Amanjaya Pancam
Riverfront, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Reviewed by
Tom Bell
Phnom Penh stands on the Mekong at its conflux with the Tonle Sap, a view that is sweetly framed from your balcony at Amanjaya Pancam, with bustling Sisowath Quay - La Croisette of Indochina - stretching south before you. It is a lively spot in the middle of a happening town, with the dazzling Royal Palace a short stroll west and a host of good restaurants on your doorstep.
As for Amanjaya Pancam, this small and lively city hotel delivers exactly what you’d want of it: heaps of comfort, an easy style, good food and drink and excellent service. There’s a big restaurant downstairs, a rooftop bar with stunning views and an enticing cocktail menu, and 21 excellent rooms and suites that offer really good value for money. All come with fancy bathrooms, spacious sitting areas, comfortable kingsize beds and French windows that open onto splendid balconies. Wander the streets outside and find bars, markets, museums and temples. A stylish little hotel in the heart of a vibrant city.
As for Amanjaya Pancam, this small and lively city hotel delivers exactly what you’d want of it: heaps of comfort, an easy style, good food and drink and excellent service. There’s a big restaurant downstairs, a rooftop bar with stunning views and an enticing cocktail menu, and 21 excellent rooms and suites that offer really good value for money. All come with fancy bathrooms, spacious sitting areas, comfortable kingsize beds and French windows that open onto splendid balconies. Wander the streets outside and find bars, markets, museums and temples. A stylish little hotel in the heart of a vibrant city.
Highs
- Fantastic location, within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants
- The grand suites with their sparkling bathrooms are great value for money
- Spectacular views of the Tonle Sap and the Mekong from your balcony, plus some rooms overlook Wat Ounalom
- This is an exciting town, very much in its ascendancy, and there’s lots to do
- The staff go the extra mile
Lows
- Some noise floats up from the street; go for rooms on the upper floors
- Watch out for slippery wood floors when you get out of the bath!
- There isn't a vast choice of Western options for breakfast
- Being so close to the water means mosquitos can sometimes be a problem, but the hotel will provide spray on request
Best time to go
The rainy seasons runs from May to October, with September and October seeing most of the rain. February-June is the hottest time. January and February are the driest months. November to January is the coolest time of year, but temperatures can easily reach 30 degrees.
Our top tips
Take a motorbike tour around town and experience the frenetic pace of life in Phnom Penh. Vast portraits of the royals are everywhere and there's no such thing as a Highway Code - it's pretty exhilarating.