Riverside / Sisowath Quay

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Overall Safety
Moderate
3.3 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Main tourist strip with historic sites and river views. Good during the day, but has the city's highest petty crime rate after dark. Use tuk-tuks at night.

Tourist central with river viewsHistoric landmarks nearbyBusy during day, quieter at nightColonial architectureHigher petty crime area
Details

Sisowath Quay runs 3 kilometers along the Tonle Sap River. During the day it's busy with tourists, vendors, and locals. Friday and Saturday evenings (6-11pm) it becomes a pedestrian zone with street food stalls. The Royal Palace, National Museum, and night markets are all walking distance. The problem is what happens after dark. About 63% of petty crime in Phnom Penh occurs here - mostly bag snatching and pickpocketing. ATM scams are common, with people offering to 'help' while they skim your card. After sunset the area empties fast except for restaurants and bars. Eating dinner is fine, but don't walk the riverside paths late. Visit during the day and take a tuk-tuk back afterward.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Good

Night Walking Safety

Moderate

Harassment Risk

Moderate

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

High

Scam Risk

High

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Good

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Moderate

Homelessness Visibility

Moderate

Getting By in English

Good

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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Brown's Coffee (Riverside)
  • Starbucks (Riverside)
  • Eric Kaiser Bakery

Restaurants

  • Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC)
  • Waterside
  • Pizza 4P's (Riverside)

Bars

  • Harry's Sports Bar
  • Le Moon
  • Rukkha Skybox & Tapas

Other Spots

  • Royal Palace
  • National Museum
  • Night Market
Impressions & Tips

"Beautiful during the day but felt unsafe walking alone at night"

"Had my phone almost snatched by someone on a motorbike"

"Good restaurants but take a tuk-tuk back to your hotel after dark"

"Lots of ATM scammers trying to 'help' - avoid ATMs on the street here"

"Great for visiting attractions but don't linger on quiet riverside paths"

Similar Neighborhoods in Phnom Penh

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

Daun Penh

3.0
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Night Walking SafetyModerate
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Historic colonial districtBusy local commerceCentral Market hub+2

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Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)

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Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
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Authentic local neighborhoodFamous market for shoppingHip cafe culture+2

Real neighborhood built around a local market. Has trendy cafes that digital nomads like. Less English than tourist areas. Quiet at night. Good if you want authentic feel without being completely isolated.

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Tonle Bassac

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Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyGood
Hip and trendy with local characterCraft beer and cocktail sceneYounger crowd and creative types+2

Bassac Lane has the trendy restaurant and cocktail scene. More local feel than BKK1, safer than Riverside. Bars close at 11pm due to nearby residents. Good for eating alone somewhere with atmosphere.

23

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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