Best Neighborhoods in Phnom Penh (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Rent prices in Phnom Penh are still affordable by Southeast Asian standards but have increased 2-5% annually; prime neighborhoods seeing fastest growth
Most landlords prefer 12-month leases, but shorter-term furnished options available in all neighborhoods; security deposits typically 1-2 months rent
Electricity rates are high (typically $0.25-0.30/kWh) due to air conditioning usage; budget $50-150+ monthly in hot season
Many quality rentals not listed online; look for 'For Rent' signs on buildings and check local Facebook groups ('Phnom Penh Rentals', etc.) for best inventory
BKK1 crowds during evenings; Tonle Bassac under ongoing construction in parts; Toul Tom Poung quieter but less polished; Daun Penh tourist-heavy nightlife can mean noise; Toul Kork commutes longer but more peaceful
Moving between neighborhoods is common—expats often change addresses to find better fit for lifestyle/budget. Negotiate lease terms; understand what utilities landlord covers before signing
Coworking spaces cluster in BKK1 (Workspace1 at Factory, etc.) and Tonle Bassac; less availability in Toul Tom Poung and Toul Kork but growing

Neighborhoods

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
Cost Rank
Highest
Why Works
Everything within walking distance. Reliable internet and cafes suit remote work. Established expat social scene and professional networks. Safe, clean, and convenient with public transport options.
Demographics
International professionals, embassy staff, NGO workers, expat families, digital nomads, corporate executives. Established community with English widely spoken. Higher concentration of Westerners than other neighborhoods.
Key Amenities
Dense coworking spaces, Western cafes and restaurants, gyms, spas, international schools, embassies, supermarkets (AEON, Lucky), pharmacies, hospitals, boutique shops, riverside proximity to Independence Monument
Description
Phnom Penh's premier expat enclave and business/diplomatic hub. Characterized by tree-lined streets, international restaurants, boutique shops, and a large Western expat community with embassies and NGO headquarters. Known as the 'expat bubble' with modern condos, serviced apartments, and walkable streets despite traffic during rush hours.
Housing Rent
Bedroom 1
KHR 2,400,000
per month, furnished apartment; ranges from $600-1,200 for modern units
Bedroom 2
KHR 2,800,000
per month; ranges $700-1,200 for modern furnished units
Ideal For Nomads
Digital nomads seeking immediate convenience and established expat networks
Remote workers prioritizing coworking spaces and cafe culture
Those who prefer a soft landing with English-speaking services and Western amenities
Tonle Bassac
Cost Rank
High (slightly less than BKK1)
Why Works
Modern infrastructure with authentic Khmer culture still visible. Riverside location provides scenic environment. Creative hub attracting like-minded professionals. Better value than BKK1 with similar convenience. Walkable with emerging food and nightlife scene.
Demographics
Younger, trendy expats, creative professionals, designers, graphic designers, and digital nomads. Growing international community. Gated borey communities popular with families. More local character than BKK1.
Key Amenities
AEON Mall, Bassac Lane (hip bars and restaurants), riverside parks, Factory Phnom Penh creative hub, modern condos, scenic riverside backdrop, coworking spaces, boutique cafes, independent shops
Description
Up-and-coming riverside neighborhood south of BKK1 that has rapidly transformed from residential into a fashionable district. Features architectural heritage including the iconic 'White Building' and has attracted creative professionals, designers, and younger expats. Modern developments like Factory Phnom Penh coexist with boutique accommodations blending Khmer and contemporary design. Known for emerging hip restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.
Housing Rent
Bedroom 1
KHR 2,200,000
per month; ranges approximately $400-700 for furnished units
Bedroom 2
KHR 3,400,000
per month; ranges $850-1,050
Ideal For Nomads
Creative professionals and design-oriented nomads
Digital nomads seeking modern amenities without the BKK1 premium
Those wanting river views and upscale-yet-contemporary lifestyle
Younger professionals and trendy expat crowd
Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market / TTP)
Cost Rank
Low-to-Medium (20-40% cheaper than BKK1)
Why Works
Authentic local experience without sacrificing modern amenities. Affordable rents stretch budgets further. Vibrant cafe culture with good coworking options. Close tuk-tuk ride to central attractions but quieter residential feel. Large expat community shares knowledge.
Demographics
Younger expats, English teachers, NGO workers, budget-conscious nomads, students. Grittier, more local feel than BKK1. Growing independent cafe and bar scene. Mix of long-term expats and transient workers.
Key Amenities
Russian Market (fresh produce, souvenirs, local goods), vegan cafes, independent boutiques, local restaurants, street food, bars, Western-style apartments and Khmer houses, smaller supermarkets, yoga studios
Description
Phnom Penh's 'hipster headquarters' named after the bustling Russian Market at its center. Mix of local flavor and expat comforts at more accessible prices. Known for eclectic vibe, lived-in feel, quieter residential streets mixed with cafes, bars, and boutique shops. Offers authentic Cambodian commerce experience while remaining expat-friendly.
Housing Rent
Bedroom 1
KHR 1,200,000
per month; ranges approximately $300-600 for furnished units
Bedroom 2
KHR 1,600,000
per month; ranges $400-800
Ideal For Nomads
Budget-conscious digital nomads and remote workers
Teachers and mid-budget professionals
Those valuing cultural immersion and local authenticity over luxury
Nomads seeking cafe culture and community without premium pricing
Daun Penh (Riverside / Sisowath Quay)
Cost Rank
Medium
Why Works
Central location with easy access to main attractions and landmarks. Lively atmosphere with diverse dining and entertainment. Rich cultural experience. Good for short stays and cultural exploration. English spoken in tourist areas.
Demographics
Mix of tourists, backpackers, short-term expats, cultural enthusiasts. Tourist-oriented crowd, younger travelers, nightlife-focused residents. Some long-term expats but higher churn due to transient nature.
Key Amenities
Royal Palace, National Museum, Central Market (Phsar Kandal), Foreign Correspondents' Club, riverside bars and restaurants, street food, night markets, temples, cultural events, tourist infrastructure
Description
Phnom Penh's historic heart and original city center. Mixes colonial architecture with traditional markets and significant landmarks (Royal Palace, National Museum). Riverfront location provides scenic walking areas and plentiful bars and restaurants. Tourist-heavy, especially around Street 308 nightlife corridor. Known for cultural immersion and historical charm but lively and sometimes chaotic.
Housing Rent
Bedroom 1
KHR 1,200,000
per month; ranges $300-700, lower end for basic units, higher for river views
Bedroom 2
KHR 2,200,000
per month; riverside luxury apartments $800-1,500
Ideal For Nomads
History and culture enthusiasts
Digital nomads on short-term stays (1-3 months)
Those valuing proximity to cultural landmarks and tourist attractions
Nomads comfortable with higher noise/activity levels
Toul Kork (TK)
Cost Rank
Low-to-Medium (30-40% cheaper than BKK1)
Why Works
More affordable housing with greater space for families. International schools nearby. Safer, cleaner environment away from nightlife chaos. Self-contained with amenities reducing need to travel to center. Less expat bubble, more community-oriented.
Demographics
Expat families, parents with children, long-term professionals, teachers. Growing international school student population. More residential and stable community than central neighborhoods.
Key Amenities
International schools (Royal University of Cambodia, Montessori schools), parks, shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, gyms, children's facilities, cinemas, quieter streets with wider roads
Description
Family-friendly residential district northwest of central Phnom Penh that has developed into a self-contained neighborhood. Offers more space and greenery than central districts. Features gated communities, international schools, shopping centers, and modern developments. Quieter and more suburban feel while remaining within city limits. Popular with expat families and longer-term residents seeking better value.
Housing Rent
Bedroom 1
KHR 1,120,000
per month; budget-friendly apartments and houses
Bedroom 2
KHR 1,600,000
per month; villas and spacious apartments $600-1,500
Ideal For Nomads
Digital nomads with families seeking schools and safety
Those prioritizing space and quiet over nightlife proximity
Remote workers comfortable with modest commute times
Expats planning longer stays (6+ months) and seeking stability

General Considerations

Transportation: Central neighborhoods (BKK1, Tonle Bassac, Toul Tom Poung, Daun Penh) walkable or short tuk-tuk rides ($1-3). Toul Kork requires 15-20 minute tuk-tuks to center, offset by lower rent and more space.
Cost Comparison: BKK1 and Tonle Bassac command premium rents ($550-1,200/month for 1-bedrooms). Toul Tom Poung and Daun Penh offer 30-50% savings at $300-700/month. Toul Kork and surrounding areas provide best value 30-40% cheaper than BKK1.
Expat Community: BKK1 has largest established expat community with English prevalence. Tonle Bassac growing younger creative crowd. Toul Tom Poung strong expat network among teachers/budget travelers. Daun Penh transient tourist crowd. Toul Kork family-oriented international community.
Walkability Internet: BKK1 most walkable (95/100 Walk Score). Tonle Bassac and Toul Tom Poung very walkable with dense cafes. Daun Penh walkable but chaotic. Toul Kork requires tuk-tuks for most activities. All central areas have reliable cafe/coworking internet; residential areas vary.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this best neighborhoods research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Phnom Penh

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Best Neighborhoods in Phnom Penh

Good to know

Good to Know

Neighborhoods

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)

Housing Rent

Ideal For Nomads

Tonle Bassac

Housing Rent

Ideal For Nomads

Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market / TTP)

Housing Rent

Ideal For Nomads

Daun Penh (Riverside / Sisowath Quay)

Housing Rent

Ideal For Nomads

Toul Kork (TK)

Housing Rent

Ideal For Nomads

General Considerations

Sources cited for this category

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More About Phnom Penh