Looking for an apartment for rent on Phnom Penh's Riverside? This is the city's old downtown: a lively waterfront district of temples, markets, cafés and restaurants, ideal for anyone who wants to live where Phnom Penh is at its most vibrant.
Riverside is the lively waterfront side of the Daun Penh district, facing the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Where Daun Penh's inland streets are known for heritage shophouses and a growing gallery quarter, Riverside is for people who enjoy energy, dining and nightlife. For the wider district, see our Daun Penh guide.
Riverside is the oldest part of the city, covering Wat Phnom, Phsar Chas (the Old Market), Phsar Kandal, Chey Chumneas and Chaktomuk. Angkorian kings, French colonists and United Nations peacekeepers have all left their mark here. It is also where the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers meet, the setting for the annual Water Festival, and it is at its most beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
The riverfront road, Sisowath Quay, named after King Sisowath, runs from the Buddhist Institute north to the Japanese Bridge, where it becomes Road 6 and leads out of the city.
Riverside is home to Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple where the city began. According to legend, a woman named Penh found four Buddha statues washed up by the Mekong River in 1372 and built a shrine for them on the hill, and Phnom Penh takes its name from her. Rising 27 metres above the streets, Wat Phnom remains one of the city's best-loved landmarks and a peaceful green space.
Riverside suits people who love being in the heart of the action: young professionals, long-stay visitors, and anyone who wants restaurants, river views and nightlife on their doorstep.
Day and night, Riverside is busy and full of choice. Restaurants serve Italian, French, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Malaysian food, alongside hotels, wellness services, shops and bars. The local markets supply fresh produce, and the riverfront promenade is a favourite place for an evening walk.
Riverside offers a mix of homes. Renovated flathouses are the most affordable option, though they generally come without services or shared facilities. For a touch of history, colonial villas offer spacious living and real architectural charm, many updated with modern comforts, but they are limited in number. Typical monthly rents start at around US$350–900 for a studio, US$400–1,500 for one bedroom, US$800–2,500 for two bedrooms and US$1,200–3,000 for three bedrooms.
Browse our current Riverside listings below, or contact Abode Real Estate and we'll help you find the right home for your budget and lifestyle.
