Port information & tips for Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the fascinating capital of Cambodia and is picturesquely situated at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap. Once known as the "Pearl of Asia", the metropolis impresses with a unique blend of French colonial architecture, magnificent pagodas, and bustling Southeast Asian life. Cultural highlights include the majestic Royal Palace with the glittering Silver Pagoda as well as the historic Wat Phnom temple, both of which can be reached in a short time. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Passenger and Tourist Terminal TS1 of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. Thanks to its prime location directly on Sisowath Quay, numerous restaurants, markets, and the city center's most important sights are within comfortable walking distance.
The cruise port of Phnom Penh, a major hub for Mekong River cruises, is primarily accessible to travelers from the DACH region by air. Since ships usually dock centrally along the Mekong riverfront, such as Sisowath Quay, there is excellent access to the city's infrastructure. Due to the long travel times, an overnight stay in Cambodia's vibrant capital is highly recommended.
Airplane
Arrival is via the new Techo International Airport (KTI), which replaced the former PNH airport in September 2025 and now serves as the international gateway to the capital. It is located approximately 20 to 24 kilometers south of Phnom Penh city center. Direct flights from the DACH region are rare, so connecting flights via major Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur are usually necessary.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Techo International Airport (KTI), you can easily reach the city center by taxi or via ride-hailing apps such as Grab and PassApp. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 10 to 20 US dollars. Alternatively, the Airport Express Bus (AEB) provides a cost-effective connection to the city center, for example to the Canadia Garden stop near the train station, for about 1,500 KHR (approx. 0.37 USD) with a travel time of around 1 hour 15 minutes. Many cruise lines also organize transfers from the airport to the ship or a pre-cruise hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Phnom Penh is particularly advisable to relax after the long flight and explore the fascinating city before your embarkation. Numerous hotels in the city center or along Sisowath Quay offer not only comfort but often organized airport transfers and exciting city tours to ensure a smooth start to your river cruise experience.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Phnom Penh, a major hub for Mekong River cruises, is primarily accessible to travelers from the DACH region by air. Since ships usually dock centrally along the Mekong riverfront, such as Sisowath Quay, there is excellent access to the city's infrastructure. Due to the long travel times, an overnight stay in Cambodia's vibrant capital is highly recommended.
Airplane
Arrival is via the new Techo International Airport (KTI), which replaced the former PNH airport in September 2025 and now serves as the international gateway to the capital. It is located approximately 20 to 24 kilometers south of Phnom Penh city center. Direct flights from the DACH region are rare, so connecting flights via major Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur are usually necessary.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Techo International Airport (KTI), you can easily reach the city center by taxi or via ride-hailing apps such as Grab and PassApp. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 10 to 20 US dollars. Alternatively, the Airport Express Bus (AEB) provides a cost-effective connection to the city center, for example to the Canadia Garden stop near the train station, for about 1,500 KHR (approx. 0.37 USD) with a travel time of around 1 hour 15 minutes. Many cruise lines also organize transfers from the airport to the ship or a pre-cruise hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Phnom Penh is particularly advisable to relax after the long flight and explore the fascinating city before your embarkation. Numerous hotels in the city center or along Sisowath Quay offer not only comfort but often organized airport transfers and exciting city tours to ensure a smooth start to your river cruise experience.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Phnom Penh is located directly on the bustling Sisowath Quay and, thanks to its prime location, offers you direct access to the tourist center of the capital. From the terminal, you can reach the most important cultural highlights and markets via short routes and enjoy convenient connections to the local transport network.
On Foot
Since the pier is located directly on the riverfront promenade, you can ideally explore the surroundings on foot. A relaxed stroll along the river takes you to the Night Market in just a few minutes, and in about 15 to 20 minutes, you will reach the magnificent Royal Palace and the National Museum.
Tuk-Tuks & Ride-Hailing
Classic remorks, as the Cambodian tuk-tuks are called, are ready for you directly at the port exit. Additionally, modern rickshas and taxis can be easily booked at low fixed prices via mobile apps such as PassApp or Grab, enabling you to have a swift and transparent journey through the city.
Cyclos
These traditional, hand-operated bicycle rickshas are a charming specialty of Phnom Penh and often wait for visitors directly on Sisowath Quay. A ride with a cyclo offers you an authentic travel experience and allows you to admire the historic colonial architecture of the district at a relaxed pace and from a special perspective.
To make the most of your stay in the heart of Cambodia, we recommend focusing on the magnificent monuments and the vibrant atmosphere along the banks of the Mekong, in the immediate vicinity of the port.
Sisowath Quay
The charming waterfront promenade right by the port invites you to take a relaxed stroll with its lively atmosphere and numerous cafes, and thanks to its central location, it offers the perfect starting point for initial explorations of the city.
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
This magnificent ensemble enchants visitors with its classic Khmer architecture and the glittering treasures inside; additionally, the extensive grounds are ideal for gaining deep insight into the country's royal history and culture.
Central Market (Psar Thmei)
This striking Art Deco building is an architectural highlight in the center and, with its vast selection of local crafts and exotic delicacies, offers an authentic experience within easy reach.
Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay
The magnificent Royal Palace with the shimmering Silver Pagoda is located in close proximity to the cruise pier and can be reached comfortably in just a few minutes by tuk-tuk or during a short walk. The extensive complex impresses with its classic Khmer architecture as well as artistic murals and offers a perfect combination of history and aesthetics. Directly adjacent, the lively Sisowath Quay waterfront promenade invites you to relax with its numerous upscale cafes and restaurants, where you can also enjoy a wonderful view of the busy activity on the river. Ideally, visit the palace directly at opening in the early morning to experience the morning freshness, and then treat yourself to a break at the Riverside, from where you can start your way back to the ship in a very relaxed manner.
The return journey to the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port is very straightforward thanks to its central location directly on Sisowath Quay, offering beautiful views of the Tonle Sap River until the very end.
Tuk-Tuk and Ride-Hailing Apps
You will find tuk-tuks for a quick return journey all over the city, especially at busy spots like the Royal Palace or the Central Market. Thanks to apps like Grab or PassApp, you can book your vehicle at a fixed price and be conveniently navigated directly to the port terminal.
On Foot along Sisowath Quay
Since the port is located directly on the Sisowath Quay waterfront promenade, you can simply stroll back to the ship from the sights in the center along the river. Thanks to the wide promenade, the path is easy to follow and leads you directly to the clearly visible port area near the Night Market without any detours.
Taxi and Hotel Meeting Points
Air-conditioned taxis are reliably available at major hotels such as the Raffles Le Royal or the Nagaworld and can be easily called via the hotel reception. The drivers are well-acquainted with the Passenger Terminal and will bring you safely and punctually through the city traffic directly to the ship's entrance.
