Phnom Penh vs Siem Reap: Where to Teach English

Cambodia has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most appealing countries for new and experienced English teachers alike. Low barriers to entry, friendly locals, and a relaxed lifestyle make it especially attractive for those looking to build experience, travel on a modest budget, or take a different path from the more rigid job markets in Korea or Japan.

Among the options in Cambodia, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap stand out as the most popular places to live and teach. While they’re only a short flight or a few hours apart by road, these two cities offer very different day-to-day experiences—both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of the capital or the charm of a smaller, tourist-centered town, understanding how they compare will help you make the right move for your teaching journey.

Job Market and Teaching Opportunities

Phnom Penh is the epicenter of Cambodia’s education sector. As the capital and largest city, it hosts the country’s most diverse range of teaching jobs—from private language schools and bilingual kindergartens to international schools and NGO-based education programs. If you're looking for a full-time job with decent pay, reliable hours, and a structured environment, Phnom Penh gives you more choices and stability.

Siem Reap, by contrast, has a much smaller job market. Many teachers here find positions through NGOs, volunteer organizations, or small private schools. While jobs do exist, they tend to be more informal, and turnover is higher. That said, this city attracts those who value meaningful work over career advancement—especially teachers who enjoy working with under-resourced communities or in rural outreach programs.

In short: Phnom Penh is your best bet if you want options, variety, and a consistent paycheck. Siem Reap can work if you're flexible, independent, and open to less conventional roles.

Salary and Cost of Living

Teaching salaries in Phnom Penh generally range from $900 to $1,500 USD per month, depending on your qualifications and the type of school. International schools and well-established private institutions pay at the higher end, while volunteer-based or NGO-supported roles may offer stipends rather than salaries.

Siem Reap salaries are typically lower—often around $500 to $1,000 per month, with fewer schools offering full-time hours. However, the cost of living is also extremely low. You can find simple accommodation for under $200/month, meals for a couple of dollars, and local transport for pennies.

If saving money or building long-term financial stability is part of your goal, Phnom Penh provides more opportunity. But if your priorities are relaxed living and stretching your budget day-to-day, Siem Reap makes it surprisingly easy to live well on less.

Lifestyle and Daily Life

Life in Phnom Penh is fast-paced by Cambodian standards. It’s a dense, chaotic city full of traffic, street vendors, riverfront cafes, and rooftop bars. You’ll find modern conveniences like large supermarkets, international restaurants, and coworking spaces, alongside gritty, unpolished street life. For some, it’s a thrilling mix. For others, it’s a sensory overload.

Siem Reap is smaller, calmer, and easier to navigate. The city’s layout is walkable, with leafy streets and a charming, low-rise downtown. Though best known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, the tourist industry has also created a lively bar and restaurant scene, quirky boutique hotels, and plenty of short-term expats passing through. If you prefer a slower rhythm, easygoing locals, and a more compact town feel, Siem Reap delivers.

Your experience will depend on what kind of lifestyle energizes you. Phnom Penh offers stimulation and opportunity. Siem Reap offers breathing room and simplicity.

Ideal Teacher Profile for Each City

Phnom Penh tends to attract teachers who are serious about building a career in education—or who want to teach full-time while enjoying city life. If you're looking for multiple job offers, chances to move between schools, or a base for long-term living in Cambodia, this is the place.

Siem Reap appeals more to those who want an immersive, emotionally rewarding experience without too much pressure. If you're interested in volunteering, working with disadvantaged communities, or teaching part-time while exploring the region, it’s a great match.

In other words, Phnom Penh suits teachers who thrive in organized chaos and want to develop professionally. Siem Reap is for those who value community, calm, and a softer entry into the TEFL world.

Infrastructure and Convenience

Phnom Penh, as the capital, is naturally more developed when it comes to infrastructure. There are international hospitals, modern supermarkets, shopping malls, reliable banking services, and mobile providers with strong coverage. While traffic can be frustrating, rideshare apps like Grab make commuting more manageable. Internet speeds are generally fast and power outages are less frequent than in smaller towns.

Siem Reap is smaller and easier to navigate—you can often walk or bike to most places, and tuk-tuks are everywhere. However, options are more limited: one or two big supermarkets, basic clinics, and fewer high-end services overall. While internet is usually stable, power cuts can happen more often during storms or dry season. It’s perfectly livable, but not as convenient if you need consistent modern comforts.

If everyday reliability and access to amenities matter to you, Phnom Penh is a clear winner. If you’re comfortable with simpler living and enjoy a slower pace, Siem Reap delivers a more relaxed routine.

Travel, Culture, and Surroundings

Phnom Penh is the country’s transport hub, making it easier to travel both within Cambodia and across borders—especially into Vietnam. Buses, domestic flights, and even boats connect the capital to other regions. While Phnom Penh itself isn’t a major tourist city, it offers museums, temples, and historical landmarks like the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Siem Reap, on the other hand, is Cambodia’s cultural showpiece. As the base for visiting Angkor Wat, it draws a steady stream of international travelers, giving the city a unique blend of ancient culture and modern tourism. You’re also close to rural villages, rice paddies, and the Tonlé Sap lake, offering weekend adventures that feel worlds away from urban life.

If you're looking for a gateway to regional travel and expat hubs, Phnom Penh has the edge. But if you want to wake up near temples and spend your weekends in nature or small villages, Siem Reap wins in charm and cultural immersion.

Long-Term Viability and Career Growth

Phnom Penh offers a more sustainable long-term path if you're thinking about teaching abroad as more than just a gap year. With a broader mix of institutions—language centers, kindergartens, primary schools, and even universities—you’re more likely to find multi-year contracts, full-time hours, and chances to build your CV. If you want to settle, the city also has more job diversity for partners or expat families.

Siem Reap, while wonderful for short stints, has fewer full-time positions and fewer schools that can offer long-term progression. Most teachers stay for 6 to 12 months, either to volunteer, explore Cambodia, or gain experience before moving on to other countries. It’s a great place to begin, but not ideal for building a multi-year teaching career.

So if you're in it for the long haul, Phnom Penh will give you more structure and future options. Siem Reap is perfect for a meaningful chapter, but probably not the whole book.

Final Thoughts: Which City is Right for You?

Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have something special to offer English teachers—but the right choice depends on what you’re looking for.

You’ll probably prefer Phnom Penh if:

• You want more teaching options and career growth
• You’re planning to stay long-term or save money
• You like a fast-paced city with expat amenities

Siem Reap might be better if:

• You prefer a laid-back, walkable town
• You want to work with NGOs or volunteer
• You’re seeking cultural immersion and simplicity

Wherever you choose, Cambodia remains one of the most welcoming, accessible, and rewarding destinations for aspiring TEFL teachers. Whether you're starting your journey or looking for your next chapter, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a chance to make a real impact—while discovering a unique corner of Southeast Asia.