Phnom Penh Area Guide: BKK1 – The Expat’s Heaven
BKK1 is located in the center of Phnom Penh and is known as one of the best areas for expats living in Cambodia’s busy capital. It’s a popular neighborhood that combines modern living with traditional charm, creating a unique and enjoyable lifestyle. The area is filled with modern apartments, cozy cafes, international restaurants, and boutique shops, giving residents plenty of options for dining, shopping, and relaxing. BKK1 has a friendly, international feel, with people from many different countries calling it home. This creates a lively and welcoming community. It’s also a safe and convenient area, close to schools, offices, and other important places, making everyday life easier for expats and families. This guide will help you discover all that BKK1 has to offer—whether you’re looking for comfort, convenience, or a bit of adventure, this neighborhood truly has something for everyone.
What is BKK1 Known For ?
Since the early 1980s, BKK1 has been known as the “foreign capital” of Cambodia. This is thanks to its strong international presence and popularity among expats. Ideally located at the northern end of Sihanouk Boulevard and southeast of the Independence Monument, BKK1 is bordered by three major roads which is Norodom Boulevard, Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, and Monivong Boulevard. Thus makes it a central and easily accessible part of Phnom Penh. Food lovers will feel right at home in BKK1. The area is a food hub, offering a wide variety of both local and international cuisine. From stylish cafes serving freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries to high-end restaurants featuring dishes from around the world, there’s something to satisfy every taste.
BKK1 is a popular area in Phnom Penh that offers a wide variety of well-known restaurants and coffee shops. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of choices. For food, you can find restaurants like Bon Chon, Bijin Nabe, Carl’s Jr., Crystal Jade, Domino’s Pizza, Hokkaido, Kungfu Kitchen 家常便饭, Namaste India, Pizza Hut, Sushi Honda, Sushi Uraetei 鮨浦江亭, Sikgaek 식객, and The Pizza Company. These places serve many types of dishes, from Korean and Japanese to Chinese, Indian, and Western food. In addition, if you’re looking for a place to relax or meet friends, there are many popular cafés and drink spots such as Brown Coffee, Doi Chang, Koi Thé, Gongcha, Starbucks, and Tube Coffee. With so many options in one area, BKK1 is a great spot for both food lovers and coffee drinkers.
Real Estate Market
BKK1 is a charming area with tree-lined streets and a mix of modern buildings. It’s filled with nice condos, serviced apartments, and small stylish hotels, giving expats many choices for places to live. Whether you’re looking for a simple studio or a fancy penthouse, BKK1 has something for everyone, making it easy to find a comfortable home in the center of the city.
Average Rental price:
| Studio | $550 – $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 – $1,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | $900 – $2,500 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Penthouse | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Apartments in Phnom Penh are often offered fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities, making them ideal for expatriates looking for a comfortable and convenient living experience.
Quality apartment buildings recommended include Richardson Serviced Apartment, Sophea Suite, VIRA Apartment, and Tulip Apartment. To learn more about renting in Phnom Penh: Click Here.
Convenience
One of the best things about BKK1 is how convenient it is. You can easily find everything you need nearby, like supermarkets, small shops, international schools, and clinics or hospitals. Because it’s in the center of the city, it’s also easy to get to important places like tourist spots, business areas, and places to relax or have fun. Living in BKK1 means you don’t have to go far to enjoy what Phnom Penh has to offer.
Supermarket/ Convenience Store
In the BKK1 area, several top supermarkets and convenience stores offer a wide range of shopping options with convenient operating hours. AEON MaxValu, which has three branches, is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A to Z Market, Super Duper, and 7-Eleven on BKK 51 all operate 24 hours a day, providing round-the-clock access to daily needs and essentials. Chip Mong Noro Mall is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while Lucky Pavilion operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Thai Huot Market and The K Ground Mini both open at 7:30 AM and close at 9:30 PM. These varied hours ensure that residents and visitors in BKK1 can shop conveniently, whether early in the morning or late at night.
International School
There are many good international schools in the BKK1 area for children of different ages. Invictus International School and Harrod International Academy both teach students from pre-kindergarten all the way to Grade 12. iCan British International School teaches young children in the early years and primary levels. Bluebird British International School takes students from pre-nursery up to Grade 9. The Giving Tree International School teaches children from pre-nursery to Grade 6. These schools give parents many choices for their children’s education, from early learning to high school.
Beyond its many amenities and attractions, BKK1 is known for its warm and welcoming community. It’s a place where both locals and expatriates come together, creating a friendly and inclusive environment. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, BKK1 makes it easy to feel at home. The neighborhood invites you to be part of its rich mix of cultures, experiences, and everyday life, offering a unique sense of belonging that sets it apart.