I take you on a full tour of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, as of May 2025. From new construction projects and casinos to beaches a

I take you on a full tour of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, as of May 2025. From new construction projects and casinos to beaches a
Welcome to Charlotte Cambodia!
Here, I share insights about life in Cambodia, tips for expats, and guidance on must-visit locations.
I also provide advice on what to do—and what to avoid—while living in this vibrant country.
As a real estate agent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, I am dedicated to helping clients find their dream home or investment property.
With several years of experience in the industry, I have a deep understanding of the local market and cater to clients' unique needs.
Fluent in English, French, and Khmer, I provide exceptional customer service and ensure clear communication throughout the process.
I play a key role in providing strategic guidance and investment support to a business hostel venture. As an investor, I contribute to financial decisions and long-term planning, while also offering strategic advice to help optimize business operations and growth. Collaborating closely with the management team, my focus is on enhancing th
I play a key role in providing strategic guidance and investment support to a business hostel venture. As an investor, I contribute to financial decisions and long-term planning, while also offering strategic advice to help optimize business operations and growth. Collaborating closely with the management team, my focus is on enhancing the hostel's overall performance and ensuring its success in the competitive hospitality industry.
Local Property Investor in Cambodia
Specializing in acquiring budget-friendly properties for the local rental market in Cambodia, I leverage strategic investment approaches to capitalize on the growing real estate opportunities in the region. With a keen eye for value and sustainable returns, I am dedicated to sharing insights on successf
Local Property Investor in Cambodia
Specializing in acquiring budget-friendly properties for the local rental market in Cambodia, I leverage strategic investment approaches to capitalize on the growing real estate opportunities in the region. With a keen eye for value and sustainable returns, I am dedicated to sharing insights on successful budget-friendly investing strategies tailored for the Cambodian market.
Boeung Keng Kang 1, commonly known as BKK1, is a prominent district in Phnom Penh, highly favored by both locals and foreigners. BKK1 is defined by four major roads: Sihanouk Blvd to the north, Mao Tse Tung Tuong Boulevard to the south, Norodom to the east, and Monivong to the west. Referred to as the popular "foreign quarter" of the city, BKK1 became a hub for international NGOs when they first arrived in Cambodia during the 1990s. Alongside Tonle Bassac, Toul Tum Poung (TTP), BKK2, and BKK3, BKK1 remains a top choice for expats in Phnom Penh due to its diverse range of accommodations, dining options, and central location.
Securing affordable real estate in BKK1 can be challenging, as it is an expensive and highly sought-after area by developers, making it a prime real estate destination. BKK1 is also known for housing numerous embassies, official residences, and national diplomatic missions. It serves as the commercial and cultural heart of Phnom Penh, hosting a multitude of businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, hotels, and condominiums, including internationally recognized F&B brands and retail stores. Being one of the most desirable areas in the capital, BKK1 is considered relatively "safer" and boasts superior infrastructure compared to other bustling parts of the city.
In 2020, BKK1 experienced a transformation with the emergence of more luxury residences and real estate projects, altering the landscape and giving rise to an increasing number of high-rise buildings in the district. Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) is a neighborhood located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, previously known as Chamkar Mon. It gained the nickname 'NGOville' in the past due to the significant presence of non-governmental organizations. However, with the country and city's development, many Western expats have chosen to relocate to more affordable areas due to the rising prices caused by numerous construction projects since 2016. Properties in BKK1 are highly sought after as it remains an appealing area for businesses and hotels, attracting a diverse mix of residents, visitors, and locals. The neighborhood has transformed, with the replacement of villas and traditional wooden Khmer houses by luxury condos, boutique hotels, and restaurants.
BKK1 is also known for its numerous Cambodian and international schools, lively nightlife, and shopping malls. It is a neighborhood that never lacks amenities. You can easily find convenience stores on most streets, and there is a vibrant cluster of restaurants, bars, and cafes throughout the area. For coffee lovers, popular cafes like Amazon, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, and KOI Tea are worth a visit. Many of these cafes can be found on the northern end of Street 51, some of them even side by side, while others are scattered throughout BKK1. Additionally, local coffee stalls offer affordable Cambodian coffee on various street corners. If you're looking for a local market experience, head to the southern part of BKK1 where you'll find the 'wet market' known as Psar Boeung Keng Kang or BKK Market. Here, you'll discover a wealth of street food options as well as clothing, shoes, and other souvenirs.
When it comes to grocery shopping, BKK1 has several options. You can find popular supermarket chains like Lucky Supermarket and Thai Huot, as well as Super Duper, Aeon Express, and more, as they continuously seek to establish a presence in BKK1. Within a few minutes reach BKK1 one of the country's largest malls, Aeon Mall. Additionally, Chop Mong Noro Mall opened in late 2019 right within BKK1 on Norodom Blvd. It offers a range of retail stores, food and beverage options, and even BKK1's first cinema. If you're in the mood for some high-end shopping, head to the north end of BKK1 on Sihanouk Blvd. There, you'll find retail outlets for renowned brands like Adidas, Lacoste, Charles & Keith, Pedro, Ten11, Routine, Gatoni, and the popular Zando store for teens, located on St 63. Lastly, money exchangers and jewelry shops can also be found in this vibrant part of the city.
There is a wide range of public transportation across the capital of Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s remork-moto and the new smaller tuk-tuks are common on most streets as are moto-taxis (motodops). There is a public bus route network which does use the main boulevards too. Private Buses and taxis are also alternatives for commuters and can be arranged via the many hotels and guesthouses in the area. The airport is about 40 minutes away from BKK1 and there are many ways to be transported to/from the airport. Vehicles can be pre-booked or simply taken from the airport to get to Boeung Keng Kang 1. Ride-hailing apps are much more commonly used now in Phnom Penh, so it's best to download one or more of these (PassApp, Grab etc), as they tend to be more affordable and easier to navigate with, than explaining destinations to the local drivers, although the English levels are generally good in BKK1.
The most popular historical landmarks to see in Boeung Keng Kang 1 are the Independence Monument and Wat Langka. There are also Wat Thana and Wat Svay Poper. The Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s liberation from French rule. Located on the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard, the style of the Independence Monument is reminiscent of a blooming lotus (or a lotus-shaped stupa) and it was designed by legendary Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann. A traffic circle circumnavigates the iconic monument but it is a popular place for tourists to visit and take a photo of. At night time the monument is well lit. The Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, constructed in 2013, is located close to the Independence Monument. The site is often used for ceremonial purposes and marked on special occasions in Cambodia. The bronze statue of the revered former king is 4.5 meters tall and is housed under a 27-meter high stupa. Wat Lanka temple (or pagoda) is believed to be one of the five oldest temples in Phnom Penh, and is located to the southwest of the Independence Monument. It was built by King Ponhea Yat in 1422 and is believed that the pagoda was first established as a sanctuary for religious scriptures and a meeting place for Cambodian and Sri Lankan monks. (The name Langka originates from housing monks from Sri Lanka.)
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