Phnom Penh: Sunset & Dinner Cruise with Live Khmer Music

Summary

Phnom Penh river cruise with dinner, sunset views and traditional music

You’ll drift along Phnom Penh’s rivers at sunset with live Khmer music in your ears and local dishes on your plate. Watch floating villages go by, share laughs with new friends over dinner, and see the city light up from a whole new angle. Includes one-way pickup so you can relax right from the start.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when the city noise just sort of fades out and you’re left with the sound of water slapping gently against the side of a boat? That’s how it started for me on this Phnom Penh sunset cruise — standing up top, warm air brushing my face while the sky slid from gold to something almost purple. Our guide, Dara, handed me a drink (I tried to say “thank you” in Khmer and got it half-right — he grinned anyway) and pointed out where the Tonle Sap meets the Mekong and Bassac. I didn’t expect to see so many colors reflected in the water or hear live Khmer music drifting from the upper deck. It was subtle, not touristy at all.

We cruised past floating villages — actual homes bobbing on the river — while families waved from their little boats. The smells from the kitchen started sneaking up around then; something garlicky and sweet, maybe lemongrass too. Dinner was buffet style (all-you-can-eat, which I definitely tested), and I ended up next to a couple from Battambang who showed me how to wrap lettuce around grilled fish properly. The sun dropped behind Phnom Penh’s skyline right as we passed the Royal Palace. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice.

After dark, everything felt softer — lights along the riverfront flickered past as we turned up the Tonle Sap. Kids were running along the shore near the Japanese Friendship Bridge, shouting something I couldn’t catch over the music. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet watching the city glow across the water. I still think about that view sometimes; it’s different seeing Phnom Penh from out there instead of in it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset and evening dinner cruise

• Board cruise at 5 pm
• Enjoy live traditional Khmer music
• Cruise past Phnom Penh riverfront
• View Royal Palace from boat
• See floating villages on Mekong River
• Watch sunset near river junction
• Cruise up Tonle Sap River
• View Phnom Penh skyline after dark
• Pass under Japanese Friendship Bridge
• Return to port

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phnom Penh sunset cruise?

Yes, one-way pickup is included if you select that package option.

What kind of food is served during the dinner cruise?

The cruise offers an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner prepared in a hygienic stainless steel kitchen.

Is there live entertainment on board?

Yes, traditional Khmer music is played live during the cruise.

Does this evening cruise operate year-round?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for rain or heat.

Are drinks included on this Mekong River dinner cruise?

A welcome sunset cocktail is included if you choose that package option; other drinks are available for purchase.

Can children join this Phnom Penh river cruise?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the cruise go along Phnom Penh’s rivers?

The route passes floating villages, Royal Palace, and goes to where Tonle Sap, Mekong & Bassac rivers meet before returning via Tonle Sap.

Is there wheelchair or stroller access on board?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; accessibility may vary depending on boat setup.

What’s included

Your evening includes one-way pickup service (if selected), live traditional Khmer music as you sail past Phnom Penh’s landmarks, a welcome sunset cocktail (with certain packages), plus an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner prepared onboard before returning after dark along the illuminated riverfront skyline.