Phnom Penh is a city where water-based experiences truly shine. With the mighty Mekong River flowing through it, the city’s waterways offer a fantastic way to see the sights, unwind, and get a taste of local life. Whether you want to watch the sunset from the river, explore floating villages, or enjoy a dinner cruise with live music, Phnom Penh’s boat tours have something for all. I personally enjoy the Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer & soft drinks (which you can find here), especially for its lively atmosphere and authentic riverbank views. It’s a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing while enjoying the company of fellow travelers.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, the Oudong and Koh Chen Island full-day tour (click here) takes you beyond Phnom Penh for a day exploring floating villages, silk weaving, and Buddha statues. For a family-friendly adventure, the Mekong Silk Island Cruise (see details here) combines boat rides with cultural visits, plus unlimited drinks and fresh fruit. These options highlight just how versatile river trips can be, offering everything from casual sunsets to full-day explorations.
1. Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer & soft drinks – English speaking guide on board
This popular 1.5-hour sunset cruise offers the chance to drift along the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Four Faces Rivers, with a backdrop of the city’s skyline. It’s highly rated — 5.0 from 390 reviews — and well worth the $16.99 per person. The tour includes unlimited beer and soft drinks, plus a fresh fruit platter, making it a laid-back yet lively experience. You’ll enjoy an English-speaking guide sharing insights into the river’s significance and local lifestyle as you glide past Diamond Island and fishing villages. The boat is comfortable, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting a peaceful evening. Guests often comment on the friendly crew and the stunning sunset views. If you’re after a balanced mix of scenery, drinks, and local color, this cruise hits the mark.
Bottom Line: A lively, affordable way to enjoy Phnom Penh’s riverscape at sunset with plenty of cold drinks and good company.
2. Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & Fruit platter
At number 2, this 1.5-hour sunset cruise costs just $9 and has amassed over 500 reviews with a 4.7-star rating. It offers panoramic views of the city from the river, with commentary that highlights Phnom Penh’s key sights like the Royal Palace. The inclusion of unlimited soft drinks and beer makes it an excellent value for the price, especially considering its popularity. The boat’s relaxed pace allows you to take in the sunset and snap photos of the riverside landmarks. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and the intimate atmosphere—often with fewer people on board than similar cruises. This tour suits travelers on a budget who still want a quality experience with a local guide explaining the city’s riverbank life.
Bottom Line: An affordable, friendly sunset cruise with great views and informative commentary, perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting a relaxing evening.
3. Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet
If you’re craving a mix of stunning scenery and good food, this 1.5-hour cruise (see details) combines both. Priced at $9, it includes all-you-can-eat BBQ and free-flowing beer. The cruise takes you past Diamond Island, the floating villages, and offers a chance to photograph the Cambodian flag at sunset. The food is served buffet-style, with plenty of options for carnivores and vegetarians alike. The cruise departs from a hotel pickup, making it very convenient. Guests praise the friendly crew, the relaxing atmosphere, and how well the BBQ complements the serene sunset views. It’s ideal for travelers who want a casual, fun evening with good eats and drinks.
Bottom Line: A tasty, social cruise that pairs sunset views with a hearty BBQ buffet, making it perfect for those who enjoy good food along with scenic beauty.
4. Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music
For around $10, this 2-hour dinner cruise (more info) offers a more elegant experience on the Mekong. It features live traditional Khmer music, made-to-order meals, and craft cocktails. The cruise takes in views of the Royal Palace, floating villages, and Koh Norea Bridge, all in the glow of sunset or city lights. Guests love the quality of the food, the live entertainment, and the chance to see Phnom Penh from the river at a relaxed pace. It’s a good pick for travelers seeking a romantic evening or a special occasion, with the bonus of 10 years of service behind it. The only drawback might be the slightly higher price for the experience, but it’s justified by the ambiance and entertainment.
Bottom Line: A refined, cultural cruise with live music and a dinner, ideal for couples or anyone wanting a memorable night on the river.
5. Phnom Penh Bike & Boat Sunset Tour
This unique 4-hour experience (see here) combines cycling and cruising, perfect for active travelers. Starting at the Siem Reaper Bike Shop, you’ll cycle through Mekong Island’s backroads, visiting temples, silk weaving villages, and farms. After the bike ride, you’ll hop on a boat for a sunset cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It’s a fantastic way to see both rural life and the city from the water, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The tour is well-reviewed, with travelers enjoying the personal connection and authentic insights. It’s best for those who want a physical activity combined with culture and scenic views.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active travelers wanting a full day of cycling and cruising with a local guide.
6. Mekong Silk Island Cruise – Unlimited Beer, Soft Drinks & Fresh Fruit Platter
Ranked at number 6, this 4-hour trip (details here) explores the traditional silk weaving village on Silk Island. The boat ride alone lasts an hour, passing by stilted houses and fishing villages. Once on the island, you’ll tour a Silk Farm, visit a Buddhist monastery, and ride in a tuk-tuk around the rice and mango plantations. The tour’s highlights include unlimited beer, soft drinks, and fresh fruit, making it a relaxing and refreshing experience. Reviewers appreciate the insightful guide and the chance to see rural life up close. It’s ideal for those interested in Khmer crafts, local agriculture, and cultural traditions.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, cultural trip with plenty of refreshments, perfect for families or those interested in traditional silk weaving and rural Cambodia.
7. Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat
The 80-minute Kanika Boat cruise (click here) offers a quick yet scenic escape along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. For around $9, it provides excellent city skyline views at sunset and the chance to enjoy fusion food inspired by Asian and French cuisines. The boat’s intimate setting makes it ideal for a romantic date or a short break from sightseeing. Passengers often mention the breathtaking views and the friendly service. Though it’s a shorter trip, it packs enough stunning scenery and a cozy atmosphere to leave a lasting impression.
Bottom Line: A short, romantic cruise offering fabulous views and tasty fusion snacks—perfect for a quick, memorable evening.
8. Oudong and Koh Chen Island – Full Day Cruise & Tour with English speaking guide
This full-day tour (detailed here) combines a river cruise with land visits including floating fishing villages, Koh Chen silver village, and the Oudong mountains. The itinerary includes lunch, drinks, and a tuk-tuk ride to see Buddha statues and king’s stupas. Rated 5.0 with positive reviews, travelers love the personalized experience and the chance to see both the river life and spiritual sites. It’s suited for those who want an all-in-one day trip with cultural, historical, and scenic highlights.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, full-day experience combining river, land, and cultural explorations, ideal for history and culture buffs.
9. Phnom Penh Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Free Boat Cruise 1 Day Pass
This popular 1.5-hour combined tour (see more) offers a flexible way to explore Phnom Penh’s landmarks and scenic river views in one day. The hop-on-hop-off bus covers 16 stops including the Royal Palace, Independence Monument, and Night Market, with a free boat cruise along the river. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to see the city at their own pace, combining land and water experiences. Reviewers mention the convenience and audio guide, though some note road closures can affect the full route. This tour suits those wanting a rundown while staying flexible.
Bottom Line: An easy way to see Phnom Penh’s main sights and the river at your own pace, ideal for first-time visitors.
10. Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 options
Offering three flexible options (click here), this cruise lets you pick based on your appetite for drinks and food. For around $9, you can simply enjoy the scenic sunset and river views, or upgrade to include freeflow beer and soft drinks, or add a delicious BBQ buffet. The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours and departs from Phnom Penh, taking you to see the meeting point of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Reviewers love the flexibility and the beautiful sunset scenery. It’s perfect for travelers who want control over their experience and like options.
Bottom Line: A customizable sunset cruise suitable for various budgets and preferences, especially if you enjoy great views with or without a feast.
11. Phnom Penh: Mekong River Sunset Cruise with free flow drink
This relaxed 1.5-hour cruise (see details) offers free-flow drinks and stunning sunset views along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It’s highly rated at 4.5 stars from 66 reviews and features a comfortable wooden boat. Travelers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the chance to see fishermen at work, and the scenic city silhouette at dusk. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss option ideal for those wanting a peaceful end to the day with drinks in hand. Its shorter duration makes it suitable for travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: A simple, scenic cruise with free drinks and a peaceful vibe, perfect for unwinding at sunset.
12. Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet
This popular cruise (more info) offers three packages with varying levels of drinks and food. The Gold option includes freeflow beers, soft drinks, and a BBQ buffet, all with spectacular views of the sun setting over Phnom Penh. Guests praise the relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, and full bar on board. The cruise departs from your hotel at 4:30 pm, making it a convenient choice for a memorable evening. Reviewers note that the freeflow drinks and tasty food make this cruise stand out, especially for those who want a more lively, party-like experience.
Bottom Line: A versatile, lively sunset cruise with optional all-you-can-eat BBQ and unlimited drinks, great for socializing and relaxing.
13. Sunset Cruise: Best view on 3 floors boat & English speak guide
This 1.5-hour cruise (see here) offers a unique vantage point on a three-floor boat with panoramic views of Phnom Penh. It features an English-speaking guide sharing insights as you watch the sunset over the river and city skyline. The boat provides plenty of space for photos and relaxation. The reviews mention the superior views and friendly guides. It’s perfect for travelers who want a more comfortable, elevated perspective of the city while enjoying snacks and drinks. It’s slightly more expensive but offers a special experience for those who want to see Phnom Penh from above.
Bottom Line: A premium sunset experience on a multi-level boat with excellent views and friendly guidance.
14. Phnom Penh: Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide
This dinner cruise (details here) combines scenic river views with a delicious meal. You’ll see landmarks like the Royal Palace and Diamond Island as the sun sets over the city. The boat offers a relaxed atmosphere with an English-speaking guide to point out sights. It’s well-suited for travelers wanting a quieter, more refined experience with good food and a beautiful sunset. The cruise is ideal for romantic evenings or special occasions, with a focus on comfort and scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: An elegant, scenic dinner cruise that pairs good food with impressive city views at sunset.
15. 2hours Private Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer, soft drinks and Tour guide
Finally, for those seeking privacy, this 2-hour private cruise (see details) includes unlimited drinks, a guide, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for romantic evenings or small groups wanting a tailored experience. The boat cruises along the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Four Faces Rivers, with views of fishing villages and stilted houses. Reviewers highlight the personalized service, wine, and fruit platters. It’s best suited for travelers wanting exclusivity and a quiet, intimate sunset on the water.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, private way to enjoy the sunset with drinks and personalized service, ideal for couples or special celebrations.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Phnom Penh
When selecting a boat tour, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. For a casual, social sunset with unlimited drinks, the Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer & soft drinks offers great value. If you want a full-day adventure, the Oudong and Koh Chen Island combines history, culture, and scenic cruising. For those seeking romance or exclusivity, the private sunset cruise delivers a tailored experience.
Practical tips include booking early during peak season, especially for popular sunset cruises, and choosing a tour that matches your energy level and interests. For example, active travelers might prefer the Bike & Boat Sunset Tour, while families or casual visitors can enjoy the Silk Island Cruise.
In summary, Phnom Penh’s river tours range from quick scenic cruises to full-day explorations, with options for every budget and style. For a lively evening with drinks and sunset views, the Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer is hard to beat. For a more cultural and tranquil experience, the Oudong and Koh Chen full-day tour offers a deep dive into local life. Couples and travelers seeking privacy should consider the private sunset cruise. Whatever you choose, booking early will help ensure you secure your spot on these popular water adventures.