Phnom Penh Techo Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Techo is 20-25 km from Phnom Penh and the only direct link is by road: a taxi or ride-hailing app takes 45-60 minutes, the city line 1A about 90. The newly opened airport has no hotels with an established reputation nearby yet, so it makes sense to sleep in the city even for a single night. Leaving enough time matters more than proximity: with a morning flight, pick a hotel where the taxi can leave without hassle and book the car the evening before. Anyone staying a few days has three distinct hubs: the riverfront with the Royal Palace, the Wat Phnom area and the BKK1 business district.

Riverfront and Royal Palace

City centre · By taxi or booked car 45-60 minutes for 20-25 km; bus 1A costs less but takes about 90 minutes.

Best for: Those who want to visit the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Mekong restaurants while staying within walking distance of the main sights.

Pros

The Royal Palace, the National Museum and the riverfront are within walking distance
Plenty of tuk-tuks for short trips
Hotels for different budgets along the same stretch of the city

Cons

City traffic can stretch the trip to the airport beyond an hour
The riverfront is lively and at times noisy in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa: 84 rooms near the National Museum, with two pools and a spa: a comfortable break after long arrival flights.
ibis budget Phnom Penh Riverside: Budget chain option on the riverfront; reviews mention helpful staff and a good breakfast.

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Wat Phnom and the old town

Neighbourhood · Taxi or booked car to Techo: 45-60 minutes; bus 1A is the slow alternative, around 90 minutes.

Best for: Those looking for a historic hotel in the colonial heart of the city, between Wat Phnom and the Central Market.

Pros

Wat Phnom and the Central Market a short walk away
Tree-lined streets, quieter than the riverfront

Cons

The riverfront is about 10 minutes away, so a tuk-tuk is often needed
Restaurants and evening venues are more scattered than along the Mekong

Recommended hotels in this area

Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Colonial hotel from 1929 a short distance from Wat Phnom, with 175 rooms, two pools and butler service available 24 hours a day.

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