🌍 Overview
Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, has emerged as a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of affordability, community, and cultural richness. As a digital nomad destination, Phnom Penh offers an attractive combination of low living costs, a growing remote work infrastructure, and a lively expat and nomad community. With a monthly rent of around $338 for a one-bedroom apartment and average restaurant meals for just $2.10, Phnom Penh is an affordable haven for remote workers. The city’s relatively low cost of living, coupled with its growing coworking scene and social events, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Phnom Penh’s nomad scene is thriving, with a community of like-minded individuals drawn to the city’s affordability, laid-back atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. As a remote work hub, Phnom Penh boasts a range of coworking spaces, from sleek and modern to more laid-back and boutique options. The city’s social scene is equally vibrant, with a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to the nomad community. With its unique blend of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and lively street food scene, Phnom Penh offers a truly immersive cultural experience for remote workers.
As you explore Phnom Penh, you’ll discover a city that is both chaotic and charming, with a pace of life that is decidedly slower than in many other Southeast Asian capitals. While the city has its quirks and challenges, the welcoming locals and growing expat community make Phnom Penh an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a unique and rewarding experience.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
1. The Riverfront (Tonle Bassac)
The Riverfront, also known as Tonle Bassac, is one of Phnom Penh’s most popular neighborhoods among digital nomads. This picturesque area is characterized by its stunning river views, lively bars, and restaurants, and a range of coworking spaces. The Riverfront is a hub of activity, with many nomads drawn to its vibrant atmosphere and convenience. Monthly rent in the Riverfront area ranges from $250 to $400 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Pros: Stunning river views, lively bars and restaurants, convenient location Cons: Can be noisy and crowded, limited parking options
Notable streets: Sisowath Quay, Riverside Boulevard Why nomads choose this area: The Riverfront offers a unique blend of work, play, and relaxation, with many coworking spaces, bars, and restaurants within walking distance.
2. BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
BKK1, also known as Boeung Keng Kang 1, is a popular neighborhood among expats and digital nomads. This area is known for its laid-back atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and a range of cafes and restaurants. BKK1 is a bit more laid-back than the Riverfront, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Monthly rent in BKK1 ranges from $200 to $350 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Pros: Laid-back atmosphere, tree-lined streets, convenient location Cons: Can be quiet and lacking in nightlife, limited coworking options
Notable streets: Street 51, Street 63 Why nomads choose this area: BKK1 offers a peaceful and convenient location, with many cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
3. Phnom Penh’s Old Town (Daun Penh)
Phnom Penh’s Old Town, also known as Daun Penh, is a historic neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. This area is characterized by its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and lively street food scene. Old Town is a great choice for those seeking a more authentic experience, with many affordable accommodations and a range of local eateries. Monthly rent in Old Town ranges from $150 to $300 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Pros: Rich cultural heritage, affordable accommodations, lively street food scene Cons: Can be noisy and crowded, limited coworking options
Notable streets: Street 148, Street 178 Why nomads choose this area: Old Town offers a unique and immersive cultural experience, with many affordable accommodations and a range of local eateries.
4. Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
Chamkarmon, also known as the Russian Market area, is a popular neighborhood among expats and digital nomads. This area is known for its lively markets, affordable accommodations, and a range of local eateries. Chamkarmon is a bit more laid-back than the Riverfront, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Monthly rent in Chamkarmon ranges from $200 to $350 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Pros: Lively markets, affordable accommodations, convenient location Cons: Can be noisy and crowded, limited coworking options
Notable streets: Street 155, Street 174 Why nomads choose this area: Chamkarmon offers a lively and affordable experience, with many local eateries and markets within walking distance.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Phnom Penh boasts a range of coworking spaces, from sleek and modern to more laid-back and boutique options. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- Hub: A modern coworking space with high-speed internet and a range of amenities, from $10 to $20 per day.
- Phnom Penh Coworking Space: A boutique coworking space with a relaxed atmosphere and a range of amenities, from $5 to $10 per day.
- Cambodia Works: A coworking space with a focus on community and collaboration, from $10 to $20 per day.
Internet Quality
Phnom Penh’s internet quality is generally good, with average speeds of around 8 Mbps. Many coworking spaces offer high-speed internet, and some even offer fiber-optic connections.
Nomad Community Scene
Phnom Penh has a thriving nomad community, with many social events and meetups. Some popular meetups include:
- Phnom Penh Nomad Meetup: A monthly meetup for digital nomads, with a range of activities and events.
- Cambodia Nomad Community: A Facebook group for digital nomads, with a range of discussions and events.
Best Cafes to Work from
Some popular cafes to work from in Phnom Penh include:
- The Shop: A modern cafe with high-speed internet and a range of amenities, from $3 to $5 per hour.
- Brown Coffee: A laid-back cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and a range of amenities, from $2 to $4 per hour.
- Java Cafe: A popular cafe with a range of amenities, from $2 to $4 per hour.
Visa Options
Digital nomads can apply for a range of visas in Phnom Penh, including:
- E-Visa: A 30-day visa that can be applied for online, from $20 to $35.
- Tourist Visa: A 30-day visa that can be applied for at the airport, from $20 to $35.
- Business Visa: A 30-day visa that can be applied for at the embassy, from $20 to $35.
Banking and Practical Setup
Digital nomads can set up a range of banking services in Phnom Penh, including:
- ATM services: Many ATMs are available throughout the city, with a range of banks offering services.
- Currency exchange: Many currency exchange services are available throughout the city.
- Mobile payments: Many mobile payment services are available, including Visa and Mastercard.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Phnom Penh is a city that is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. From its stunning colonial architecture to its bustling markets and lively street food scene, Phnom Penh is a city that is truly alive. Here are a few tips for navigating the city’s unique cultural landscape:
- Local customs: Cambodia is a Buddhist country, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes when entering temples.
- Food scene: Phnom Penh’s street food scene is legendary, with a range of dishes and flavors to try.
- Nightlife: Phnom Penh has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from.
⭐ Highlights
Some must-see attractions in Phnom Penh include:
- The Royal Palace: A stunning palace that showcases Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
- The National Museum: A museum that houses a range of artifacts and exhibits on Cambodian history and culture.
- The Killing Fields: A somber reminder of Cambodia’s dark past.
- The Russian Market: A bustling market that offers a range of goods and souvenirs.
- The Tonle Sap Lake: A stunning lake that offers a range of boat tours and water sports.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips for navigating Phnom Penh:
- Visa requirements: Digital nomads can apply for a range of visas in Phnom Penh, including the E-Visa and the Tourist Visa.
- Getting around: Phnom Penh has a range of transport options, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes.
- Safety considerations: Phnom Penh can be a chaotic city, and visitors are advised to take precautions to stay safe.
- Best time to visit: Phnom Penh is best visited during the cooler months of November to February.
- Money matters: Phnom Penh uses the Cambodian riel, but US dollars are widely accepted.
- Healthcare and insurance: Phnom Penh has a range of healthcare services, but visitors are advised to purchase insurance before arriving in the city.
