Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh: 5 Hidden Gems

Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh Key Takeaways

Landing in a new city with a laptop and a deadline is stressful — especially when you don’t know where to find reliable WiFi and a decent flat white.

• The best cafés and co-working spaces in Phnom Penh combine fast internet, affordable pricing, and a calm atmosphere for focused work.
• You don’t need to join a membership to get work done — many cafés offer free WiFi and power outlets all day.
• First-time travelers will find practical tips on getting around, what to order, and how to stay productive while exploring Cambodia’s capital.

Table of Contents

1. Why Finding the Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh Matters for Remote Workers
2. What to Look for in a Remote Work Spot
3. Top 5 Hidden Gems: Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh
4. 1. The Shop
5. 2. Lot 369 Co-Working
6. 3. Brother’s Café
7. 4. Impact Hub Phnom Penh
8. 5. Novotel Café
9. Quick Comparison Table of the Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh
10. Practical Tips for First-Time Travelers Visiting Phnom Penh’s Work Spots
11. Useful Resources
12. Are cafés in Phnom Penh safe for working alone?
13. Do I need to buy a drink to work at a café?
14. What is the average WiFi speed in Phnom Penh cafés?
15. Do co-working spaces in Phnom Penh have air conditioning?
16. Can I pay with a credit card at these spots?
17. What is the best neighborhood for digital nomads in Phnom Penh?
18. Are there any 24-hour cafés for night work?
19. Do cafés have enough power outlets for laptops?
20. How much does a coffee cost in Phnom Penh?
21. Can I work from home at my hotel or Airbnb?
22. Do co-working spaces offer day passes?
23. What is the dress code for cafés and co-working spaces?
24. Are there quiet zones in co-working spaces?
25. Can I make international calls from a café?
26. Which spot has the best coffee?
27. Is it easy to meet other digital nomads in Phnom Penh?
28. Do cafés serve food besides coffee?
29. What is the best time to work at a café?
30. Are there co-working spaces near the airport?
31. How do I find up-to-date reviews of these spots?
32. Conclusion: Your New Favorite Work Spot Awaits

Why Finding the Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh Matters for Remote Workers

Phnom Penh is buzzing with energy, but not every spot with a coffee machine is built for work. Loud music, weak WiFi, or a lack of power outlets can kill your flow. As a digital nomad or first-time traveler, you need a place that feels like a second office — quiet enough for Zoom calls, fast enough for uploads, and welcoming enough to spend a few hours without feeling rushed.

That’s exactly why I rounded up five spots that check all those boxes. Whether you’re freelancing, running a business, or just catching up on emails, these places will become your go-to.

What to Look for in a Remote Work Spot

Before we dive into the list, here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind when scouting your own workspace:

• WiFi speed: Look for at least 20 Mbps download speed for video calls and file sharing.
• Seating comfort: Hard wooden stools won’t cut it for a full workday. Seek cushioned chairs or sofas.
• Power outlets: Every table should have a nearby plug. No outlet = no work.
• Noise level: Some cafés blast music; others have a library vibe. Pick what helps you focus.
• Price: A typical coffee costs $2–$3, and co-working day passes range from $5 to $10.

Top 5 Hidden Gems: Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh

Each spot below has been tested for WiFi speed, comfort, and overall vibe. I’ve included a mix of cafés and co-working spaces so you can choose based on your mood and budget.

1. The Shop

Tucked away on a quiet street near the Riverside, The Shop is a classic among digital nomads. The WiFi is solid (around 30 Mbps), the seating ranges from communal tables to cozy corners, and the coffee is some of the best in the city. Their iced latte with coconut milk is a game-changer on a humid afternoon. Prices are fair — about $3 for a drink — and they never rush you.

Best for: Focused solo work or small group meetings.

2. Lot 369 Co-Working

If you need a proper desk and quiet environment, Lot 369 is your spot. It’s a dedicated co-working space with a day pass for $8. The internet is lightning fast (50+ Mbps), there are private phone booths for calls, and the air conditioning is strong — a blessing in Phnom Penh’s heat. They also have a small café inside serving good drip coffee.

Best for: Long work sessions, video calls, and high-focus tasks.

3. Brother’s Café

A short walk from the Royal Palace, Brother’s Café feels like a hidden oasis. The garden seating is shaded and quiet, the WiFi is reliable (25 Mbps), and the food menu is surprisingly good — try their banana bread and a flat white. It’s popular with expats and travelers alike. One tip: arrive early to grab a table with a power outlet.

Best for: A relaxed morning or afternoon of work with good food.

4. Impact Hub Phnom Penh

Part of a global network, Impact Hub offers a coworking space with a social mission. Day passes are around $10, which includes fast WiFi (60 Mbps), meeting rooms, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. The vibe is professional but friendly. They often host networking events, so it’s a great place to connect with other digital nomads.

Best for: Networking, coworking, and project collaboration.

5. Novotel Café

Don’t let the hotel name fool you — Novotel Café is open to the public and offers a surprisingly good workspace. The WiFi is fast (40 Mbps), there are plenty of tables with plugs, and the staff is used to remote workers camping for hours. A latte costs about $4, but the quiet atmosphere and strong air conditioning make it a steal.

Best for: A quiet escape from the city noise with reliable internet.

Quick Comparison Table of the Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh

Spot	Type	WiFi Speed (Mbps)	Price per Day	Best For
The Shop	Café	30	$3 (drink)	Solo work, coffee lovers
Lot 369	Co-working	50+	$8	Video calls, deep focus
Brother’s Café	Café	25	$3 (drink)	Relaxed sessions, food
Impact Hub	Co-working	60	$10	Networking, collaboration
Novotel Café	Café	40	$4 (drink)	Quiet work, full-day stays

Practical Tips for First-Time Travelers Visiting Phnom Penh’s Work Spots

If this is your first trip to Phnom Penh, a few local hacks will make your remote work experience smoother:

• Bring a travel adapter: Cambodia uses Type A, C, and G plugs depending on the establishment. A universal adapter saves headaches.
• Download Grab or PassApp: These ride-hailing apps make getting around cheap and easy. A short ride costs $1–$2.
• Order local coffee: Try a cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) — it’s strong, sweet, and a great energy boost. Many cafés serve it here.
• Work in the morning: Cafés are quieter before 11 a.m., and afternoon rains can disrupt WiFi speed. Get your deep work done early.
• Respect local etiquette: Remove your shoes if a café has a no-shoe policy, and always ask before using a space for work.

Useful Resources

For more details on each spot, check out these resources:

• Nomad List – Phnom Penh — Real-time reviews and cost-of-living data from the digital nomad community.
• Impact Hub Phnom Penh — Official site with membership options and event schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Cafés and Co-Working Spaces in Phnom Penh

Are cafés in Phnom Penh safe for working alone?

Yes, most cafés in popular neighborhoods like BKK1, Riverside, and Tonle Bassac are safe. Stick to well-lit places, keep your belongings close, and avoid leaving your laptop unattended.

Do I need to buy a drink to work at a café?

Yes, it’s expected that you order something — usually a coffee, tea, or a small snack. Most cafés are fine with you staying 2–3 hours after one purchase.

What is the average WiFi speed in Phnom Penh cafés?

WiFi speed varies widely. The best cafés offer 25–60 Mbps, which is enough for video calls and streaming. Avoid places with “free WiFi” but no speed guarantee.

Do co-working spaces in Phnom Penh have air conditioning?

Yes, all the co-working spaces listed here have strong AC. Cafés vary, but most keep it cool enough to work comfortably.

Can I pay with a credit card at these spots?

Most cafés prefer cash, especially smaller ones. Co-working spaces like Impact Hub accept cards. Always carry some cash in local currency (Cambodian Riel) or US dollars.

What is the best neighborhood for digital nomads in Phnom Penh?

BKK1 is the most popular area, with dozens of cafés, restaurants, and co-working spaces within walking distance. Riverside is also great for first-time travelers.

Are there any 24-hour cafés for night work?

Phnom Penh has a few late-night cafés, but most close by 10 p.m. For night work, a co-working space with 24/7 access (like Lot 369) is a better bet.

Do cafés have enough power outlets for laptops?

The spots in this guide all have ample outlets. As a rule, check your table before settling in — if there’s no plug, move to another table.

How much does a coffee cost in Phnom Penh?

A standard latte or cappuccino costs between $2 and $4. Specialty drinks like flat whites or pour-overs are slightly more, around $4–$5.

Can I work from home at my hotel or Airbnb?

Many hotels and Airbnbs offer reliable WiFi, but the internet can be inconsistent. A café or co-working space often provides faster speeds and fewer distractions.

Do co-working spaces offer day passes?

Yes, the co-working spaces featured here charge $8–$10 for a day pass. Monthly memberships are available for frequent users.

What is the dress code for cafés and co-working spaces?

Casual is fine — shorts, T-shirts, and sandals are normal. Avoid swimwear or overly revealing clothing out of respect for local culture.

Are there quiet zones in co-working spaces?

Yes, both Lot 369 and Impact Hub have designated quiet areas for focused work. Cafés generally don’t have separate zones, but the atmosphere is naturally calm.

Can I make international calls from a café?

Most cafés allow calls if you keep your voice low. For private calls, use a phone booth at a co-working space or step outside.

Which spot has the best coffee?

The Shop is widely considered to have some of the best specialty coffee in Phnom Penh. Brother’s Café also makes a great flat white using locally roasted beans.

Is it easy to meet other digital nomads in Phnom Penh?

Yes, especially at co-working spaces like Impact Hub and at networking events listed on Meetup or Facebook groups. Cafés like The Shop also attract a friendly crowd.

Do cafés serve food besides coffee?

Yes, most cafés offer pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. Brother’s Café and The Shop have menus that work for breakfast or lunch.

What is the best time to work at a café?

Early morning (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.) is ideal — fewer people, faster WiFi, and cooler temperatures. Afternoon rains can affect connectivity.

Are there co-working spaces near the airport?

Yes, Lot 369 is relatively close to Phnom Penh International Airport — about a 15-minute drive. It’s a good option if you have a layover or short visit.

How do I find up-to-date reviews of these spots?

Check Google Maps and the Nomad List website (linked in the Useful Resources section) for recent reviews and WiFi speed reports from other travelers.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Work Spot Awaits

Phnom Penh is full of surprises, and its café and co-working scene is one of the best-kept secrets in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re crashing with a latte at The Shop or setting up a full workstation at Lot 369, you’ll find a place that fits your rhythm. The best cafés and co-working spaces in Phnom Penh aren’t just about internet — they’re about feeling at home while you work. So grab your laptop, order a cold brew, and get productive.