Phnom Penh

A Cool, Fun Digital Nomad Guide to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phnom Penh is not the kind of city that tries to impress you. It does not scream skyline goals or luxury vibes. It pulls you in slowly.

Once known as the Pearl of Asia during the French colonial era, Phnom Penh has been Cambodia’s capital since 1865. Today it sits where the Tonlé Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers meet, a city shaped by water, history and resilience.

It is raw. It is layered. It is unforgettable.

This is a place where French colonial balconies overlook chaotic streets, where golden temples glow at sunset, and where the weight of history lives side by side with rooftop cocktails and coworking spaces. It is not the prettiest capital in Southeast Asia. It might be one of the most interesting.

If you are curious, open minded and not afraid of contrasts, Phnom Penh might surprise you in the best way.

The Digital Nomad Vibe

Phnom Penh feels real. Less polished than Bangkok. Less curated than Bali.

You can walk along the riverside at sunset, eat street food for a couple of dollars, work from a stylish coworking space, and end the night at a vinyl bar or rooftop lounge.

The infrastructure for remote workers keeps growing. Fast internet. Affordable apartments with pools. Western style gyms. Good coffee everywhere.

And the cost of living lets you design your lifestyle. You can go minimalist and local or full comfort mode with AC, security and river views.

Cost of Living Snapshot

Life here can be very affordable if you want it to be.

An inexpensive local meal costs around 3 dollars. A draft beer is about 1 dollar. A cappuccino at a modern café is around 2 to 3 dollars.

A one bedroom apartment in the city center averages around 500 dollars per month. You can go cheaper with a Khmer style apartment or shared housing. You can go higher with modern condos, pools and 24 hour security.

Electricity is usually separate and can add up if you run the air conditioning all day. Tuk tuks are cheap and everywhere. A short ride is usually 1 or 2 dollars.

You shape your budget here.

Where to Work

Coworking in Phnom Penh is growing fast. The community is smaller than Chiang Mai or Bali, but it is real and connected.

You will find creative hubs inside old factories, bright modern houses converted into workspaces, and river view spots where you can answer emails while watching boats pass by.

Places like Workspace 1, Sahaka Coworking Space, The Desk Coworking and mekong.space offer high speed WiFi, meeting rooms, chill areas and strong nomad energy.

You can also work from cafés. Cambodia has a huge coffee culture. Local spots and international chains fill the city, and most of them are laptop friendly.

Best Areas to Live

Phnom Penh is spread out and every neighborhood feels different.

Riverside, also known as Sisowath Quay, is central and lively. Great views, lots of bars and restaurants, but it can feel touristy and busy at night.

BKK1 is the expat favorite. Modern apartments, boutique shops, organic stores and international restaurants. Comfortable and polished.

Tonle Bassac is trendy and social with easy access to AEON Mall and plenty of cafés and bars.

Toul Tompoung, also called Russian Market, is more laid back and affordable. A cool mix of local life and western comforts.

Toul Kork is quieter and more family friendly, with schools and larger residential spaces.

If you are new, book an Airbnb for a week and explore before committing to a lease. Facebook groups like Phnom Penh Housing are gold for finding apartments.

Food Scene

Khmer cuisine is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. It is subtle, herbal and deeply rooted in tradition.

Try amok, a creamy coconut curry steamed in banana leaves. Lok lak with peppery beef and a fried egg. Fresh noodle soups for breakfast.

Phnom Penh also goes wild when it comes to street food. Fried insects. Grilled frog. Fertilized duck eggs. You do not have to try everything, but you might want to.

The city has great restaurants too. Eleven One for fresh, organic and light meals. Malis for refined Cambodian cuisine in a beautiful setting. Vegan options exist but you will need to search carefully since fish sauce is everywhere.

Nightlife Energy

Phnom Penh changes at night.

From speakeasy cocktail bars to heavy metal vinyl cafés, from backpacker dance floors to big nightclubs like Pontoon and Club Love, the city knows how to party.

Street 136 lights up with neon signs and buzzing bars. Riverside has laid back pubs with river views. Russian Market has cool underground vibes.

It is chaotic. It is colorful. It is fun.

Must See Places

To understand Phnom Penh, you have to understand its history.

Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S 21. It is heavy, emotional and important.

Take a trip to the Killing Fields outside the city. Go with an audio guide. Take your time.

Balance that with beauty. Walk through the National Museum of Cambodia. Explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Wander at sunset along Sisowath Quay.

Climb up to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave the city its name.

Get lost in Central Market with its Art Deco dome. Explore the Russian Market’s narrow alleys.

On hot days, escape to a rooftop infinity pool or take a sunset cruise on the Mekong.

If you have extra time, head to Koh Rong island for white sand beaches and turquoise water. Phnom Penh makes a great base for exploring the rest of Cambodia.

Weather

It is hot. Always.

Phnom Penh has a tropical climate with a rainy season from May to October and a drier, slightly cooler season from November to March.

The best months are usually November to February when humidity drops and temperatures are more comfortable. April can feel intense with temperatures pushing toward 40 degrees Celsius.

Transportation

There is no subway. You will get used to that.

Tuk tuks are your best friend. Cheap, easy and everywhere.

You can walk in central areas or rent a bike. Buses exist but most expats stick to tuk tuks or ride hailing apps.

Traffic looks chaotic but it moves slowly. It feels more relaxed than many other Asian capitals.

Healthcare and Insurance

Public healthcare is basic. Private clinics and hospitals are better, especially in the capital.

For serious procedures, many expats travel to Bangkok or Singapore. Private insurance is highly recommended.

Dental care in Phnom Penh is surprisingly affordable and good quality.

For Families

Phnom Penh is not as developed as Bangkok or Singapore, but families do live here comfortably.

There are international schools like ISPP, CIA, Liberty International School and others serving expat communities.

Khmers love children and are generally warm and welcoming.

Parents should be mindful of mosquito protection due to dengue risks, and it is wise to bring specific medical items from home if needed.

Final Thoughts

Phnom Penh is not for everyone.

Some people fall in love with its rawness, its contrast, its quiet kindness. Others feel overwhelmed by the chaos and the visible poverty.

It is a city of extremes. History and hope. Simplicity and luxury. Silence and noise.

If you are looking for something different, something real, something that challenges you a little while still letting you live well on a modest budget, Phnom Penh deserves a spot on your list.

You might arrive curious. You might leave changed.