BKK1 Remains The Most Sought After Area In Phnom Penh
BKK1 (Boeng Keng Kang 1) is the Sangkat most highly sought after by property investors in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh for a multitude of reasons. These include its central location and proximity to key landmarks, the variety of amenities and entertainment venues within a short distance, the impressive new condominium options, and general overall safety.
Ranking consistently among the top locations for renters searching for property in Phnom Penh, and still probably the most desirable address in the city, BKK1 hasn’t lost any of its appeal for local inhabitants, foreign investors or international expats who choose to live and invest in the capital.
The area is commonly referred to as the “downtown” or “city centre” of Phnom Penh, and as such, demands some of the highest prices due to its appeal to both tourists and residents. The borders see BKK1 boxed in 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.
BKK1 Close Proximity to Phnom Penh Landmarks
BKK1 is conveniently located near several key landmarks in Phnom Penh, and once was part of the larger Chamkarmon district until its formation in 2019. Some of the key landmarks in the Sangkat, or within a short walk, bike, or tuk tuk ride, are:
• The Independence Monument
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Royal Palace
• National Museum of Cambodia
• Wat Langka Buddhist Pagoda
These attractions mean the neighbourhood and its surroundings are popular among visitors and residents in Phnom Penh, and although construction is ever-present throughout the city, this area generally has good paved streets as well as access to outdoor spaces for exercise and green spaces.
The accessibility to other districts and important areas of the capital also are a big bonus for businesses who establish themselves here, and for those who choose to live in this part of the city.
Convenience Of Retail Therapy & Dining
The high foot traffic from regular and new visitors makes BKK1 highly attractive for businesses across a range of sectors from food and beverage, to hospitality, and retail.
BKK 1 features popular international brands and franchises such as Starbucks, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s & 7-11 convenience stores, and local and regional choices such as Brown Cafe, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Paris Baguette and the city’s own variety of homegrown popular hangouts – the sheer range of dining options, cafes, and bars are designed to suit all budgets.
The skyward projecting buildings also mean there are an increasing number of rooftop bars and restaurants which are popular among diners for their ambience and views.
BKK1 has the convenience of supermarkets, local wet markets and other services in healthcare, banking, gyms and sports activities.
Notable hotels in BKK1, or close by, include The Baitong Hotel & Resort, Capri by Fraser, Courtyard by Marriott, and Novotel to name but a few. The area frequently sees new openings in accommodation, restaurants, and retail choices.
The “Expat-Friendly” Area – BKK1
The residents of BKK1 offer the best possible mixed multicultural global representation of people now living in the capital – if there is one neighbourhood known for being “expat-friendly,” it is probably BKK1.
According to internal data from khmerhousing.com, BKK1 consistently ranks among the top three preferred areas for renters, who generally favour locations within walking distance of their workplaces, entertainment venues, and amenities, making BKK1 a preferred choice.
Safety is also a top priority and BKK1 is considered a safe and secure environment, featuring well-lit streets and a consistent presence of people. Additionally, BKK1 hosts numerous embassies, international schools, and high-end residential complexes, all of which prioritise security measures, making it a relatively safe place to live.
The area could even be further enhanced by introducing restricted traffic and foot-traffic-only streets – some of these suggestions have been highlighted before on the possible future of BKK1 and to make it more live able and promote tourism through more collaborative culture and street-style festivals.
New Development Projects Changing the Face Of Boeng Keng Kang 1
BKK1 continues to see new condominium projects being added and the new developments offer varied attractive amenities such as sky bars, swimming pools, saunas, kids’ playrooms, theatres and more which entice new homeowners and investors.
According to a report by the Cambodian Valuers And Estate Agents Association (CVEA), the average land value in Phnom Penh is USD $4,500/sq metre but in BKK1 could reach values as high as $8,000/sq metre as it’s seen as a downtown urban hotspot.
The majority of the most popular properties face north, followed by east-facing and then west-facing alternatives.
With the property stock comprising condos, apartments, villas and land, the key features of these properties are car parking, panoramic or 180-degree city views, and a range of entertainment and fitness facilities.
Some of the new developments and condos in BKK1 which are currently under construction or completed, and offering a wide range of modern and desirable amenities, include:
• Le Conde BKK1
• Time Square 302
• Time Square 306
• J Tower 3
• Picasso 2
The BKK1 area continues to evolve and undergo significant transformation as a range of new accommodation options strive to improve standards of living, meaning that this sought-after area will remain a prime location and at the forefront when it comes to property residential and investment options for both Cambodians, expatriates, developers and investors alike.
