It’s no secret that Southeast Asia is considered a desirable location by digital nomads and remote workers all over the world. The beautiful country of Cambodia is certainly considered a great place, and its capital, Phnom Penh, has gained fame over the recent years.
If you are thinking about packing your bags and moving to the “Pearl of Asia”, make sure to learn some basic details.
This ultimate digital nomad guide discusses various aspects of living in Phnom Penh and the lifestyle that comes along with it.
Where is Phnom Penh located?
Phnom Penh is a French-built city that is located in Cambodia, Southeast Asia. It lies atop Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers and has been the capital of Cambodia since 1865.
Fact: Did you know that Phnom Penh is the largest populated city and houses 14% of Cambodia’s population?
Why Choose Phnom Penh as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Before you make any impulsive decisions or misguided commitments, make sure to see whether Phnom Penh is the perfect place for you. Every city has its fair share of flaws so let’s delve into Phnom Penh’s pros and cons to evaluate the suitability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning Architecture | Language barriers |
| Welcoming culture | Inefficient public transportation |
| Low cost of living | Not a safe country |
| Coworking spaces | |
| Interesting capital | |
| Natural beauty | |
| Rich history |
If you don’t have a problem with the language barriers and other mild problems, Phnom Penh can be a great experience. you can enjoy a high quality of life and experience strong cultural essence in this city while enjoying a low cost of living! Phnom Penh might not be the most amazing South Asian capital but it has its own charm and distinct beauty.
How to Get to Phnom Penh?
If you have decided to move here after all, take a look below to learn the right way. It’s important to do proper research on this before your flight because airport chaos can overwhelm anyone.
Once you have landed at the airport, here’s how you can get to the city comfortably and safely.
Bus
After landing at the Phnom Penh International Airport, you can get to the city via Bus. This is the most affordable option that ensures safety as well. Bus number 3 departs from the airport and goes across St. 106. You can book a ride in advance and add the nearest stop to your ultimate destination.
Airport service
If you want extra reliability and peace of mind upon landing then sign up with Airport Transport service. They provide air-conditioned vehicles that are not only comfortable but safe as well. Airport transport service picks you up from the arrival terminal and drops you off at your destination.
Ride Hailing
One of the easiest ways of getting to the city is by booking a ride. Reputable companies such as Grab and Passapp operate in the city. Uber is not a big deal here but the alternatives are just as efficient. You can simply download the app and get a vehicle.
Taxis
Due to various tourist scams and fraudulent taxi drivers, we do not recommend taxi travel from the airport. Remember that they are extremely persistent and they can overwhelm you at the airport. Rather than heading off to the Taxi terminals, explore other viable options and travel safely.
Transportation and How to Get Around Phnom Penh?
Once you have successfully made it to the city and settled down, here’s how you can get around daily.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks are one of the most common and widely available forms of transport in the city. The vehicle consists of a carriage being pulled by a motorbike with passengers sitting in the back. They are safe, cheap, reliable, and readily available.
Ride-hailing apps
You can always download ride-hailing apps and depend on them to get you around. Grab and Passapp are great options that pick you up from your exact location and drop you at your destination safely.
Public transport
Truth be told, the public transportation system is not that good in Phnom Penh. There is limited public transit and even the available options are not dependable. You are recommended to access other options.
3 Best Accommodation Options in Phnom Penh
There are plenty of good accommodation options in the city! Once you narrow down what you’re looking for in a neighbourhood, house hunting will be extremely easy.
Boeng Keng Kang 1
Boeng Keng Kang 1, commonly known as Bkk1, is undoubtedly one of the best neighbourhoods in all of Phnom Penh. Digital nomads can have a great time here thanks to the easy access to facilities. This area accommodates a wide range of markets, restaurants, industrial businesses, and boutiques. The apartments are built with modern architecture and western amenities.
Tonle Bassac
For those of you who want a sense of community, consider seeking residence in Tonle Bassac. This neighbourhood is home to a large expat community, though most of them are young. You can also find shopping centres, trendy shops, and modern amenities here. It’s a perfect place for digital nomads, first-time visitors, and remote workers.
Riverside
Riverside is the most popular and well-liked area in the city. This neighbourhood is famous among the locals and tourists because of various reasons including convenient location, high safety, and good community. However, you’ll find rents to be higher here as compared to other regions.
Internet Connectivity in Phnom Penh
Internet connectivity in Phnom Penh mostly depends on your location and chosen network. Some parts of the city experience high internet speeds and connectivity while others lack high-speed Internet. On average, digital nomads can expect 50-100 Mbps in the well-developed parts of the speed. Higher speeds are also available with wired connection and fibre cable alternatives.
If you want extra reliability, you can always buy a local SIM card upon arrival and opt for mobile data. However, note that there are a lot of good providers in the city so make sure to compare data packages beforehand.
A lot of cafes, co-working spaces, and local restaurants offer free wifi as well. You can certainly maintain a good work-life balance and access fast connections to meet deadlines.
E sim
If you don’t like the hassle of a physical SIM card, then consider opting for Esims. They are a reliable and efficient alternative.
Make sure to compare these data packages before you make a decision.
Holafly
| Data Package | Availability | Price |
| unlimited | 7 days | 29$ |
| unlimited | 10 days | 37$ |
| unlimited | 15 days | 51$ |
| unlimited | 20 days | 62$ |
| unlimited | 30 days | 75$ |
Airalo
| Data package | Availability | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 4.50$ |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 7.00$ |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 9.50$ |
| 5 GB | 30 days | 13.00$ |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 21.00$ |
3 Best Places to Work from in Phnom Penh
Remote workers would be happy to learn that there are plenty of options in terms of coworking spaces. You can find one that appeals to you and set shop there!
Sahaka Coworking Space
Sahaka Coworking Space is one of the best options in Phnom Penh. They offer various facilities including but not limited to meeting rooms, telephone rooms, kitchens, office spaces, and terrace areas. You can also enjoy their fast WiFi connection and printer facilities. Their modern architecture is sure to elevate your working experience.
Coworking Today
Coworking Today is another great option. They offer high flexibility and great packages for remote workers. You’ll find everything from private rooms, parking spaces, and snack bars to outdoor terraces, call rooms, and personal lockers. You can work here for hours and enjoy their atmosphere.
Workspace 1
Workspace 1 is certainly a good option as well. This coworking space is known for its working environment and variety of facilities. Remote workers and digital nomads can find high-speed WiFi, meditation rooms, trampoline, private offices, and even a photo studio here. This is the perfect place if your field requires creative work.
Cost of Living in Phnom Penh
One of the main reasons for Phnom Penh’s growing popularity is its low cost of living. If you are looking for a budget-friendly digital nomad destination in Southeast Asia, then this city is a great option. Here is a rough breakdown of average day-to-day prices here.
| Meal at a restaurant | 3.00$ (2.71€) |
| Beer | 1.00$ (0.90€) |
| Cappuccino | 2.39$ (2.16€) |
| Local Transport | 1.00$ (0.90€) |
| Internet | 30.91$ (27.89€) |
| Utilities | 103.39$ (93.29€) |
| Rent (One-bedroom apartment in the city centre) | 524.76$ (473.52€) |
As you can see, Phnom Penh is not all that expensive. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find these estimates to be quite accurate.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a lively city with a rich culture and a brutal past. This city’s tragic history influences its culture, traditions, and surroundings hugely, but it also adds to its uniqueness. you’ll find the friendly locals very kind and hospitable as they’ll welcome you with open hearts. The cultural activities, music, art, and literature also depict the local culture properly. The colonial and French influence is still very strong and affects the celebrations/traditions.
Phnom Penh is located on the banks of beautiful rivers and serves as a haven for nature lovers. You can engage in a range of outdoor activities and connect with nature.
As for food, Phnom Penh has all sorts of famous South Asian food. You can find a plethora of good restaurants and coffee shops here. Make sure to try some of the traditional recipes that are mostly available from street vendors.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
Since Phnom Penh has a tropical climate, it’s warm (even hot) all year long. The climate can be distinguished into two distinct categories; Dry season and Wet season. The latter brings upon the rainy season and lasts from May to October. (If you have a disliking towards the rainy season and humidity, consider visiting in
January and February as they are considered the driest months)
Other than that, the average temperature ranges from 22-40 degrees Celsius on a normal basis.
12 Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh
One of the best things about Phnom Penh is that there is plenty to do. The city is filled with possibilities, unique experiences, and adventures. Here are 12 best things to do during your time here.
1. Tour the city
The best thing to do in Phnom Penh is to join a guided tour and explore the city properly! There is so much to see and do here that self-exploring won’t do the city justice. There are a variety of tours and you can choose one that sounds most interesting. It is also a good way of meeting new people and hanging out.
2. Visit the Killing Fields
If you want to learn about Cambodia’s tragic history and pay respect to the victims, visit the killing fields where s-21 prisoners were taken. In addition to the mass graves, these grounds also house a small museum and memorial.
3. Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the most popular destinations in Phnom Penh and a sight to behold. The palace consists of three historical and dazzling buildings that hold great cultural value. In addition to being the main Royal residence, it’s also used for royal ceremonies sometimes.
4. Visit the Independence Monument
If you are a fan of historical buildings then be sure to visit the independence monument. Built as a symbol of liberation (from French occupation), this monument is a must-visit site. Other than that, this ornate creation is a beautiful sight and it holds historical value. You can enter for free and explore all the buildings including the nearby temple.
5. Visit the Museums
If you want to learn about Phnom Penh’s rich history, make sure to explore the historical museums and appreciate the beautiful heritage. You can take tours, learn about historical artefacts, and see stunning exhibitions. Some of the best historical museums include the S-21 Museum, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the National Museum, and the Sosoro Museum.
6. Attend the cultural festivals
For those of you who want to experience Phnom Penh’s rich culture to its very core, attend the local events and participate in the cultural festivities. This city houses friendly locals and welcoming people who make you feel right at home. You can blend in with them at such events. Some of the best ones include the following.
- Khmer Rouge New Year
- Pchum Ben Day
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony
- Bon Om Touk
7. Visit the art galleries
Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, make sure to visit the popular art galleries in Phnom Penh. This city is a creative hub filled with unique talent and innovation! You can visit the art galleries to appreciate art, support artists, and see some of the best exhibitions. Here are some great options:
- Dinart
- Factory Phnom Penh
- Bong Bong Bong
- Galerie Bruno Levy
- O.Menge Gallery
- Lotus Space
8. Visit the markets
Phnom Penh markets are popular tourist areas and something else entirely. with a bustling environment and colourful aura, the local markets are simply vibrant. Some markets offer delicious street food, fresh produce, and clothing while others are known for their architecture. The popular options include:
- Central Market
- Russian Market
- Phsar Chas Market
- The Night Market (Riverside area)
9. Enjoy the nightlife
Phnom Penh is somewhat famous for its vibrant nightlife so make sure to enjoy that during your time here! You can find amazing bars, tons of nightlife activities, and live music in this city. Cambodia’s bustling environment and cultural diversity make nightlife so much more interesting. make sure to visit the popular spots as well.
10. Go bar hopping
While we are on the subject of nightlife, make sure to go bar hopping in Phnom Penh. There are a range of cocktail bars and clubs in the city that offer an amazing experience and lively atmosphere. For a fun night out, consider dancing the night away at one of these bars and exploring as many as possible.
11. Go cafe hopping
Another great thing to do in Phnom Penh is going cafe hopping. Almost every Digital Nomad and remote worker has a special inclination and liking towards cafes. You’ll be happy to learn that this city houses tons of them. The cafe culture is pretty big around here and offers a variety of options.
12. Connect with fellow digital nomads
You can also interact with the thriving digital nomad community in Phnom Penh and form connections. This can improve the quality of your trip by providing a sense of community and friendship. It’s always more fun to explore the city with like-minded individuals. You can connect the old-fashioned way at cafes and coworking spaces or try joining Facebook groups.
Is Phnom Penh safe?
Unfortunately, Phnom Penh is not the safest place in the world. Its safety and health standards do not compare to other major cities at all. The measures are minimal at best and certainly not dependable. While violent crimes are rare (near impossible) among tourists, petty crimes are regular. Since Phnom Penh is a largely populated and bustling city, pocket-picking and mugging are very common.
However, its crime rate is not that different from metropolitan cities such as London and New York City. In short, vigilance and caution can take you a long way here.
Visa Requirements in Phnom Penh
Cambodia has a decent visa policy that is neither too accommodating nor too restrictive. For instance, their tourist visa allows a single entry and remains valid for 3 months. If visitors wish to acquire a visa for longer stays and multiple entries, they’ll need to apply for a business visa.
You can apply for a Cambodian visa either online or in person (at an embassy), depending on your nationality. Some countries have the option to apply online while others do not. It is recommended to contact an embassy either way as they can guide you about your home country’s visa arrangement and application process.
The Cambodian digital nomad visa (E visa) allows remote workers and digital nomads to stay in Cambodia for a year. You can renew the visa after that and enjoy your stay as long as you don’t get a local job.
Other than that, note that Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore citizens do not need a visa to enter Cambodia.
Conclusion
After careful consideration and evaluation, it’s safe to say that Phnom Penh is a great option for digital nomads. In addition to accessing various opportunities, you can settle down here and call this place your home. Phnom Penh is a populated French-built city, known for its uniqueness and historical significance.
Digital nomads and remote workers are sure to enjoy the Southeast Asian influence, affordable cost of living, and pleasant weather here.
We hope this ultimate guide helped you understand the digital nomad lifestyle in Phnom Penh. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help!
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