Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a love-it-or-hate-it relocation choice for software engineers. Redditors who like it emphasize the compact size, friendly locals, expat network, good restaurants, practical services, and a lifestyle that is cheaper and less overwhelming than bigger regional capitals. Several people describe it as more relaxed than Bangkok, with enough Western amenities to live comfortably and enough rough-edged character to feel interesting.

For a software engineer, the key distinction is remote income versus local employment. The city ranks poorly for SWE income and purchasing power compared with other tech hubs, so taking a local developer job is unlikely to be financially compelling unless you have a specific career reason. But if you freelance for foreign clients or work remotely, Phnom Penh’s affordability and relatively easy visa environment can make the numbers work.

The tradeoffs are real. Residents repeatedly warn about heat, pollution, dirt, corruption, bag snatching, inconsistent housing, noisy construction, and a rougher expat scene than in more polished Southeast Asian cities. It is not as clean, organized, or infrastructure-rich as Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, and some commenters prefer Siem Reap or Kampot for a calmer lifestyle.

Bottom line: Phnom Penh is worth considering if you are adaptable, already earn internationally, and want an affordable, socially accessible base in Cambodia. It is a much weaker choice if you depend on local tech salaries, need pristine urban infrastructure, or want a low-friction move with clean air and predictable systems.