The Heartbeat of Phnom Penh
As the sun sets over the Tonlé Sap River, the riverside promenade comes to life. Locals stroll, monks pass in saffron robes, and street vendors serve up sweet iced coffee and grilled treats. Sisowath Quay, the stretch of riverfront boulevard at the heart of Phnom Penh, is more than a scenic walkway it’s a meeting place of history, daily life, and city spirit.
Sunrise or Sunset
Best Time
0.5 - 2 hours
Time to Spend
All Ages
Suitable for Age
Not Required
Tour Guide
Where City Life Flows with the River
Running along the edge of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, Sisowath Quay is a 3-kilometer boulevard lined with palm trees, gardens, colonial buildings, and cafés. It’s a favorite hangout for both locals and visitors ideal for a morning jog, lazy afternoon, or romantic evening walk.
Here, you’ll see families enjoying the breeze, students sketching riverside scenes, and travelers watching longboats glide by. At dusk, the skies turn pastel and the riverside glows with golden light. It’s one of the best places in Phnom Penh to unwind and take in the rhythms of the city.
Attractions, Street Life & Local Color
The riverside isn’t just for relaxing it’s surrounded by landmarks and local flavor. Just a short walk away, you’ll find:
Wat Ounalom, one of the city’s oldest and most important Buddhist pagodas
Phnom Penh Night Market, which opens around sunset and offers street food, souvenirs, and live music on weekends
Royal Palace and National Museum, just south of the promenade
The streets along the quay are home to a mix of French colonial architecture and lively Khmer businesses — cafés, rooftop bars, travel agencies, and bookstores. In the early evening, locals gather for group aerobics, street performers appear, and food carts fill the air with the scent of grilled squid, bananas, and durian.
What to Know Before You Go
Visiting the riverside is free and flexible. You don’t need a plan just take a walk, grab a drink, or hop on a boat cruise if you want to explore the river. You can visit any time, but mornings and sunset hours are the most beautiful.
It’s also one of the safest, most public areas in the city. Still, keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas.
Walk Street
Recently, Phnom Penh had assign this area as a Walk Only Street that operating weekly in Saturday and Sunday from 5:00PM until Mid-Night. You will find lots of Local Food Option and Beverages at Walk Street.
