Phnom Penh is a city that offers more than just temples and markets; it’s also a surprisingly great place for buffet experiences. Whether you’re after a scenic meal with river views or a lively night on the water, the options here deliver rich flavors and memorable settings. A standout is the Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet, which combines relaxing river scenery with a tasty barbecue and all-you-can-drink beers. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, offering stunning sunset vistas on the majestic Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Four Faces Rivers. For a more flexible, bar-focused experience, the Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet adds multiple packages, including options with soft drinks and even a full gold package with more drinks and food.
Along With river cruises, Phnom Penh boasts excellent Asian buffet restaurants like Tonle Bassac II Restaurant Buffet, offering over 200 dishes spanning Chinese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines. Whether you’re craving a hearty Chinese banquet or a light Vietnamese meal, these options are great for those who want variety and authenticity. And for a different vibe, the Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Music combines scenic river cruising with a dinner show, perfect for a romantic evening or special celebration.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of river cruises with buffet meals, including sunset cruises with unlimited drinks, and traditional Asian buffets with extensive dish selections. All offer a taste of local flavors and unique settings—whether you prefer cruising the rivers or dining in the city center. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet
Starting with the Sunset Cruise with unlimited beers & BBQ buffet, this tour offers a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise along Phnom Penh’s most scenic rivers. You’re picked up from your hotel and taken in a tuk-tuk—an authentic Cambodian touch—to the pier. Once aboard, the boat glides past iconic sights like the Diamond Island bridge and the Cambodian flag, providing great photo opportunities. The highlight here is the all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet and free-flow beers, which make this a fantastic value for just $9 per person.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of gorgeous sunset views over the Mekong River and the relaxed atmosphere onboard. Reviewers consistently mention the “lovely food, attentive staff, and the calm, unhurried pace,” making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the busy city. The cruise is slow-paced, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery. The only potential downside? Guests need to arrange their own transportation back, but many find the tuk-tuk ride back part of the adventure.
Bottom line: This cruise is perfect for travelers looking for an affordable, scenic, and laid-back experience with good food and unlimited drinks.
2. Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet
Next up is the Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet, which offers three package options, including a full gold experience with unlimited beers, soft drinks, and BBQ. This tour also departs in the late afternoon, with pick-up from your hotel and a gentle cruise around Phnom Penh’s waters. The scenic sunset views are a major draw, especially as the city’s skyline begins to glow.
What makes this cruise unique is the flexibility of its package options—from a simple drink and scenic cruise to a full gourmet experience. Reviewers mention the friendly staff and the picturesque backdrop of the city at dusk, creating ideal conditions for photos. The all-inclusive options mean you don’t have to worry about extra costs, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for couples or small groups. The main consideration is the late departure time and the need to organize your return transport, often via Grab or tuk-tuk.
Bottom line: This cruise appeals to those wanting a customizable experience with beautiful views and the convenience of an all-inclusive package, making it great for both couples and groups.
3. Tonle Bassac II Restaurant Buffet in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
For a sit-down, city-center dining experience, the Tonle Bassac II Restaurant Buffet delivers an impressive array of over 200 dishes. Located centrally, it’s a convenient choice after exploring Phnom Penh’s temples or markets. The restaurant features Chinese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines, offering a true taste of Asia in one place.
What makes this buffet special is its variety. You can sample Chinese favorites like dim sum and stir-fries, Cambodian staples, or Vietnamese and Thai dishes—all in one meal. The restaurant also offers free tea for lunch and a BBQ for dinner, adding to the value. Prices are around $12 per person, making it a solid choice for a filling, diverse meal. The large parking lot makes it accessible, and the casual setting suits families or travelers craving an authentic Asian feast.
Guests appreciate the immense selection and the quality of the food, though some note that the dining experience is more about volume and variety than ambiance. It’s best suited for those who want a hearty, no-fuss meal with lots of options.
Bottom line: This buffet is ideal for food lovers wanting to sample multiple Asian cuisines in one sitting, with excellent value for money.
$12 per person
4. Buffet Dinner Cruise Experience with Live Music
Finally, the Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Music offers a 1.5-hour journey on Phnom Penh’s rivers, combining scenic cruising with entertainment. The itinerary includes a pass-by of the Royal Palace for picturesque photo opportunities and a gentle cruise along the Mekong, where you can watch fishermen at work and the city skyline at dusk.
What makes this experience stand out is the live music, which adds a lively, festive feel to your dinner. The buffet features authentic Cambodian cuisine, giving you a taste of local flavors in a relaxed setting. Although it’s the newest tour on our list and doesn’t have reviews yet, the combination of scenic views, cultural entertainment, and good food makes it appealing for those celebrating special occasions or seeking a romantic experience.
The main consideration: the tour lasts only about 90 minutes, so it’s a quick but immersive experience. It’s great for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a memorable night out.
Bottom line: This cruise is suited for those wanting a combination of scenic river views, live entertainment, and Cambodian cuisine in a lively, elegant setting.
$12.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these buffet experiences, consider your priorities. The Sunset Cruise with unlimited beers offers a relaxing and affordable way to enjoy the riverside, especially if you like drinking and sunset views. Meanwhile, the full package cruise provides a customizable experience with the option to include more drinks and food, perfect for those who want a bit more luxury.
If you’re after variety and Asian flavors, the Tonle Bassac II Restaurant Buffet offers a broad selection of dishes, making it ideal for foodies or families. Lastly, the Dinner Cruise with Live Music is perfect for a special night out or romantic evening, combining scenic views, great food, and entertainment.
Think about your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer daytime or sunset views. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your spot.
In summary, Phnom Penh offers a surprising variety of buffet experiences that cater to different tastes and occasions. For a peaceful river cruise with unlimited drinks, the first two options are hard to beat. If authentic Asian cuisine in a bustling restaurant appeals more, the Tonle Bassac II Buffet will satisfy your hunger for flavor. And for a lively, scenic dinner with music, the dinner cruise rounds out the list. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these tasty, memorable experiences in Phnom Penh.