A great way to spend a Sunday is hanging out at the pool and there’s no shortage of options in the Cambodian capital. Here are our best swimming pools in Phnom Penh.
Best Swimming Pools in Phnom Penh
Patio Hotel & Urban Resort
Teetering on the rooftop, Patio Hotel & Urban Resort’s infinity pool offers a heavy dose of stylish swimming. Boasting vistas that take in Phnom Penh’s evolving skyline and stretch across to the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, as well as iconic attractions such as Wat Langka and Independence Monument. There aren’t too many spots for sunbathing, so it bodes well to call ahead at weekends. Access to the swimming pool is currently free if you spend $10 on food and drinks, although it’s worth noting that pre-covid it was $15 with no outside access during high season.
Penh House
Penh House boasts a spacious swimming pool on its rooftop that is perfect for laps and another top player for best swimming pool in Phnom Penh. Sweeping panoramas stretch across the Royal Palace to the river, as well as stunning cityscapes. There are plenty of sun loungers but be warned, despite parasols, the sun is brutal in the midday heat. However, there is an adjacent bar and restaurant where you can seek some shade. Outside guests must pay $10 for the pool, with a voucher given that can be used for food and drinks. However, at the moment outside visitors are being limited to 10 to 15 people per day with advance booking recommended.
Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort
Another frontrunner for the best pool in Phnom Penh is Aquarius. Undoubtedly, this L-shaped infinity pool has featured as the backdrop in many a social media profile picture, thanks to its glass wall that means non-swimmers can see you taking a dip. Outside guests can use the saltwater pool for free from 11am to 11pm if you spend $12 on food and drinks. It is advisable to call the hotel’s skybar and restaurant ahead at weekends to check for availability.
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
A great spot to while away the weekend in style is at Sofitel’s huge pool. Great for a casual swim or hardened exercise, the pool has plenty of sun loungers where you can soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand. A day pass costs $18 for an adult and $12 for a child, and includes access to the gym, tennis courts, table tennis and kids’ club. The pool is open from 6am to 8pm.
The Balé Phnom Penh
If you fancy a day out of the city, then The Bale is for you. Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap River about 10km from the city along National Road 6, The Bale is a stylish resort that boasts a spacious swimming pool perfect for sun worshippers, well-manicured gardens and divine architecture – think sharp minimalist lines and structures that hark to the work of the founder of the New Khmer Architecture movement, the late Vann Molyvann. To use the pool, outside guests must consume $15 of food and drinks. It is recommended to book in advance to secure a spot.
Rambutan
For a more low-key pool experience, head to Rambutan. The gay-friendly boutique resort is home to a small pool surrounded by sun loungers, with an adjacent restaurant and bar serving food and drinks throughout the day. Outside guests must spend $7.50 on food and drinks to access the pool access. The pool is open from 6am to 9pm.
Baitong
Translating as “green”, Baitong is a lush tropical haven in the heart of BKK1. Baitong boasts two pools. One is openair and perfect if you want to get bronzed as there is no shade. The other is a leafy oasis, flanked by tall palms and greenery, with a mini waterfall that’s popular with posers. A SPLASH pass costs $50 for two adults and one child under the age of four and comes with two options. The Dine & Swim option comes with a $50 food and drinks voucher, while the Day & Swim pass includes use of a city view room. It is $25 for additional adults and $15 for children aged five to 11.
Baitong
A reasonable list, but not exactly accurate.
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d have to say that Olympic Stadium Swimming Pool is one of the best swimming pools in Phnom Penh. It’s well-maintained, has plenty of amenities, and offers a great atmosphere.