Phnom Penh feels completely different once the sun goes down. The streets become brighter with colorful lights, restaurants start filling up, and the city takes on a completely different atmosphere compared with the daytime.
I decided to explore Phnom Penh in a different way — by taking a night bus around the city.
I had seen the red sightseeing buses around Phnom Penh before, but I had never experienced one at night. So, I thought it would be fun to see what Phnom Penh looks like after dark from the top of a sightseeing bus.
And honestly, it was a really fun experience!
Where Can You Buy the Ticket?
If you’re interested in trying the Phnom Penh City Tour, you have several ways to book your ticket.
You can purchase your ticket directly from the ticket office, or you can book it online through:
- Telegram
- Bus Station
The ticket information also provides a phone number for Phnom Penh City Tours.
If you book through WhatsApp, Telegram, or WeChat, they will send you the ticket information and a barcode for online payment, which makes the booking process quite convenient.
Ticket Office Location
The ticket office is located at the corner of Preah Suramarit Boulevard (Street 268) and Preah Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh.
If you’re planning to buy your ticket in person, I recommend checking the location beforehand so you have enough time to get there.
How Much Is the Ticket?
For my trip, I paid $11 per person.
According to the ticket information, the price depends on whether you’re a resident or non-resident and whether you are an adult or child.
For the Happy Night Tour, the listed price is:
- Resident child: $4
- Resident adult: $8
- Non-resident child: $5
- Non-resident adult: $11
There are also other options available, including the Sunset Tour, Night Tour, and Hop-On Hop-Off tours.
So, if you don’t specifically want the late-night experience, there are several different tour times and packages to choose from.
What Time Does the Night Tour Start?
I chose the last evening/night ride, which was around 8:30 PM for my trip.
The bus starts and ends at Independence Monument, so this is also where you should plan to meet the bus.
Important: You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
I think this is especially important if you are unfamiliar with the area or if you need time to find the bus.
What Is Included in the Ticket?
One of the things I enjoyed about the experience was that it wasn’t simply a bus ride around the city.
We received one complimentary drink, with a choice of soda or beer, as well as some chips.
There was also fun music playing during the ride, which made the atmosphere feel more lively.
So, instead of simply sitting quietly and looking outside the window, it felt more like a small evening activity.
My Night Bus Experience
The entire ride took approximately one and a half hours, which I thought was a good amount of time.
Once the bus started moving, I could sit back, enjoy the music, have my drink and snacks, and watch Phnom Penh pass by.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the city from a different perspective.
During the ride, we passed by bright city lights, shops, restaurants, buildings, and different neighborhoods.
Some places that look completely ordinary during the day can feel totally different at night when they’re surrounded by lights and people.
I also enjoyed simply sitting back and watching the streets through the bus.
Sometimes, when we’re traveling, we focus so much on getting from one destination to another that we forget to enjoy the journey itself.
For me, this bus ride was more about seeing Phnom Penh rather than simply going somewhere in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh at Night Feels Different
I’ve been exploring Phnom Penh during the day, but seeing the city at night made me realize how different the atmosphere can be.
During the daytime, you can see the city’s busy streets, traffic, shops, and everyday life.
At night, the city becomes more atmospheric. The lights from the buildings and restaurants create a different feeling, and there is something relaxing about watching everything from the bus instead of walking through the streets.
It was also nice not having to think about where to go next. I could just sit down, enjoy the music, and let the bus take me around the city.
Don’t Worry About the Toilet!
One small thing that I think is worth mentioning — the bus has a toilet.
So, if you’re worried about being on the bus for around one and a half hours without access to a bathroom, you don’t have to worry.
It’s a small detail, but when you’re traveling, these little conveniences can make the experience much more comfortable.
Is the Phnom Penh Night Bus Worth Trying?
For me, yes!
I think the night bus is a fun way to experience Phnom Penh, especially if you’re new to the city or if you’ve already visited some of the usual attractions and want to see the city from a different perspective.
I particularly enjoyed the combination of city lights, music, snacks, a drink, and sightseeing. It felt relaxing rather than rushed.
If you’re looking for something different to do in Phnom Penh at night, this could be a fun option.
And sometimes, you don’t need a big plan to enjoy a city.
You can simply get on a bus, sit back, and see where the night takes you.
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