If you are comparing retirement options, Southeast Asia keeps rising on the list for many Western retirees. Cambodia stands out for its manageable cost of living, friendly communities, and straightforward long-stay options. At the top of that conversation is Siem Reap.
Why Siem Reap works for long-stay life
Siem Reap is calm when you want quiet and lively when you want things to do. You get temples and culture on your doorstep, a growing dining and café scene, gyms and wellness studios, co-working spots, and walkable pockets that make errands simple. It is easy to build routines here: groceries, coffee, exercise, hobbies, and something interesting is always nearby.
Everyday life: culture, routines, community
Beyond Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is full of working artisans, galleries, cafés, gyms, co-working spots, and weekend markets. English is widely used in service settings thanks to tourism, so day-to-day errands and social life are simple to navigate. Golfers have Angkor Golf Resort minutes away for regular tee times and social play.
Cost of living: what to expect
Budgets vary by lifestyle, but public trackers suggest a modest single-person budget can start under $1,000/month, while many long-stay expats report $1,500-$3,000+ for a more comfortable lifestyle (nicer apartment, frequent dining out, entertainment, travel). Typical current listings indicate:
- 1-bed modern apartment (central/well-kept areas): ~$250-$650
- Utilities (A/C drives variance): ~$40-$150
- Mobile + home internet: ~$15-$40
- Groceries/eating out: ~$100-$500
Treat these as starting points. Actual costs shift with location, season, and A/C habits.
Visas: the straightforward retirement path
Most retirees arrive on an Ordinary (E) visa, then apply for the ER (retirement) extension, commonly issued for 12 months and renewable. Typical requirements include being 55+ and showing that you’re retired/financially self-supporting (details vary; always check current guidance or use a licensed visa agent).
Read more: How to Get a Retirement VISA in Cambodia?
Healthcare in Siem Reap
You can handle routine care locally. Royal Angkor International Hospital offers 24/7 emergency care and ambulance response with English-speaking staff; save their numbers. Angkor Hospital for Children provides quality pediatric services (handy if family visits with kids). For specialist or complex procedures, many residents plan care in Phnom Penh, which has greater depth of specialists and equipment; for major interventions, some opt for regional hubs like Bangkok. Carry international health insurance with medical evacuation, it’s standard practice.
Royal Angkor International Hospital (24/7 ER): +855 (0)63 761 888 / +855 (0)12 235 888. royalangkorhospital.com
”We moved from Australia and bought a condo in Siem Reap and could not be happier! Costs are simple with a building fee under 200 USD plus utilities, and our weeks are golf, volunteering, time in a small garden, and meet-ups with new friends who made the city feel like home.”
Where people tend to live
Popular choices include walkable pockets near the riverside and Wat Bo, leafy residential streets in Sala Kamreuk and Svay Dangkum, and low-density areas a short ride from the center. The usual trade-off applies: closer in = convenience; slightly out = larger homes and quieter streets.
See also: Where to Live in Siem Reap: Top Residential Areas to Know
Housing & ownership basics
Renting is straightforward, from serviced apartments to villas. We handle viewings, negotiation, and tenancy onboarding.
If you prefer to buy, foreigners can own strata-title condominiums in co-owned buildings above ground level with freehold hard title. We guide you to suitable projects and manage due diligence, documentation, and transfer.
If you want land or a landed home, foreigners cannot hold land in their own name. IPS works with licensed trust companies and can provide you with secure options:
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Nominee structure with protective agreements
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Landholding company (LHC) joint venture
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Trust holding under Cambodia’s Trust Law (2019)
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Long-term leasehold, usually 15 to 50 years, extendable
Tell us your goal and we will recommend the right route and manage the process from start to finish.
See also: Can Foreigners Own Land in Cambodia? Here’s How
Climate & pace
Tropical and warm year-round. You’ll learn your own rhythm quickly: early outings, midday A/C, sunset walks, and easy evenings. Many retirees set simple weekly routines, golf days, language classes, volunteer work, or creative workshops, so the days stay engaging without feeling rushed.
Quick checklist before you move
- Health cover: International health insurance with evacuation.
- Try before you buy: Start with a 6–12-month rental to learn neighborhoods and real costs.
- Paperwork: Enter on an E-class visa; if eligible, extend on ER (retirement) via immigration or a reputable agent.
- Phones & banking: Local SIMs are easy; banking is smoother with proof of local address.
- Season test: Experience both dry and wet seasons to confirm comfort level (and power bills).
Is Siem Reap right for you?
If your checklist includes quality of life, access to culture, friendly communities, and manageable costs, Siem Reap aligns well. You can keep days simple, groceries, coffee, morning golf or lean into workshops, galleries, and a social scene when you want it.
Next step: Tell IPS what “everyday” looks like for you. We’ll map neighborhoods, short- and long-stay options, and (if you choose to buy) explain strata-title basics so you can make confident decisions.
