[Series] Cambodia Today: Insights from Vietnam's Neighbor
- May 12
- 4 min read
Vol.2: Everyday Scenes I Love in Phnom Penh
Starting March 5, 2026, KBC-LINK continues its 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.
🔰 About This Series / Author Introduction
Hello, my name is Asami Iida, and I lead the Japanese Desk at ABA Bank in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I am delighted to continue sharing 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. |
Life in Cambodia — Six Years Later
Morning Vibrancy in the City
One thing that still fascinates me, even after six years in Cambodia, is the beauty found in ordinary daily life. These are not necessarily famous tourist attractions, but rather the small moments and scenes that quietly become part of everyday living.
One of the first things visitors notice is how early the city comes alive. By 5 or 6 in the morning, food stalls, local markets, and small shops are already open, and the streets begin to fill with activity.
In front of banks and office buildings, temporary morning stalls naturally appear, selling coffee, noodles, and rice porridge to commuters. These informal stalls seem to materialize in the same spots each morning—a sight I now think of as entirely ordinary. Some restaurants only open in the morning. On weekends, I sometimes wake up early, enjoy breakfast outdoors around 7 a.m., and then spend a relaxing morning at a café. Starting the day early somehow makes the entire day feel more productive and rewarding. Cambodia can become very hot during the daytime, and sightseeing in the afternoon can sometimes feel exhausting, but the mornings are surprisingly comfortable.
The Rapid Expansion of Convenience Stores
Recently, I have also noticed changes in how younger generations spend their time. In Cambodia, convenience stores with outdoor seating areas or rooftop tables have become increasingly popular. Many people use them almost like cafés or casual gathering spaces. Most stores offer free Wi-Fi and operate 24 hours a day, making them convenient places to relax or meet friends.
Seeing young people casually spending time together outside convenience stores reminds me of scenes I once admired when I was younger myself. Even the way convenience stores are used reflects something uniquely Cambodian.
The Royal Palace on Weekends
The atmosphere from evening into nighttime has also changed significantly over the past few years. Every weekend, parts of the riverside area become pedestrian-only streets filled with night markets. Numerous stalls sell everything from local food to clothing and handmade goods. The riverside used to feel like a place mainly for jogging or evening walks, but today it has evolved into one of Phnom Penh’s most popular gathering spots for young people and families alike. Near the Royal Palace, people gather and spend time at a relaxed pace, creating a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
Everyday Kindness
What leaves the strongest impression on me, however, is the closeness and kindness between people. I sometimes travel by motorbike, and one day I unknowingly rode with a flat tire. While waiting at a traffic light, a stranger next to me noticed and kindly gestured to let me know. On another occasion, someone honked their horn simply to alert me that my bike was making an unusual sound.
In Japan, people might simply pass by without saying anything. But in Cambodia, strangers often quietly look out for one another in small but meaningful ways. I have been helped many times by these moments of everyday kindness.
Even outside the glamorous tourist destinations, there are countless small moments in daily life that make me stop and think, “This is such a wonderful place.” Even after six years, Cambodia continues to surprise me with its warmth and charm.
KBC-LINK Featured News:
Cambodia's Economy Today: Insights with Asami Iida of ABA Bank Japanese Desk
New Container Terminal at Sihanoukville Port Surpasses 60% Completion — Scheduled to Begin Operations in 2027
At the Port of Sihanoukville (PAS), Cambodia’s most important international port, construction and expansion of a new container terminal—supported by Japanese ODA loans through JICA—has now surpassed 60% completion. Operations are expected to begin in 2027.
Expected in 2027: The new terminal will allow large vessels to dock directly in Cambodia, expanding
the country’s global shipping connections.
Expected Impact: The project is expected to reduce logistics costs and accelerate investment into nearby industrial zones.
Beyond Phnom Penh’s daily scenery, Cambodia’s “logistics lifeline” is also entering a major period of transformation.
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.3)
In the next article, Asami will discuss a common question many people ask: “Is Cambodia Really Dangerous? The Reality of Daily Life.” Stay tuned.
Editor’s Note
This article is a contributed piece.
For detailed procedures and financial inquiries, please refer to official channels of the respective institutions.
