Ferry to Phnom Penh

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Phnom Penh in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

• Popular Connections: The port of Phnom Penh connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Chau Doc - Phnom Penh.
• Multiple Operators: Regular services to and from Phnom Penh are provided by leading carriers like Mandarin Cruises.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Phnom Penh feature:

• Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.
• Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.
• Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.
• Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Mandarin Cruises.

Phnom Penh is accessible via multiple transportation options, with the Phnom Penh International Airport receiving flights from major Asian hubs. From neighboring countries, buses connect the capital to Ho Chi Minh City (6 hours) and Bangkok (11 hours), while trains currently serve domestic routes. The main ferry terminal is conveniently located along Sisowath Quay in the city center, easily reached by tuk-tuk or taxi from anywhere in the city. If arriving by car, parking is available near the ferry docks, though spaces can be limited during peak tourist seasons. For budget travelers, local buses connect the city center to the ferry terminal for just a few thousand riel.

Phnom Penh sits majestically at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, offering a vivid blend of Khmer tradition and French colonial charm. The city pulses with energy as tuk-tuks weave through streets lined with ornate temples, bustling markets, and grand boulevards. As a key ferry hub in Cambodia, Phnom Penh serves as both a captivating destination and a gateway to explore the country's waterways and cultural treasures.

Phnom Penh experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the visitor experience. The cool dry season from November to February offers the most pleasant conditions, with temperatures ranging from 21-26°C (70-80°F) and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring outdoor markets and temples. The hot dry season (March-May) brings temperatures that can exceed 35°C (95°F), while the wet season (June-October) sees frequent afternoon downpours that can affect ferry schedules. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November transforms the riverfront with boat races and celebrations, making it a particularly vibrant time to visit despite larger crowds. May-June and September-October offer good value as shoulder seasons with fewer tourists and regular ferry services.

Phnom Penh serves as an excellent starting point for waterway explorations throughout Cambodia. The scenic ferry journey to Siem Reap takes approximately 5-6 hours along the Tonlé Sap, offering a relaxed alternative to road travel while showcasing floating villages and rural landscapes en route to the Angkor temples. Cruises to Vietnam's Chau Doc (4-5 hours) and Can Tho (8 hours) in the Mekong Delta reveal a fascinating transition between cultures and ecosystems. For a shorter excursion, the peaceful Silk Islands (Koh Dach) lie just 30 minutes away by ferry, offering a glimpse into traditional weaving communities and rural Cambodian life. During high water season, more extensive ferry networks connect to smaller riverside communities, creating unique island-hopping opportunities.

The ornate Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda showcase Cambodia's royal heritage with their golden spires and diamond-encrusted Buddha statues, providing insight into the country's cultural treasures. For those interested in Cambodia's complex history, the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields memorial offer important historical context. Phnom Penh's culinary scene deserves exploration, from savoring fresh fish amok (coconut curry) at riverside restaurants to sampling local delicacies at Phsar Thmey (Central Market). The vibrant riverfront promenade along Sisowath Quay comes alive at sunset, with locals exercising, vendors selling snacks, and cafés offering perfect views of the converging rivers. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the traditional dance performances at the National Museum, housed in a striking terracotta structure near the Royal Palace.

Phnom Penh was once known as the 'Pearl of Asia' during the French colonial period, renowned for its beautiful architecture and tree-lined boulevards before the Khmer Rouge era dramatically altered the city's trajectory. The name 'Phnom Penh' translates to 'Hill of Penh,' named after a wealthy widow who discovered Buddha statues in the Mekong and built a hill (phnom) to house them in 1372. The city features the only working post office built during French colonial rule that still operates in Southeast Asia, continuing to send mail from its grand yellow building. Phnom Penh's location at the churning confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap creates the remarkable natural phenomenon where the Tonlé Sap River reverses its flow direction seasonally, the only river in the world to do so regularly.