Finding the Best Spa in Phnom Penh for Your Wellness Escape

With its ornate palaces and pagodas and eye-opening museums, Cambodia's always-buzzing capital city is a must-visit destination for many reasons. There are just so many things to do in Phnom Penh - and that includes visiting the city's excellent day spas.

From traditional Khmer massages that use ancient techniques to herbal compress treatments that smell as good as they feel, you'll find a wide range of unique wellness options on offer.

Whether you've just hopped off a red-eye flight or have taken one too many bumpy tuk-tuk rides, this guide will steer you to the best spas in Phnom Penh, so you can focus on wellness while making the most of your visit to the city.

Bodia Spa’s extensive treatment menu makes it difficult to choose just one. Located inside Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1, Bodia Spa is one of the most upscale spas in Phnom Penh. Whichever option you select, expect a refined, restorative experience.

Some of Bodia's tempting treatments include the Herbal Compress Massage, the Aromatic Salt Body Scrub, and the Charcoal Detoxifying Facial. But if you can't bring yourself to pick just one thing, get the Full Harmony Pass. This pampering package is three hours of pure bliss with a massage, body scrub, and facial treatment - all capped off with a floral bath and steam.

Pro tip: Looking for a wellness-focused hotel in Phnom Penh? Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1 is a lovely option. Not only is it located in the heart of the bustling BKK 1 neighbourhood, but you'll have amenities galore. Keep up with your workout routine in the gym, swim laps in the pool, get smoothies at the pool bar, enjoy gourmet meals at Makila Restaurant, and get a restful night's sleep in the modern rooms. If that's not enough, you can easily visit Bodia Spa whenever you'd like.

Bliss Spa is one of the most unique spas in Phnom Penh, thanks to its salty selection of treatments.

No visit to this spa would be complete without spending some time enjoying the healing and purifying benefits of the Himalayan Salt Room. You can even tack on a Khmer massage or a Himalayan salt scrub to your salt room session if you'd like.

Salt-infused treatments aside, the spa menu here features everything from detoxifying body wraps and relaxing bathing rituals to mani-pedis and rejuvenating facials. Whether you need to recover from a long travel day or a long week of meetings, Bliss Spa has what you need.

For a truly local Cambodian wellness experience, treat yourself to a Khmer-style massage. This oil-free massage incorporates a blend of acupressure, stretching, and deep-tissue techniques that are ideal for relaxing tense or aching muscles.

Not sure where to go? Samatha Spa is a very popular spa in Phnom Penh that just so happens to have a Traditional Khmer Massage on the menu.

There are two Samatha Spa locations in Phnom Penh - one in BKK 1 and another in the Boeungkak area.

Located near the Russian Market, Devataria Spa has all sorts of pampering packages perfect for a spa day. Plus, the prices are refreshingly affordable.

The most popular package is the City Body and Face Rejuvenation, which includes a foot scrub, an aromatherapy facial, and a relaxing full-body massage. Alternatively, the Cambodia Sensory Journey package is a great option for anyone interested in treatments that use local ingredients and techniques.

That being said, if you've just arrived from the airport and are feeling out of sorts, the Jet Lag Release Massage combines a purifying salt scrub with a special foot reflexology technique to promote relaxation and recovery. The Traveller Recovery Pack is another amazing antidote to those gruelling travel days.

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh? Then Cholsa Spa might be just what you're looking for. Located in BKK 1, Cholsa Spa stands out for its unique treatments.

One of the best things to do at Cholsa is to book an hour in the Private Jacuzzi Pool & Herbal Steaming Room. From dissolving stress to relieving muscle tension, this combo is a relaxing wellness experience that will have you coming back for more.

Another standout treatment is the Japanese Head Spa. Using a combination of ancient Japanese scalp massage and Chinese acupressure techniques, this magical treatment helps combat tension and stress.

However, these are just two options. Peruse the spa menu, and you'll find tons of tempting massage treatments - from reflexology massages to traditional Khmer massages.

Indigo Wellness Spa is a longtime expat favourite in Phnom Penh. Tucked away among the boutique shops on Street 240, Indigo specialises in anti-ageing facials and health-focused treatments. The team here is unbeatable and each member is an expert in everything from facials and massages to lymphatic drainage and mani-pedis.

However, the Canadian husband-and-wife duo who own and run Indigo Wellness Spa also opened a restaurant in the space. So after you've had your wellness treatments, nourish your body further with one of their gourmet dishes, which include Cauliflower Steak, Beef Rendang, and a seriously good El Cubano sandwich.

You'll find some amazing NGOs operating in Phnom Penh, including ONE Day Spa & Beauty Salon. Run by the Cambodian Kids Foundation, all profits from the project go to helping underprivileged women in Phnom Penh and in rural villages.

The women who work at ONE Day Spa & Beauty Salon have learnt new skills and honed their craft at the training centre. The ultimate goal is for them to have flourishing careers in the hair and beauty industry.

There are all sorts of treatments to choose from here, including massages, facials, mani-pedis, hairdressing, waxing, and lash and brow tinting. If you want to go all out, they even offer special packages, like the Ultimate Made for Men package and the His & Her Package.

Whatever you choose, you'll walk away feeling great about yourself in more ways than one.

Angkor Spa has treatments tailor-made for travellers suffering from muscle pain. For the ultimate in relaxation, book the Four Hands Aroma Massage. During this indulgent 60 to 120-minute session, you'll have two massage therapists work their magic, leaving your entire body feeling recharged.

A combination of the Hot Stone Massage and the Angkor Herbal Hot Compress is another wonderful option after a long-haul flight, especially if you have tension in your shoulders, back, or neck.