Riverside Phnom Penh
If you are looking for a drink as the sun is setting, or to dine al fresco then Riverside Phnom Penh is the place to head in Cambodia.
Many of the bars and restaurants in Phnom Penh line the road adjacent to the river, making this a hive of activity with local food stalls selling fried insects and many locals using the space for exercise to sit and relax as the sun goes down. Take a walk from close to Chaktomuk Theatre all the way to Phnom Penh Night Market (Phsar Reatrey) and you are guaranteed to experience all manner of activities from sports to aerobics along the way.
At the northern end, you can find boats operating river cruises and tours to Silk Island (Koh Dach).
Dining at Riverside Phnom Penh
Numerous restaurants offering everything from Khmer food to French, Italian and Asian tapas vie for your attention, regardless of whether you want to dine al fresco or in air-conditioned comfort.
Drinking at Riverside Phnom Penh
Riverside Phnom Penh is not just about dining as there are many watering holes along the way. You can drink a beer on the pavement outside any of the bars, or alternatively head up to one of several rooftop spots, such as Le Moon and Juniper.
A Tale of Three Rivers
The Riverside is set on the Tonle Sap River, which is famed for its reverse flow during the year. From November until May, it flows into the Mekong whereas from June until October it flows in the opposite direction. From the banks towards the Royal Palace you can see three rivers, the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac, which flows into Vietnam.
Nearby Attractions
From the southern end of Riverside, you can see the Royal Palace, while the northern end continues past the Night Market.