Phnom Penh commercial District| Explore the Top 10 Powerful Commercial Districts (Part 1)

Phnom Penh is a city of embracement.

As one of the countries with the fastest economic growth in Southeast Asia, Cambodia's capital-Phnom Penh, continues to attract tourists, investors, enterprises, and employees of multinational companies from all over the world. Many young talents from other provinces and cities also Leaving their hometowns and go to Phnom Penh for development. Therefore, A diverse population brings diverse cultures and languages, and they can all grow freely and openly here.

The commercial development here is also diverse. So, what surprises can the commercial development in Phnom Penh bring us? 

Today, we will come to explore the top 10 most powerful commercial districts in Phnom Penh and their representative projects.

✨Characteristics of commercial development in Phnom Penh✨

1. Multi-center group development

With the rapid development of Phnom Penh, especially at the major satellite cities, its commercial development has jumped out of the restrictions of administrative divisions and formed a “multi-center pattern”. The old commercial landmarks such as BKK1, TK, Orussey Market, Central Market… have gradually expanded their influence and develop together with surrounding emerging commercial groups to form a stronger commercial district. 

Emerging business districts have grown with the rise of major residential areas. Several large-scale comprehensive commercial buildings have been established to form a commercial district. On the one hand, they meet the living and consumption needs of residents in the area, and on the other hand, they intersect and complement with the established business district, making Phnom Penh’s business landscape more complete.

2. The opportunity to combine modern shopping malls + traditional markets

Although Phnom Penh's commercial development is currently dominated by modern shopping malls, traditional markets are still shining brightly. Large traditional markets such as the Central Market and Tuol Tompoung Market are not only places where locals purchase daily necessities, but are also great places for foreigners to visit and buy souvenirs.

3. Foreign-funded enterprises + local enterprises work together

The rapid development of Phnom Penh's business is the result of the joint efforts of foreign-funded enterprises and local enterprises. 

In terms of foreign-funded enterprises, Japan's AEON 1, 2, and 3 have all become the most popular since they opened and have actually promoted the development of the region, and the same goes for Thailand ‘s Makro supermarket. 

For local enterprise, Chip Mong Group has accelerated its efforts in the past two years, which has not only built two large-scale comprehensive shopping malls on Sen Sok and Hun Sen Blvd, but also built community businesses in various areas to put vitality into commercial development.

✨BKK1-Koh Pich Commercial District✨ 

● Major projects in the district: AEON Mall 1, Chip Mong Noro Mall, Naga world, SOHO Mall, The Bridge Lifestyle Mall, BKK Market, Connexion (under construction), Prince Huanyu Center ( The commercial is expected to open in 2024), etc.

● The Overview: BKK1 is the most typical international living and residential area in Phnom Penh. A large number of foreigners live here. There are various and complete supporting facilities such as high-end residences, office buildings. As the new central business district (CBD) of Phnom Penh, Koh Pich Satellite City also gathers a large number of high-net-worth individuals, the city's top facilities and residences.

With the continuous development of the region and geographical advantages, BKK1 and Koh Pich continues to expand and has been connected to form a commercial district.

AEON Mall Phnom Penh (AEON 1),  located in the Tonle Bassac Commune of Chamkarmon District. It was opened in 2014 and is the first modern shopping mall of the Japanese’s AEON Group in Phnom Penh with the world-standard. After expansion in 2023, the retail area of AEON 1 has reached 162,000 square meters, which able to accommodate a total of 240 stores, including COACH, Calvin Klein, Champion, Adidas, H&M, CHARLES & KEITH, ECCO, FILA, MICHAEL KORS, Pandora and other international brands.

Chip Mong Noro Mall, located on Norodom Blvd, it was opened in 2020 and developed by Chip Mong Group-one of the largest consortium in Cambodia. The entire shopping mall is approximately 7,400 square meters with a total of 6 floors, providing supermarkets, cinemas, bakeries, restaurants, cafes, shops, entertainment and other leisure services, etc.

Naga World is located next to the Independence Monument. It is a unique comprehensive hotel and entertainment center in Phnom Penh, and it is also the only casino allowed in Phnom Penh. In the underground shopping centre of Naga 1-2, you can find Cambodia's largest duty-free shop (CDF China Duty Free Group), which sells luxury products, clothing, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, cigarette, alcohol and food from international brands, including Dior, Burberry, Coach, Omega, Miu Miu, Lamer, Lancôme...with the best duty free prices.

In this commercial district also includes SOHO Mall, The Bridge, The Peak and other community businesses and podium businesses of comprehensive projects, as well as the Elysée. In addition, Connexion (under construction) and Prince Huan yu Center’s commercial (expected to open in 2024), etc., all of which will contribute to the modern commercial atmosphere in the area. 

There are also a large number of convenience stores in the commercial district, including AEON MaxValu Express, Lucky, 7-Eleven, ChipMong, SuperDuper, Circle K, Thai Huot Market, Kim Mart, etc., with major brand from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and local, making the daily life here even more convenient.

In terms of traditional market, there is the "Boeng Keng Kang Market", where you can buy all kinds of daily necessities, local snacks and delicacies, clothing, souvenirs, and fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat.

✨Sen Sok Commercial District✨ 

● Major projects in the district: AEON Mall Sen Sok, Chip Mong Sen Sok Mall, Makro, Global House Cambodia, SCG HOME DESIGN VILLAGE, etc.

● The Overview: The commercial district of Sen Sok is mainly focused from The Premier Center Sen Sok and spreads to the surrounding areas, with several major commercial projects such as AEON 2, Makro, and Global House... which not only injects vitality into the regional development and enhance regional competitiveness, but also bring convenience to the residents in the district.

Sen Sok is a district with many Borey communities (townhouses and villas). A large number of middle-class families live here, and the surrounding commercial district is the best choice for them. It has formed a large-scale quality residential area. As the commercial district gradually matures and expands, regional competitiveness will also be increased.

AEON Mall Sen Sok (AEON 2), was opened in 2018 with a construction area of 151,000 square meters. In terms of brand, it is basically the same as Aeon 1. Among them, Major Cineplex (Thailand) has set up Cambodia’s first IMAX theater here. There are also Blue-O bowling and the Water Garden where we can enjoy a variety of entertainment equipment.

Makro is a large wholesale supermarket chain in Thailand. It was opened in Sen Sok District in 2017 and covers an area of about 5 hectares. Makro supermarket providing variety type of daily use products with competitive price for all customers need. 

Chip Mong Sen Sok Mall, located in Sen Sok District and was opened in 2022. The shopping mall has introduced a variety of famous stores, including clothing, electronic products, restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, Doozii kid playground, banks, optical centers, cosmetics stores, Chip Mong supermarkets, etc. After the opening, it has improved the commercial layout of Sen Sok District, accelerated the regional development, expanded the scope of the Sen Sok commercial district, and also improved the competitiveness of real estate projects in the region.

Global House Cambodia, is a shopping center specializing in construction and home furnishings products. It provides one-stop purchasing of various products including home furniture and appliances, office furniture, kitchen and bathroom furniture, as well as office desks, bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, carpets, wallpapers, etc.

In addition, there are other community commercial such as “The Green Community Mall” in the district.

✨Mean Chey Commercial District✨ 

● Major projects in the district: AEON Mall Mean Chey (AEON 3), Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall, Mean Chey Avenue

● The Overview: this commercial district was officially known in 2022 with the opening of AEON 3 and Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall. Although it is a new emerging commercial district, it has received very high attention.

The commercial district is mainly developed along Hun Sen Blvd. There are also a large number of Borey communities in the district. Currently, this commercial district is still under development and construction, with the increase in occupancy rate and the implementation of other large-scale supporting facilities, it will be greatly expanded.

AEON Mall Mean Chey (AEON 3), was also invested and built by the Japanese AEON Group. It had become the largest modern shopping mall in Cambodia so far. 

AEON Mall Mean Chey is the first shopping mall in Cambodia that integrates an outdoor park. It is located on Hun Sen Blvd in Phnom Penh City and covers an area of 17 hectares, which is larger than the combined area of AEON 1 and AEON 2.

Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall covers an area of 150,000 square meters and has a total height of 5 floors. It is the first large-scale modern shopping mall to open along Hun Sen Blvd which fills the commercial gap in the area with high standards and attracted a lot of attention.

In addition to the above 2 shopping malls, the commercial district also has community shopping centers such as “Mean Chey Avenue”, which can provide retail, leisure and entertainment services. 

The newly opened “60M FOOD STREET” and “NOIZ Night Market” can also provide more places for people who like shopping and enjoy street food at night; the FACTORY shared creative space integrates catering, family entertainment, children's education, creation, and office, and is also a gathering place for young consumer groups.

"Hun Sen Blvd", where the commercial district is located, is a key development area in Phnom Penh and is also the only way from the Techo Takhmao International Airport (new phnom penh international airport)  to the main city of Phnom Penh. 

It should be mentioned that, Cambodia is studying a light rail project that connects Phnom Penh city to the Techo Takhmao International Airport in Kandal Province and will set up stations along the Hun Sen Blvd. In addition, there are many residential projects around the area, including Borey Chipmong (Landmark 60M), Borey Peng Huoth, as well as condominium projects such as  R&F City, Urban Village... with full potential for future development.

What other commercial districts do we have  in Phnom Penh? Let’s find out tomorrow !