[New Series] Cambodia Today: Insights from Vietnam's Neighbor
- May 7
- 3 min read
Vol.1: Phnom Penh — A City Transformed in Six Years
Starting March 5, 2026, KBC-LINK is proud to introduce a new series, “Cambodia Today,” designed for our readers in Vietnam.
Written by the head of a Japanese Desk at a local bank with six years of residency, this series offers authentic, on-the-ground perspectives—from professional financial insights to the realities of daily life.
Hello, my name is Asami Iida, and I lead the Japanese Desk at ABA Bank in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
I am excited to launch this series and share the evolving landscape of “Cambodia Today” with everyone living in Vietnam. This year marks my sixth year of living and working in this vibrant country.
When people think of Cambodia, the majestic spires of Angkor Wat often come to mind. While that historical legacy remains a point of pride, Cambodia is now a nation in the midst of a rapid and profound transformation. Through this column, I hope to provide a more contemporary and realistic view of the country as seen through both my professional and personal experiences.
A City That Has Changed Dramatically in Six Years
I often hear people say, “Cambodia has enormous potential.” Looking back at when I first arrived six years ago, the change in Phnom Penh is truly striking.
The skyline is now dotted with high-rise buildings and modern condominiums. Major roads have been upgraded, and new expressways have drastically improved connectivity. The dining scene has also exploded with a variety of new cafés and restaurants. In key districts, improved security has created a calm, comfortable environment—even for those walking at night.
Differences in Traffic Compared to Vietnam
Having visited Vietnam several times, one of the most immediate differences I notice is the traffic.
In Vietnam’s major cities, the streets hum with the constant, high-energy flow of motorcycles and cars. In contrast, Phnom Penh’s traffic feels less dense. While car ownership is rising rapidly, the overall congestion has not yet reached the levels seen in Vietnam, giving the city a slightly different pace.
Everyday Convenience and Digital Speed
These differences are also reflected in daily life. When using ride-hailing apps, cars in Cambodia tend to arrive relatively quickly, whereas in Vietnam, depending on the time and location, waiting more than 10 minutes is not uncommon.
It feels as though differences in economic scale and population are directly reflected in the pace of urban life.
The Potential of a Young Nation
Despite these differences, Cambodia’s evolution is accelerating.
Digital leapfrogging is evident here; the widespread adoption of QR code payments—integrated directly with banking apps—means you can now go almost anywhere with just a smartphone. Electric vehicles (EVs) are also becoming a common sight, signaling a shift toward the next phase of development.
With a median age in the twenties, Cambodia is a young, energetic nation. Witnessing its growth firsthand is one of the most rewarding aspects of working here.
While we are neighbors, information about Cambodia can still feel limited. Through this series, I hope to make this country feel more familiar—whether you are considering it for travel, business, or as a place to live.
Author Profile
Asami Iida
Based in Cambodia for 6 years
Japanese Desk, ABA Bank
Supporting Japanese individuals and companies expanding into Cambodia. From financial operations to everyday life, she shares insights into Cambodia’s evolving landscape from both professional and personal perspectives.
Contact
ABA Bank Japanese Desk
Next Episode (Vol.2)
In the next article, Asami will introduce her favorite local scenes in Phnom Penh. Stay tuned.
Editor’s Note
This article is a contributed piece.
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