TL;DR
The Gym Landscape
Phnom Penh's fitness scene has exploded over the past decade. What was once a handful of basic gyms is now a stratified market serving everyone from budget-conscious expats to the corporate elite.
Understanding the tiers helps you find the right fit:
| Tier | Monthly Cost | Day Pass | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $$$+ | $15-25 | Pool, classes, sauna, AC |
| Mid-Range | $50-80 | $8-15 | Modern equipment, AC, some classes |
| Budget | $35-50 | $3-10 | Basic equipment, may lack AC |
| Public | $140/mo | $5 | Olympic pool, basic gym, no AC |
Premium Gyms
The Place
The gold standard for expat fitness.
What you get:
- Swimming pool at each location
- Sauna and steam room
- Extensive group class schedule
- Group Reformer Pilates (unusual for a gym)
- Modern equipment, regularly maintained
- Spotless locker rooms
Pricing:
Best for: Expats on corporate packages, serious fitness enthusiasts, anyone wanting pool access with their gym membership.
Membership pricing isn't published. You'll need to visit for a tour and quote. Expect it to be the most expensive option in the city.
Sofitel Phokeethra Sports Club
Resort fitness with day pass access.
What you get:
- Largest swimming pool in Phnom Penh
- Tennis courts
- Full gym with modern equipment
- L'Occitane spa on-site
- Resort grounds and gardens
- Restaurant access
Pricing:
Best for: Day pass users wanting pool + gym, tennis players, those who prefer resort atmosphere over gym culture.
Pro tip: The day pass includes pool access. If you just want to swim and work out occasionally, this is better value than a The Place membership you won't use.
Vertical Fitness
Corporate fitness in the CBD.
What you get:
- Modern equipment
- Barre studio
- Aerial fitness classes
- Yoga and stretching studio
- Air-conditioned comfort
Pricing:
Best for: CBD office workers, Rosewood guests, those seeking boutique fitness classes.
Mid-Range Gyms
GO GYM Cambodia
Best value with Pilates studio.
What you get:
- Modern equipment
- Air conditioning
- GO Pilates Studio (semi-private Reformer $21-25)
- Personal training available
- Group classes
Pricing:
Best for: Toul Kork residents, anyone wanting gym + Pilates, value-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Factory Phnom Penh
Community fitness with character.
What you get:
- CrossFit-style equipment and programming
- Community atmosphere
- Regular events (markets, parties, workshops)
- Food and beverage vendors
- Young, energetic vibe
Pricing:
Best for: CrossFitters, younger expats, those seeking community alongside fitness.
SuperFit Gym
Best gym chain for value.
What you get:
- Modern cardio and strength equipment
- Air conditioning (crucial in Cambodia)
- Some locations with 24/7 access
- No-frills approach
Pricing:
Best for: Budget-conscious expats, travelers needing occasional gym access, anyone who just wants to lift without the scene.
Budget Options
Olympic Stadium Pool & Gym
The authentic local experience.
What you get:
- 50m Olympic-size pool
- Basic gym equipment
- Outdoor/non-AC environment
- Authentic local atmosphere
Pricing:
Best for: Serious lap swimmers, budget fitness seekers, those who can handle the heat.
Without AC, you'll sweat profusely. This is hardcore local gym culture - not a polished expat experience.
Muscle Fitness Center
The hidden gem for budget lifters.
What you get:
- Weights and cardio equipment
- Air conditioning (yes, at this price)
- Supplements shop on-site
- Local atmosphere
Pricing:
Best for: Budget lifters, bodybuilders, those who don't need classes or amenities.
There's an 80kg (176lb) weight limit on treadmills. If you're heavier, stick to the weights.
Day Pass Comparison
For travelers or those gym-hopping before committing:
| Gym | Day Pass | Pool | AC | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Place | ~$15 | Yes | Yes | Full experience |
| Sofitel Sports Club | $18-25 | Yes (largest) | Yes | Pool + gym day |
| Vertical Fitness | $15-20 | No | Yes | Classes, CBD location |
| GO GYM | ~$10 | No | Yes | Value, Pilates access |
| SuperFit | $8-10 | No | Yes | Basic workout |
| Olympic Stadium | $5 | Yes (50m) | No | Lap swimming |
| Muscle Fitness | $3-5 | No | Yes | Budget lift |
The AC Question
This matters more than you might think. Phnom Penh averages 30-35°C (86-95°F) with high humidity. Working out without AC means:
- • Sweating excessively before you even start
- • Reduced workout capacity
- • Potential heat exhaustion
- • Needing to shower immediately after
Quick reference
Non-AC gyms: Olympic Stadium, some local gyms
All others: Air conditioned
Unless you specifically enjoy heat training, pay extra for AC.
Gym Culture Notes
Pricing Opacity
Most premium gyms don't publish prices. This is intentional:
- • Allows price discrimination
- • Encourages in-person visits
- • Membership "negotiation"
Contract Terms
Watch for:
- • Long-term commitments (12+ months)
- • Auto-renewal clauses
- • Cancellation fees
Many gyms offer better rates for longer commitments, but if you're not sure how long you'll stay in Cambodia, negotiate for flexibility.
Peak Hours
Avoid:
- 6-8 AM: Pre-work rush
- 5-7 PM: Post-work rush
- Saturday morning: Weekend warriors
Best times:
- Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
- Early afternoon (1-3 PM)
- Late evening (8-10 PM)
Specialized Fitness
Swimming
- Lap swimming: Olympic Stadium (50m) or Sofitel
- Casual pool: The Place (all locations)
- Hotel day pass: Many hotels offer pool access for $10-20
CrossFit/Functional
- Factory Phnom Penh: Community-focused
- Various CrossFit boxes: Search Facebook for current options
Pilates
- GO Pilates Studio: Most accessible Reformer
- The Place: Group Reformer classes
- Dedicated studios: See our Pilates guide
Yoga
- United Yoga Asia: BKK1, comprehensive schedule
- Various hotel/studio classes: Check individual venues
Making Your Choice
If money is no object
The Place
Three locations, full amenities, expat standard
If you want pool + gym value
Sofitel Sports Club
Day passes or membership with best pool
If you're in Toul Kork
GO GYM
Best value, Pilates available
If you just need to lift
SuperFit
Modern equipment, AC, no frills
If you're on a tight budget
Muscle Fitness Center
$35/month with AC
If you're a serious swimmer
Olympic Stadium
Only 50m pool in town
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a gym membership in Phnom Penh?
Which gym has the best pool?
Do gyms in Phnom Penh have air conditioning?
Can I get a day pass?
Are gyms in Phnom Penh safe?
Do I need to speak Khmer?
Find Your Gym
Browse our verified gyms in Phnom Penh to compare options and find the right fit for your fitness goals.
Looking for more options? spas and physiotherapy.