Smile Guest House

Smile guest house is in the lakeside area of Phnom Penh, near the mosque. As such, it is a little way out of the city centre by tuktuk, but not an expensive journey and it is lovely and peaceful.

That said, they are in the process of draining the lake for redevelopment, and I did hear rumours that the whole area was due for clearance, so check before you go.

The area is laid back and cool, and the rooms were five bucks a night I think there were cheaper rooms, but we wanted the nicer ones.

Typically for te area, the showers are cold and the walls are thin. There is, however, a decent mosquito net, friendly service, and a nice wee bar with hammocks. There are fans in the room and the bathrooms are spotless. Your five bucks will get you a much nicer place than in the guest houses closer to the main road.

The bar staff will sort you out with bus tickets for your onward journey, and there is food available. If I am ever back in Phnom Penh, and the area hasn't been gentrified to death, I will go back.