Photo by:

Melanie Brew

This Chamkar Morn villa can be yours to rent or buy.

What's going for it?

Chamkar Morn Village is one of the many urban compounds that have sprung up in Phnom Penh over the past few years. Developed in 2004, it's just a stone's throw away from Boeung Keng Kang and, although on a busy street, the compound itself feels distant from the commotion of one of the city's busiest suburbs. Concrete streets with speed bumps and young but growing foliage transform this previously undeveloped roadside neighbourhood into a suburban ideal. The houses are modern with contemporary amenities, and there is 24-hour security to keep the riff-raff out.

What's the catch?

Its strength could also be a weakness for some. While close to Boeung Keng Kang, a lack of things to do inside the gates can make the residential compound feel isolated. It could even become a rather claustrophobic habitat for some. The houses are also close together, meaning kids and families play in the streets rather than in their own yards. The houses themselves are also a bit on the Asian-garish side with metal grates, tinted blue windows and heavily lacquered built-in wooden furniture and ornamentation.

 

Getting there, and away

Traffic in Phnom Penh is not known for its efficiency. Depending on the time of day, what should be a 10-minute commute could take up to 30 minutes or more, especially on four wheels. On the other hand, this only applies during peak traffic hours between, say, 7am to 8am and from 4:30pm to about 6pm. The same applies almost everywhere in the city, so it shouldn't count against the neighbourhood.

 

Schools

The International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP), iCan British International School, Zaman International School and Home of English are the main schools in the area. ISPP is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), and teaches an international baccalaureate curriculum. iCAN teaches an adapted version of the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Zaman International School teaches a curriculum combining British and American curriculums and the National Curriculum of Cambodia. Home of English has a homeschool program designed for families who are abroad.

Out of the house

With the exception of a few Cambodian nightclubs, there is not a lot to do directly in the area. The closest supermarket is Lucky Supermarket on Sihanouk Boulevard, and the closest market is the Russian Market. Without driving there is little happening, but it is close to the Japanese, Thai, Indian and Indonesian embassies.

 

On the market

There are four basic types of properties available for rent. Deluxe villas rent for between US$3,000 and $4,500 a month and have four to six bedrooms on a block measuring 20 metres by 25 metres. Standard villas rent for about $1,000 less, have four bedrooms and are on a 14.5 metre by 20 metre lot. Single villas also come with four bedrooms, but they are smaller and are situated on a 14-metre-by-16 metre or 14-metre-by-18-metre lot. They rent for $1,500 per month. Flats come in three or four bedroom options on a six metre by 20 metre plot and rent for between $800 and $1,000. Undeveloped land is also available for between $1,700 and $2,000 per square metre.

 

Rent or buy

Located in Chamkar Morn Village, this new standard villa has hardwood floors, modern amenities and parking for two vehicles. It rents for $2,500 a month or will sell for $540,000. The house measures 11 metres by 13 metres on a 14 metre by 20 metre plot. It has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Po Eavkong 012 358 958