Phnom Penh: Sunset River Cruise with Unlimited Beer & Guide

Summary

Evening river cruise Phnom Penh with drinks city views local stories

You’ll float through Phnom Penh’s rivers as daylight fades — watching stilted houses and fishing boats slip by while you sip unlimited beer or soft drinks. With a friendly local guide sharing stories, fresh fruit to snack on, and hotel pickup included, you’ll see both city lights and quiet river life up close. It’s relaxed, real Cambodia at sunset.

What’s the experience like?

Already halfway down the Mekong, I realized I’d forgotten to ask how many rivers we were actually floating on — our guide, Dara, had just pointed out the spot where the Tonle Sap and Mekong meet, and then something about “Four Faces” that I probably should’ve understood better. The light was kind of gold but not showy, just enough to make the water look softer. There was a breeze that carried this smell of grilled fish from somewhere along the bank. Dara handed me a cold beer (unlimited, apparently — though I’m not sure who tests that) and started telling us about Diamond Island’s new buildings popping up behind the old stilted houses. The contrast is wild.

We passed a little cluster of fishing boats — families waving from their decks, kids laughing and splashing each other. One of them tossed an orange peel into the river; it floated beside us for ages. Dara laughed when I tried to say “Tonle Sap” properly (I definitely didn’t), but he said it means “great lake.” He pointed out how people here live half on land, half on water. The fruit platter came out right as the sun slipped behind some cranes, and honestly those slices of pineapple tasted way sweeter than they do back home — maybe it’s just being there, or maybe it’s the river air.

The city skyline looked almost gentle in that light, which surprised me. I thought it would feel more hectic from the water but instead it was all quiet hums from distant traffic and soft music drifting off another boat nearby. We only cruised for an hour and a half but somehow it felt longer — in a good way. When we docked again, I kept thinking about those stilted houses balancing over muddy water, and how Dara said the river changes everything here every season. Still can’t get that image out of my head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore rivers and city sunset

• Board the sunset cruise
• Explore Mekong, Tonle Sap, Four Faces rivers
• View Diamond Island and fishing village
• See stilted houses and riverbank lifestyle
• Enjoy the city sunset
• Drink unlimited beer and soft drinks

Top questions

How long is the Phnom Penh sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts one hour and thirty minutes.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes, unlimited beer and soft drinks are included.

Is there an English-speaking guide on board?

Yes, an English-speaking guide is included during the cruise.

Are transfers included in this sunset river cruise?

The tour includes one-way hotel pickup before departure.

What will we see during the cruise?

You’ll pass along the Mekong, Tonle Sap & Four Faces rivers, Diamond Island, fishing villages with stilted houses, and city sunset views.

Is food provided on board?

A fresh fruit platter is served during the cruise.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your evening includes one-way hotel pickup in Phnom Penh before boarding a comfortable boat for a 90-minute river cruise with unlimited beer or soft drinks, fresh fruit platter to share along the way, plus stories from your English-speaking local guide as you drift past city lights and riverside life.