Phnom Penh is a city that truly comes alive at night, especially when it comes to dining and enjoying the river views. Unlike many destinations where dinner is just about the food, Phnom Penh offers experiences that blend culture, scenery, and local flavors. Whether cruising along the Mekong as the sun sets or exploring the city on a tuk tuk with a delicious meal in hand, there’s something for every type of traveler. We especially like the Sunset Dinner Cruises, which combine stunning water views with live Khmer music, making for a memorable evening. For a more authentic taste of local life, the Blindfolded Dining Experience offers a sensory journey that’s both fun and thought-provoking.
If you prefer a more relaxed and scenic approach, a river cruise provides breathtaking cityscape views, and if you’re into a lively atmosphere, the Evening City Tuk Tuk Tour delivers the city’s glow along with a tasty dinner. Whatever your style, Phnom Penh’s dinner options promise a special way to see the city and enjoy its warm hospitality.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of dinner experiences in Phnom Penh, from cruise-based meals on the Mekong River to city tours by tuk tuk with included dinners, and unique sensory dining adventures. Each offers a different perspective of the city, whether water-based or land-side. To help you find the best fit, we’ve included tours with live music, local cuisine, and scenic water views. Explore the options below to see which experience suits your style and schedule.
1. Sunset Dinner Cruises and Live Music 5 and 7pm with Free Pickup
This sunset cruise is a standout way to see Phnom Penh from a different angle. For just $9.90 per person, you’ll hop on a boat that travels along the Mekong River, passing the Royal Palace, floating villages, and the sunset over the city. The boat has a bar where you can buy cocktails, tea, coffee, or beer, and an optional upgrade to an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner makes it even more appealing.
What makes this tour special is the combination of live traditional Khmer music and the ever-changing scenery. The cruise departs at 5 pm, and the views of the city’s skyline lit up at night are truly stunning. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and beautiful sunset views, with many saying it’s a “laid-back couple of hours” that offers great value. The 5 pm cruise is perfect if you want to catch the sunset, while the later cruise still offers incredible night views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic evening with music and the chance to see Phnom Penh from the water at sunset.
2. Phnom Penh: Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music
At number 2 we have the Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise, priced at $10 per person, which offers a luxurious water experience with stunning city views. This cruise includes made-to-order meals, crafted cocktails, and live traditional Khmer music aboard a comfortable boat. It has been delighting visitors for over 10 years, making it a trusted option for a special night out.
The cruise’s itinerary includes views of the Royal Palace, floating villages, and the Koh Norea Bridge. Guests love the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to see Phnom Penh’s skyline from the river. Many reviews mention the friendly crew and the lovely scenery, with one reviewer calling it “a must-do to enjoy one afternoon on Mekong.” The experience is ideal for those wanting a combination of good food, live music, and scenic water views.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a premium, relaxed river cruise with authentic Khmer music and quality food.
3. Phnom Penh: Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide
This sunset cruise offers a more informative perspective of Phnom Penh’s waterways and riverbank life. For $10 per person, you’ll cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying views of stilted houses, fishing villages, and the Royal Palace from the water. Your English-speaking guide will share stories about the city’s river life, making this experience educational as well as scenic.
While fewer reviews are available, the focus here is on learning about Phnom Penh’s river lifestyle while watching the sunset. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a relaxed cruise with some cultural context, along with the beauty of the river at dusk.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in combining scenery with cultural insights, especially those wanting a more informative experience.
4. Phnom Penh: Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner
For a different flavor, the Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk includes a delicious dinner and visits to major landmarks like the Royal Palace, Independence Monument, and Night Market. At $29 per person, it’s a pricier but comprehensive way to see Phnom Penh after dark.
This tour is perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a meal, as it also includes dinner and drinks. The illuminated landmarks and lively street scenes create a magical atmosphere. While it’s a quick way to see many sites, it’s best suited for those who prefer land-based exploration with a cultural and culinary focus.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers wanting a guided evening tour with multiple landmarks and a shared meal.
5. Dinner Cruise 1h45 on the Mekong including 4 courses
This dinner cruise lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and includes 4 courses of Cambodian cuisine. It offers a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city skyline and fishermen at work on the river. The French owner and local chef have curated a menu that’s both authentic and fresh.
While reviews are limited, the value for money is evident at $25.65 per person, especially for the quality of the food and the peaceful environment. It’s well-suited for those who want a culinary-focused experience combined with water views.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who prioritize food and scenery in a more intimate cruise setting.
6. PHNOM PENH: Blindfolded Dining Experience with Tuk Tuk
This unique dining experience is unlike anything else. For $59 per person, you’ll be picked up in a tuk tuk and led through a sensory journey with a 3-course meal served blindfolded. An experienced moderator guides you to rediscover taste, touch, and connection.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a thought-provoking and intimate experience. Reviewers love how it deepens relationships and provides a personalized, memorable night. It’s perfect for adventurous couples or those interested in dining as an experience rather than just a meal. The inclusion of water, soda, beer, and wine makes it quite comprehensive.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurous food lovers looking for a one-of-a-kind sensory journey.
$59 per person
7. Buffet Dinner Cruise Experience with Live Music
Finally, the buffet dinner cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers offers an all-you-can-eat buffet while sailing past iconic sights like the Royal Palace. For $12 per person, you get about 1.5 hours of dining with live music and beautiful city views.
Though reviews are currently unavailable, the experience promises a relaxed, scenic dinner with the chance to see Phnom Penh’s skyline from the river. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy casual dining and music entertainment while cruising.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, good-value option for a casual, scenic dinner on the water.
$12.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Phnom Penh Dinner Experience
When selecting the right dinner experience, think about your budget, time, and interests. If you love scenic water views and live music, the Sunset Dinner Cruises or the Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise are excellent choices. For those wanting a more active exploration with dinner, the Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk offers a full evening from sights to bites.
Adventure seekers or couples wanting something unique might enjoy the Blindfolded Dining Experience, while food-focused travelers may prefer the Dinner Cruise with 4 Courses. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Buffet Dinner Cruise, which offers good value for a relaxing night on the water.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular sunset cruises or special experiences like the blindfolded dinner. Consider the timing—sunset cruises are best booked for late afternoon, while city tours can be flexible depending on your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Phnom Penh provides a surprising diversity of dinner options, each offering a different way to experience the city. From water-based cruises with live music to guided tuk tuk tours with meals, there’s an experience tailored to virtually every preference. For romantic sunset views, the Sunset Dinner Cruises are hard to beat; for a more immersive cultural experience, the tuk tuk city tour with dinner hits the spot. And for something truly memorable, the Blindfolded Dining Experience turns dinner into an unforgettable journey of the senses.
No matter which you choose, these experiences promise not just a meal, but a chance to see Phnom Penh in a new light—whether from the water or the city streets. Book early to ensure your spot, and prepare for an evening that combines good food, great views, and authentic Cambodian hospitality.