If you’re a Phnom Penh digital nomad (or anywhere really), you’ve probably already learned this important truth: finding good places to work is not a luxury — it’s a survival skill.
- You need cold AC.
- Wi-Fi that won’t emotionally betray you mid-Zoom call.
- You need coffee that doesn’t taste like regret.
I’ve been working remotely in Phnom Penh for years now. Writing, running projects, juggling deadlines, and café-hopping my way through the city. This guide is everything I wish I had when I first arrived.
We’ll cover:
- What are the best co-working spaces in Phnom Penh
- Affordable coworking options
- Top cafés with strong Wi-Fi for digital nomads in Phnom Penh
- Where to find networking events
- Gyms, VPNs, and whether Cambodia is actually good for digital nomads
Let’s get into it.
Is Phnom Penh Good for Digital Nomads?
Short answer: yes — if you know how to do it right.
Longer answer: Phnom Penh isn’t polished like Singapore or Bali, but that’s part of the charm. The cost of living is reasonable, visas are flexible and easy to get, café culture is laptop-friendly, and there’s a strong (and growing) remote work community.
Once you know where to work, how to stay connected, and where to meet people, Phnom Penh becomes an excellent base for remote life whilst exploring the rest of the country.
Before We Dive In: What Remote Work Is Like in Phnom Penh
Working remotely here is honestly great once you find the right spots.
Most good cafés and coworking spaces offer:
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
- Strong AC (non-negotiable)
- Friendly staff who don’t mind laptops
- Decent food and coffee
- A very “stay as long as you need” attitude
Phnom Penh café culture is surprisingly digital-nomad friendly. No one is counting how many hours you sit there. Just don’t be rude. Order occasionally. Smile. You’ll be fine.
Can You Recommend Affordable Coworking Options in Phnom Penh?
Yes — and you don’t need a $200/month membership either!
Workspace 1 at Factory is one of the best co-working spaces in Phnom Penh and definitely my top recommendation.
It’s modern, spacious, professional, and community-focused. You’ll find startups, creatives, remote workers, and long-term Phnom Penh digital nomads all working under one roof. Not the cheapest option our there, but great value if you want a proper office vibe.
They have various “packages” available starting from $35 per month (although personally, I went for the $80 a month option which gave me several days access, not just one or two).
Now, there are other places that come up for co-working spaces in Phnom Penh. However, I tried a couple and I found them to be uncomfortable and expensive, which is why I stopped trying these places that market themselves as a co-working space. Workspace 1 is what I imagine as a co-working space, which is why it’s become my go-to.
Top 7 Cafés With Reliable Wi-Fi for Phnom Penh Digital Nomads
Sometimes you don’t want a coworking space.
You want a café, a laptop, and a little main-character energy.
1. Muffin Man
Not silent. Very vibey.
Great for creative work, writing, or casual laptop days. Good Wi-Fi, comfy seats, and baked goods that actually make you happy.
2. ENSO Café
Bright, friendly, colorful, and blessed with excellent AC. Reliable Wi-Fi, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Easy place to lose track of time in the best way.
3. Bong Bonlai
If your brain needs therapy, go here.
Peaceful, green, calm, vegan-friendly, and surrounded by nature. There’s even a community library and art gallery. This is my go-to spot for deep work and low-stress days.
4. Backyard Café
Healthy, stylish, slightly boujee — and worth it.
If you want a calm, classy environment that tricks you into being productive, Backyard delivers every time.
You can also check out my article on the best vegan restaurants in Phnom Penh.
5. Tsutaya Bookstore Café (Aeon Mall 1)
Amazing matcha. Comfy seating. Strong Wi-Fi.
Perfect for long work sessions when you want a low-stress environment and the option to wander a bookstore when your brain melts.
6. Brown Coffee (Any Branch)
The reliable backup plan.
Fast Wi-Fi, plugs, comfy seating, lots of locations. If you don’t know where to go, Brown will never betray you.
Where to Find Networking Events for Digital Nomads in Phnom Penh
Everything in Cambodia happens on Facebook.
Join:
- Facebook groups for digital nomads in Phnom Penh
- Event pages
- Startup and expat communities
For women, non-binary, or female-identifying humans specifically, Femme Friends Phnom Penh is fantastic for meeting fellow remove workers, social events, coworking meetups, and building real friendships.
If it’s happening, it’s on Facebook. Always.
Best Gyms and Fitness Centers Popular Among Digital Nomads in Phnom Penh
Remote work only works if your body doesn’t completely fall apart.
Two favorites among digital nomads:
- Natura Gym – modern, well-equipped, and popular with expats
- Le Club – higher-end, great facilities, and a strong community vibe. Also, a great cafe on the top floor where you can work remotely!
Both are excellent if you want consistency, cleanliness, and good energy.
Recommended VPN Services for Digital Nomads Working From Phnom Penh
Many will say that you need a VPN here. Personally, I’ve never found it absolutely necessary, but if you are looking for good options that work well in Cambodia, two solid options are:
- NordVPN – very popular globally
- Surfshark – my personal choice
I use Surfshark because it’s more affordable and I’ve found it works better in Phnom Penh. Speeds are reliable, connections are stable, and it’s saved me more times than I can count.
Quick Tips for Working Remotely in Phnom Penh
A few survival notes from experience:
- Always bring your charger (dead laptops are tragic)
- Bring headphones — cafés can get loud
- Order something every couple of hours (good café karma)
- Avoid sitting near the door unless you enjoy being slow-roasted by hot air
Final Thoughts: Phnom Penh Is a Digital Nomad Café Playground
Once you know where to work, Phnom Penh becomes an incredible city for remote life.
You can cowork, café-hop, network, work out, and still afford a decent lifestyle. Whether you want calm nature vibes, creative buzz, or full coworking energy, there’s a spot here for you.
If you’re a Phnom Penh digital nomad, you’re not just surviving — you’re thriving.
Now tell me:
What café or coworking space should I try next?
Drop your favorites in the comments, share this with a friend who’s thinking about working remotely in Cambodia, and follow along for more Phnom Penh guides, tips, and honest digital-nomad life content.
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