Thursday, 1 October 2026

Shangri-La Phnom Penh: A New Luxury View of Cambodia's Capital

Shangri-La Phnom Penh
There are many ways to arrive in Phnom Penh, but arriving at Shangri-La Phnom Penh provides an immediate impression of how dramatically Cambodia's capital is changing.

Located in the rapidly developing Koh Pich, or Diamond Island, district, the hotel opened in December 2024 as Shangri-La's first hotel in Cambodia.

The most memorable introduction, however, comes from high above the city.

Phnom Penh From Level 54

Rising above Koh Pich, Shangri-La Phnom Penh provides panoramic views across the capital and the rivers that surround it.

From Level 54, Phnom Penh appears almost endless. The Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Tonlé Bassac weave through the urban landscape while traditional neighbourhoods sit alongside modern towers and new developments.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh
The effect is particularly striking around sunset, when the changing light reveals the scale and diversity of the city.

The hotel's Altitude rooftop bar occupies Level 54 and is officially promoted by Shangri-La as Cambodia's highest rooftop bar. Beyond the bar is an infinity pool surrounded by tropical planting, creating an elevated setting for dining and drinks above the city.

Contemporary Luxury With Cambodian Influences

Shangri-La Phnom Penh
Shangri-La Phnom Penh offers 303 rooms and suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the city and river views.

The design combines contemporary international luxury with details reflecting Cambodia's architectural and cultural traditions.

For visitors, the result is a hotel that feels modern without being disconnected from its destination.

The property also includes restaurants and lounges, spa and wellness facilities, meeting and event spaces and other services expected from an international five-star hotel.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors wanting to combine a luxury hotel stay with exploring Phnom Penh.

A Base for Exploring the Capital

Phnom Penh
From Shangri-La Phnom Penh, visitors can explore the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Central Market and the riverside districts.

The hotel is also positioned in an area that illustrates the changing face of Phnom Penh.

Koh Pich has become one of the most visible symbols of the city's development, with high-rise buildings and contemporary commercial projects transforming what was once a very different part of the capital.

Yet the traditional city is never far away.

A short journey can take visitors from modern towers to markets, temples, street-food stalls and neighbourhoods where everyday Cambodian life continues much as it has for generations.

An Evening Above the City

One of the pleasures of staying in Phnom Penh is watching the city change after dark.

At Altitude, the experience begins with the view.

As the sun sets, Phnom Penh's skyline gradually becomes illuminated and the rivers become ribbons of light through the city.

The rooftop setting provides an ideal place for an evening drink or meal, with the infinity pool and panoramic outlook adding another dimension to the experience. Shangri-La describes Altitude as an elevated dining and drinks venue combining rooftop views with seafood, steaks and handcrafted cocktails.

From the Hotel to the Mekong

Toum Tiou 2
The Shangri-La Phnom Penh experience can also be combined with a journey along the Mekong.

The Toum Tiou II, operated by CF Mekong, offers Discovery cruises between Siem Reap and Saigon, giving travellers the opportunity to experience Cambodia and the Mekong region from the river.

Current 2026 and 2027 schedules include nine-day, eight-night Discovery cruises aboard Toum Tiou II, with routes operating between Siem Reap and Saigon.

This creates an appealing combination: the energy and modern luxury of Phnom Penh followed by the slower rhythm of life along the Mekong.

A New Chapter for Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh reflects a city that is becoming increasingly confident about its future.

The new Techo International Airport, which commenced operations in September 2025, is improving the capital's international connectivity, while new hotels, restaurants and developments are changing the city's skyline.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh
From the 54th floor of Shangri-La, that transformation is impossible to miss.

The hotel provides more than a luxurious place to stay. It offers a high-rise perspective on a capital balancing its Khmer heritage with a rapidly modernising future.

And from that viewpoint, Phnom Penh looks like a city worth staying to discover. Phnom Penh is no longer simply somewhere to pass through.

It is somewhere to stay, and you will always be warmly welcomed by veteran Shangri-La General Manager, the affable Ody Odayappan and his professional and knowledgeable staff.

The GM hosted some special guests who had just experienced the New Discovery Tour on the Mekong aboard the 14-cabin Toum Tiou 2. Discounts are available for 2026/27 cruises www.cfmekong.com

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

Address: Village No 14, Sam Dach Hun Sen Road, Tonle Bassac Commune, Chamkarmorn District, Phnom Penh 120101 Cambodia
Phone: (855) 23 913 888

CF Mekong

Toum Tiou 2
Address: 313 Preah Sisowath Quay Office 20 Phnom Penh 12207 Cambodia
Phone: +855 (0)23 216 070
Website: https://cfmekong.com/
Email: office@cfmekong.com

*Written by John Savage and Grahame Cox

For more travel inspiration read the daily online “The Holiday and Travel Magazine”
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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