10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Working from Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is best known as the gateway to the stunning temples of Angkor Wat, but it’s also emerging as a vibrant hub for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of work and adventure. With its affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage, and growing expat community, Siem Reap provides an appealing and budget-friendly base for remote workers. Whether you're planning a short stay or a long-term stint, these tips will help you make the most of your experience as a digital nomad in this charming Cambodian city.

1. Get an Affordable Accommodation with good Wi-Fi

One of the major perks of staying in Siem Reap is the abundance of affordable accommodation options. Whether you're looking for a short-term stay or a longer rental, there’s something to suit every budget:

• Guesthouses: If you’re staying for a short time, guesthouses are an excellent choice, with prices starting at around $10–$20 per night. When I visited Siem Reap in early September, it was easy to find a cozy guesthouse at a reasonable price. I stayed at Babel, an eco-friendly guesthouse focused on responsible tourism, which came highly recommended by a friend. Since I was searching for a place with reliable Wi-Fi to work comfortably, Babel was the perfect fit. My experience there was fantastic. The guesthouse features a beautiful tropical garden and a lovely swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after work. The on-site restaurant offers delicious and affordable meals, and they have a range of tuk-tuk tours available. Babel works with its own group of tuk-tuk drivers, who are flexible with their schedules, making it easy to organize half-day trips around Siem Reap before starting work in the afternoon. This setup allowed me to explore the area in the mornings and dive into my work in the afternoons. During my stay, I paid €120 for a week in a spacious double room, which I found to be great value for everything Babel offered.

  

• Apartments: For longer stays, consider renting an apartment. You can find comfortable places for $200-$500 per month depending on your location and preferences. Look for places near the Old Market or Wat Bo Road for convenience and a lively atmosphere.

• Shared Housing: Another option is to join Facebook groups or expat communities to find house shares with other digital nomads or expats. This is a great way to reduce costs and make friends along the way.
  

2. Find Reliable Co-working Spaces

Siem Reap has a few solid co-working spaces catering to digital nomads. Some offer modern amenities, fast Wi-Fi, and an inspiring environment for productivity:

• The 1961: A creative space combining art studios and co-working, The 1961 is perfect if you thrive in an artistic environment. It also hosts events and workshops.

• BioLab Coffee & Office: This café-style co-working space is ideal for digital nomads who like a blend of work and relaxation. With good coffee and great Wi-Fi, it’s a laid-back spot to get things done. I spent a couple of days working from here and I found it a very convenient spot where it’s easy to meet other digital nomads.
  

3. Get a Local SIM Card for Reliable Connectivity

While Wi-Fi in cafés and co-working spaces is generally reliable, it's always a good idea to have a local SIM card with a solid data plan as a backup. SIM cards are affordable and easy to find, though if you arrive late at night, be aware that the shop at Siem Reap's airport may be closed (as I discovered on my trip!). You can also purchase SIM cards at local stores around town. The most reliable providers are Cellcard and Smart, both offering strong 4G coverage throughout Siem Reap. A 10 GB data plan will typically cost between $5 and $10, which is great value for staying connected on the go. If you're only in town for a few days, you might prefer the convenience of an eSIM from Airalo, which offers flexible data plans ranging from 1 to 20 GB per month. New users can get a $3 discount on their first purchase through this link.

5. Explore the Local Café Scene

Siem Reap has a growing café culture, and many coffee shops welcome remote workers with good Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. Some popular digital nomad-friendly spots include:

• Sister Srey Café: A social enterprise café with great coffee, healthy food, and reliable internet.

• Little Red Fox Espresso: Known for its craft coffee and community feel, it’s a favorite among both locals and expats.

• Footprint Café: A socially responsible café with excellent Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces, and a great selection of snacks and meals.
  

6. Time Your Work Around Power Outages

Though Siem Reap has improved in terms of infrastructure, occasional power outages can still occur, especially during the wet season. Most co-working spaces and some cafés have backup generators, so keep this in mind if you’re working on a deadline. It’s always a good idea to save your work regularly and make sure your devices are charged up in case of an outage.

7. Health and Safety Considerations

While Siem Reap is generally a safe city, it’s essential to take a few precautions:

• Healthcare: There are several international clinics in Siem Reap, but for more serious health issues, it’s common for expats to seek treatment in Phnom Penh or even Bangkok. Make sure to have good travel insurance that covers you for emergencies.

• Transport: The easiest and most enjoyable way to get around Siem Reap is by tuk-tuk, which is both affordable and fun. You can use apps like PassApp or Grab to book rides effortlessly. These apps offer transparent pricing and make it easy to find a driver just a few meters away. Alternatively, you can hail a tuk-tuk directly on the street, but be prepared to negotiate the fare, as prices aren’t fixed like they are when using the apps.

• Stay Hydrated: Siem Reap’s tropical climate can be quite hot and humid, so always carry a water bottle and stay hydrated, especially if you’re moving between workspaces.
  

8. Balancing Work and Play: Explore the Culture

It’s not all about work! One of the best perks of being a digital nomad in Siem Reap is having the chance to explore the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as lesser-known gems like Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Beng Mealea, and the Roluos Group. For a more enjoyable experience, visit these sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the heat and avoid crowds.

Beyond the temples, immerse yourself in the local culture:

• Artisans Angkor: Discover traditional Khmer arts and crafts, or even join a workshop to learn new skills and support local artisans.

• Phare, the Cambodian Circus: A must-see cultural experience that combines art, performance, and social impact, showcasing the incredible talents of Cambodian performers.

• Night Markets: Stroll through vibrant night markets, where you can pick up unique souvenirs, sample local street food, and enjoy live performances.

  

• Lotus Farm: One of my favorite experiences in Cambodia! Take a relaxing boat ride through the expansive lotus fields, where you can admire the blooms up close and learn about their role in silk production. After the boat tour, you’ll get a hands-on lesson in extracting silky threads from lotus stems and see how they’re used to create beautiful products. It’s a truly magical experience.

• Landmine Museum: While visiting Banteay Srei, make sure to stop by this museum. It offers a deep insight into the history of landmines in Cambodia, teaching you about their origins, how they work, and the impact they’ve had on the country. No trip to Cambodia would be complete without learning about this painful but important part of its history.

  

9. Stay Connected with the Expat Community—and with Locals

Siem Reap boasts a growing expat and digital nomad community. Joining Facebook groups like Digital Nomads Siem Reap or Expats and Locals in Siem Reap is a great way to meet new people, ask questions, and stay informed about local events. Social gatherings at co-working spaces or cafés are also excellent opportunities to network with like-minded travelers and remote workers.

Unlike some neighboring countries (like Vietnam), Cambodia has a high level of English proficiency among locals, making it easy to engage in meaningful conversations. Cambodians are incredibly warm and eager to share their culture and history with tourists, but they’re also curious about people from other parts of the world. I was truly impressed by their kindness and friendliness, and during my time here, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the best people on my journey around the globe.

10. Full-Day Trips

There’s so much to see around Siem Reap that you’ll need to take some time off to truly explore the area. Here are some excellent options for full-day trips:

• Tonle Sap Lake: Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s richest fishing lakes. A full-day tour will take you through its famous floating villages, where you’ll learn how locals live in this unique environment. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a way of life shaped by the rhythms of the lake.

• Village Tours: Some guesthouses organize tours that give you the opportunity to spend a day with a local family and immerse yourself in Cambodian village life. You’ll walk through peaceful countryside landscapes with lotus farms, rice fields, and water buffalos, all while being greeted by the warm smiles of locals. It’s a lovely way to experience the real, rural Cambodia. You can also find some nice options on Get Your Guide.

• Kulen Mountain: I found this tour on GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. Phnom Kulen National Park is a magical place, offering stunning natural beauty and spectacular waterfalls. The tour also includes a visit to a sacred temple housing Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha statue, dating back to the 16th century, as well as the famous River of a Thousand Lingas. The van ride to Kulen is an adventure in itself, with breathtaking views of the countryside dotted with palm trees and rice fields—truly an unforgettable experience.

  

Final Thoughts

Siem Reap is more than just a gateway to the temples of Angkor Wat— it’s a vibrant city that offers a fantastic environment for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking to stay productive in a cozy café, explore the rich culture and the stunning countryside, or connect with fellow remote workers, this city has something for everyone. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your time working from Siem Reap.