Cambodia's expat life concentrates in a handful of well-defined neighborhoods, which actually makes choosing easier. Here's where people settle in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and who each area suits.
- Cost of living in Cambodia
- Best neighborhoods in Cambodia (you're here)
- Cambodia visas for Americans
- Healthcare in Cambodia
- Get matched with a Cambodia agent →
Phnom Penh
- BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) — the heart of expat life: the densest cluster of international restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and clinics; also the priciest.
- Tonle Bassac — fashionable and central, popular with younger professionals and creatives.
- Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) — the go-to for teachers and mid-budget nomads: quieter streets, a great cafe scene, more affordable.
- Daun Penh / Riverside — the oldest district, with embassies, the Mekong front, and plenty of social energy.
Siem Reap
- Wat Bo — a serene old pagoda district with traditional wooden houses.
- Sala Kamreuk / Svay Dangkum — popular, budget-friendly residential areas.
- Taphul Village — local charm with an expat flavor, cafes, and family shops.
- Riverside — scenic and walkable, a mix of expats and locals.
Choosing between the two cities
Phnom Penh suits people who want career options, the best healthcare, and a fuller social scene. Siem Reap suits those who want lower costs, a slower pace, and small-town charm near one of the world's great temple complexes. Either way, the neighborhoods are compact enough that a local agent can show you the realistic options in a day or two.
Get local eyes before you commit
Cambodia's rental market is informal and moves fast, and quality varies a lot building to building. The people who land well almost always have someone local who knows which places have reliable power, water, and management. I connect you with a vetted local agent so you're choosing from good options, not gambling on a listing.
Not sure where to base yourself?
Tell me your city and budget and I'll connect you — free — with a vetted local agent who knows the neighborhoods and works with foreign renters and buyers.
This article is general information for people considering an international move — not immigration, visa, tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules, costs, and requirements change often and vary by nationality and situation, so always verify current details with official sources and a qualified professional. Stacey Scantlin is a REALTOR® with JBGoodwin who connects you with a vetted, independently licensed local real estate agent; she does not provide immigration or legal services.
Cambodia neighborhood questions
Where do most expats live in Phnom Penh?
BKK1 is the main expat hub, with Tonle Bassac popular among younger professionals and Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) favored by teachers and mid-budget nomads. Daun Penh/Riverside offers the historic, embassy-adjacent option.
Is Phnom Penh or Siem Reap better for expats?
Phnom Penh has more jobs, better healthcare, and a fuller social scene; Siem Reap is cheaper, calmer, and charming near Angkor Wat. Your priorities — career and amenities vs. cost and pace — decide it.
Is it easy to find housing in Cambodia?
Yes, but the market is informal and quality varies building to building. Working with a local agent helps you avoid unreliable power, water, or management and get fair pricing.
Do expat neighborhoods in Cambodia have Western amenities?
Yes, especially BKK1 in Phnom Penh, which has international restaurants, supermarkets, cafes, and clinics. Siem Reap's expat areas have a strong cafe and dining scene too, at lower cost.