Experience the Heart of Phnom Penh with the Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Free Mekong River Cruise

Imagine exploring Cambodia’s vibrant capital with a single, affordable ticket that grants you access to the city’s top sights and a scenic river cruise. For just $13, you get a 1.5-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour that covers 16 key stops, from the Independence Monument to Wat Phnom, plus a free Mekong River cruise with a drink in hand. What’s more, the flexibility to hop on and off as you please makes this a perfect way to see Phnom Penh without the stress of navigating public transport or organizing multiple tours.

Two things we especially appreciate about this experience are the comprehensive route and the engaging audio guide. The stops are thoughtfully planned to include all the major sites, along with some hidden gems like the Khmer StrEAT Night Market and Golden Street. The guided commentary adds context and stories, making each stop more meaningful. The scenic boat cruise along the Mekong offers a tranquil break from the busy city streets, and the inclusion of a free drink makes it feel like a small luxury.

A potential consideration is the route’s vulnerability to road closures, particularly around the Night Market area, which some reviews mention can cut the tour short on certain days. If you’re eager to do the full circuit, it’s best to go early on weekends or market days. Also, note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so plan your start point accordingly.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview, locals exploring familiar sights in a new way, or anyone looking for a budget-friendly, flexible way to explore Phnom Penh with some added fun — especially if you enjoy combining city sights with a leisurely boat ride.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $13, this combo offers great value for a day of sightseeing.
Flexible Hop-On Hop-Off: Get on and off at 16 stops, customizing your experience.
Includes Mekong River Cruise: Relax and enjoy scenic views along the river with a complimentary drink.
Comprehensive Route: Covers all major attractions and some local favorites like the Night Market.
Engaging Audio Guide: Offers insightful commentary, making each site more meaningful.
Limited Hotel Transport: No included pick-up or drop-off, so plan your start location.

A Deep Dive into the Phnom Penh Hop-on Hop-off Experience

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What the Tour Includes

For $13, this ticket unlocks a well-rounded day exploring Phnom Penh. The tour features a bus pass valid for the entire day, allowing you to hop on and off at any of the 16 designated stops. The route is designed to showcase key landmarks such as the Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, and the Cambodia Railway Station.

In addition, the free Mekong River cruise lasts about an hour and includes a complimentary drink. This is a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective, providing that calming river breeze after a busy day of sightseeing.

The Stops in Detail

Starting at U Mall Phnom Penh, you’ll find yourself immersed in the city’s lively shopping and dining scene. From there, the route takes you to Wat Botum Park, an oasis of serenity in the city, and onto Independence Monument, a symbol of Cambodia’s independence and a favorite photo spot.

Moving further, you’ll pass Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, a tribute to Cambodia’s beloved former king, and NagaWorld2, the city’s prominent casino and entertainment complex. The stops also include Morgan Tower, a modern skyscraper, and Koh Pich-Koh Norea Bridge, a striking bridge crossing the river.

One of the highlights is Khmer StrEAT Night Market, where you can sample local street food and soak in the lively atmosphere — a favorite among visitors, as it offers a taste of Cambodian night life. The Golden Street in Chinatown and Dorang Tung provide a glimpse into local commerce and community life.

The Crocodile River Cruise stop is a scenic highlight, offering a tranquil boat ride along the Mekong, which many reviews praise for its relaxing pace and scenic views. After the cruise, you’ll visit Wat Phnom Daun Penh, a historic temple, and then return to U Mall for your final stop.

The Experience on the Bus

The bus itself is praised for being clean, comfortable, and equipped with auto tour guides that narrate stories and facts about each site. The staff are noted for their friendly and attentive service, ensuring passengers feel cared for during the journey.

One reviewer mentions, “The tour bus is clean, with good service, and the auto tour guide makes it easy to learn about the city.” This makes the journey not just about the sights, but also about understanding their significance.

The Boat Cruise and Special Events

The Mekong River cruise offers a peaceful escape and an excellent chance to enjoy Phnom Penh from the water. During certain times of year, like the Halloween Bus Party from October 25 to November 2, 2025, you can also experience themed activities, including candy boxes, glow sticks, and ghostly NPC encounters, adding a fun twist to your day.

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Authenticity and Local Flavor

What sets this tour apart is its ability to balance popular attractions with some off-the-beaten-path stops, giving you a more authentic feel of Phnom Penh. Many reviews highlight how even locals find this route refreshing and insightful, especially when the audio guides provide engaging stories that help you connect with the city’s history and culture.

Considerations and Tips

Given that road closures can affect the full tour, we recommend starting early, especially on weekends or during Night Market days. If you’re not interested in the Halloween-themed events, be aware that the special gift packages are only included during that period.

Since hotel pick-up and drop-off are not provided, plan your initial meeting point, such as U Mall Phnom Penh, which is centrally located and accessible via public transportation.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

For just $13, you get an all-in-one, flexible experience that includes a guided city tour and a scenic river cruise. When compared to booking separate transportation, entry fees, and guided tours, it’s an economical way to cover a lot of ground. Plus, the positive reviews about the knowledgeable guides and well-maintained buses highlight the quality behind this budget-friendly package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits first-time visitors wanting an overview of Phnom Penh’s highlights, budget travelers looking for value, and locals eager to rediscover their city from a new angle. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy flexibility, as you can hop on and off at your leisure, and for anyone curious about Cambodian culture and landmarks without the hassle of organizing individual tickets and transportation.

If you’re someone who prefers guided explanations and scenic cruises, this combo ticks both boxes. However, if you’re after deep historical immersion or a guided tour with detailed narratives, you might want to supplement this with more specific visits.

Final Thoughts

In a city as lively and layered as Phnom Penh, finding a way to see the main sights comfortably and affordably can make your trip much more enjoyable. This hop-on hop-off bus combined with the Mekong cruise offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and local flavor. The price point is hard to beat, especially considering the engaging audio guides and scenic boat ride.

For those who appreciate convenience and value, this tour provides a straightforward, enjoyable way to get acquainted with Cambodia’s capital. Whether you’re a first-timer or a local revisiting familiar sights, it offers enough flexibility and insight to make your day memorable.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You should plan to start at U Mall Phnom Penh or another accessible meeting point.

Can I hop off and on at any of the stops?
Yes, you are free to get on and off at any of the 16 designated stops throughout the day, making it easy to explore specific attractions at your own pace.

How long is the boat cruise?
The Mekong River cruise lasts approximately one hour, providing a relaxing scenic experience along the river.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the city sightseeing bus pass, the river cruise with a free drink, and during Halloween events, additional goodies like candy, glow sticks, and game cards.

Are there any hidden costs or extras?
Not unless you opt for additional activities or souvenirs. The main attractions and the boat cruise are included in the ticket.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for families, especially with the fun Halloween activities during the seasonal event.

How accessible is the tour?
The bus is located near public transportation, and since you can hop on and off, it’s manageable for most mobility levels.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for walking around stops. If visiting during Halloween, enjoy the themed accessories and candy.

In short, if you’re seeking a cost-effective, flexible way to see Phnom Penh’s highlights, coupled with a scenic Mekong cruise and engaging guides, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially great for those who like to explore at their own pace, soak up local atmosphere, and enjoy a little bit of everything Cambodia’s capital has to offer.