both daylight and after dark, pairing daytime museum or palace visits with an evening stroll and dinner by the river.
- Best time to visit: Early morning brings cooler air and local joggers, while late afternoon and sunset offer the most atmospheric views as the sky reflects on the river and the promenade fills with people.
- Entrance fee: There is no fee to walk along Sisowath Quay
- Opening hours: The promenade is accessible at all hours
- How long to spend: Allow at least a couple of hours to stroll, stop for a drink and visit one nearby sight; you may find yourself returning several times across your stay in Phnom Penh.
- Accessibility: The riverside pavement is generally flat, though occasional uneven sections and busy crossings require attention; it is one of the more accessible areas of the city for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Facilities: ATMs, cafés, bars, restaurants and convenience stores are plentiful along and just behind the quay, so you are never far from food, drinks or cashpoints.
- Photography tip: Shoot at golden hour for the best light on the river and skyline; wide shots capturing the promenade, flags and boats work well, as do candid street photos of local life (always taken respectfully).
- Guided tours: Many Phnom Penh city tours start or finish along Sisowath Quay, and several river cruises depart from piers along the boulevard, combining sightseeing with a boat trip.
- Nearby food options: You will find everything from street snacks and simple Khmer eateries to Western-style cafés and cocktail bars within a few blocks, making it easy to tailor the evening to your tastes.
Where to Stay close to the Sisowath Quay
Staying near Sisowath Quay is ideal if you want river views and easy access to many of Phnom Penh's main sights on foot. A classic choice right on the riverfront is Hotel Cambodiana, offering views over the water and a straightforward walk or short tuk-tuk ride to the Royal Palace, National Museum and Night Market. For a more intimate, design-focused option set just back from the quay but still close to the action, Plantation Urban Resort & Spa provides a tranquil base with a pool and gardens within easy reach of the river. Travellers who prefer a modern city hotel with lively surroundings might choose SUN & MOON Urban Hotel, which sits a short ride from Sisowath Quay and gives quick access to both the riverside and central markets.
Is Sisowath Quay Worth Visiting
Sisowath Quay is absolutely worth visiting and, in many ways, defines the Phnom Penh experience. It brings together river views, royal and cultural landmarks, markets, bars and everyday local life in one linear space, so even a simple walk along the promenade can feel rich and varied. Whether you are sipping coffee at sunrise, browsing shops in the heat of the day or watching the river glow at sunset, the quay offers a constantly changing backdrop that makes it one of the top attractions in Phnom Penh for first-time and repeat visitors alike.
What Other Travellers Say...
Sisowath Riverside Park, on Preah Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, is a clean, peaceful riverside promenade where the Tonle Sap and Mekong meet, popular for evening walks and sunsets; evenings come alive with food stalls, cafés, street vendors and music, while weekends host an extended night market and daytime visitors relax among pigeons and travellers, making it a lively yet restful spot to sample street food and unwind by the water.
FAQs for Visiting Sisowath Quay
Nearby Attractions to the Sisowath Quay
- Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: The city’s ceremonial heart, just a short walk from the riverside, with classic Khmer architecture and royal history.
- National Museum of Cambodia: A major collection of Khmer art and sculpture located a block or two back from the river, ideal to pair with a stroll along the quay.
- Wat Ounalom: The headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism on the riverside, offering a tranquil temple experience close to the promenade.
- Phnom Penh Night Market: A lively evening market further along Sisowath Quay, with street food, souvenir stalls and live performances.
- Wat Phnom: The hilltop temple that gave the city its name, a short tuk-tuk ride from the quay and a good spot for views and legends.
The Sisowath Quay appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting !
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
The promenade is accessible at all hours
There is no fee to walk along Sisowath Quay
Nearby Attractions
- Phnom Penh Night Market (0.3) km
Market - Wat Ounalom (0.5) km
Buddhist Temple - National Museum of Cambodia (0.7) km
Museum - Wat Phnom (0.8) km
Buddhist Temple - Central Market (Phsar Thmey) (1.0) km
Market - Royal Palace of Cambodia (1.0) km
Palace - Independence Monument (1.8) km
Monument - Wat Langka (1.9) km
Buddhist Temple - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (2.9) km
Museum - Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tum Poung) (3.9) km
Market
