Capital vs. Heritage: The Ultimate Showdown Between Phnom Penh’s Diamond Bay Garden and Siem Reap’s Angkor Grace Residence
Siem Reap gives you gardens and peace — Phnom Penh gives you skyline views and bragging rights. Which one actually gives you more for your money?
Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap comes down to one simple choice: city skylines or temple gardens. Diamond Bay Garden offers 8% guaranteed returns with Somerset by Ascott management, while Angkor Grace delivers 7-8% progressive returns near Angkor Wat. Both cost around $200,000, but serve different investor dreams.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: What Your Money Actually Gets You
When comparing Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap, the math is pretty straightforward. But the devil lives in the details.
Diamond Bay Garden sits on Koh Pich (Diamond Island) in Chamkarmon district. This 39 floors tower has 591 units total. Prices start at $126,165 for a studio unit. The building reaches up to the sky with river views of the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River, and Bassac River.
Angkor Grace Residence spreads across a 2.2-hectare property on Charles De Gaulle Road in Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap. Only 60 units exist here. A 2-bedroom unit costs around $198,000. You get countryside views instead of city lights.
Investment Returns Breakdown
| Property | Initial Cost | Guaranteed Return | Location Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Bay Garden | $126K–$372K | 8% for 10 years | Tonle Bassac waterfront |
| Angkor Grace Residence | $198K+ | 7% (Years 1–5), 8% (Years 6–10) | 5 minutes from Angkor Wat |
The leaseback program at both properties means you don’t manage anything. Professional companies handle rentals, maintenance, and bookings.
Key Investment Metrics Comparison
| Metric | Diamond Bay Garden | Angkor Grace Residence | Market Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Price Range | $126,165 – $372,000 | $198,000+ (2BR) | $74,000 – $400,000 |
| Price per m² | $1,600 – $2,300 | $1,525/m² | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Guaranteed Returns | 8% (10 years) | 7% (Years 1–5), 8% (Years 6–10) | 6–7% average |
| Management Partner | Somerset (Ascott Limited) | Angkor Grace Management | Various |
| Market Segment | Luxury waterfront | Resort residence | Mixed |
One promises 8% city profits, the other gives you wellness retreats near Angkor Wat. Your $200K investment deserves the right choice.
Sky-High Returns vs Temple Views: The Ultimate Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap Showdown
Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap represents Cambodia’s two biggest investment stories. Diamond Bay Garden sits on Koh Pich with Somerset by Ascott management. This 39-floor tower offers 8% guaranteed returns for 10 years. Prices start at $126,165 for studio units with Mekong River views.
Angkor Grace Residence spreads across 2.2 hectares in Siem Reap. Located 5 minutes from Angkor Wat, this wellness resort offers 7% returns (years 1-5) and 8% returns (years 6-10). Two-bedroom units cost around $198,000 with 14 complimentary nights yearly.
Both properties target foreign investors with leaseback programs. Diamond Bay suits city lovers wanting urban convenience and maximum profits. Angkor Grace appeals to those seeking cultural connection and personal use benefits. Your choice depends on lifestyle goals and investment timeline preferences.
1. Location, Location, Location: City Power vs Temple Magic
Phnom Penh represents Cambodia’s economic heart. The Tonle Bassac area grows faster than anywhere else in the country. New offices, restaurants, and shopping centers open every month. Waterfront living here means watching business deals happen across the river.
Siem Reap offers something money rarely buys – history. Your wellness resort sits next to 1,000-year-old temples. Tourists spend $2 billion yearly visiting this area. That creates steady rental demand.
Diamond Bay Garden puts you in the middle of urban convenience. Walk to work, restaurants, and nightlife. The modern condo has everything: sky garden, sky bar, swimming pool, gym, yoga room, and children’s playground. You get city views and garden views from different floors.
Angkor Grace Residence gives you peace. The spa and wellness center helps you relax. A 33m swimming pool and kiddie pool handle family time. The rooftop restaurant serves dinner under stars. This feels like a permanent vacation spot.
Both properties offer freehold ownership for foreigners. Cambodia makes buying property easier than most countries in Asia. Check out our complete Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Cambodia for details.
2. Building Quality: Sky-High vs Spread Out
Diamond Bay Garden wins the height contest at 39 floors. The tower dominates the Phnom Penh skyline. Somerset by Ascott manages the building. This global hotel company knows how to maintain luxury properties.
Building features include:
- Video security and reception 24/7
- Backup electricity (important during storm season)
- Fire alarm systems on every floor
- Car parking for 1,378 vehicles
- Pet-friendly policies
- Housekeeping services available
Angkor Grace Residence spreads horizontally across its large plot. Modern architecture blends with traditional Khmer design. The greening rate 50% means half the property stays as gardens and open space.
Resort amenities include:
- Fully fitted suites with iChing Living Decor
- Gated community with 24/7 security
- Jacuzzi and sauna facilities
- Air conditioning and balcony in every unit
- Internet/wifi and pay TV included
- Non-flooding location (crucial during rainy season)
3. The Money Game: Returns and Reality
Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap both promise strong returns. But different risks come with each choice.
Diamond Bay Garden Financial Breakdown
- High return yield: 8% guaranteed for 10 years
- Total investment recovery: 180% over the decade
- Bank loans available up to 70% of purchase price
- Promotional discount currently reduces prices by 10%
- High appreciation value expected from city development
Angkor Grace Residence Financial Structure
- Guaranteed rental return: Progressive system starts at 7%
- 14-day complimentary stay annually for owners
- Investment opportunity includes personal use benefits
- Hard title ownership provides maximum security
- Tourism growth supports long-term appreciation value
Both properties sit in commercial areas with strong rental markets. Diamond Bay Garden targets business travelers and expats. Angkor Grace focuses on tourists and wellness seekers.
Cambodia’s new 2025 Property Tax Incentives make buying even more attractive. Properties under $210,000 avoid most taxes.
4. Lifestyle Differences: Urban Rush vs Rural Calm
Living at Diamond Bay Garden means city energy 24/7. The Tonle Bassac district never sleeps. Restaurants, bars, and offices create constant activity. Your studio units or 2-bedroom units offer river views of three different waterways.
The building’s award-winning property status comes from the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Cambodia Real Estate Awards. This recognition helps with resale value later.
Angkor Grace Residence offers the opposite experience. Wake up to countryside views and bird songs. The wellness resort atmosphere means yoga classes, meditation sessions, and spa treatments. Your 1-bedroom units, 2-bedroom units, 3-bedroom units, or 5-bedroom duplex overlook gardens instead of traffic.
The pet-friendly community welcomes your dogs and cats. Many retirees choose this location for the relaxed pace of life.
5. Investment Timeline: Quick Flip vs Long Hold
Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap serve different investment strategies.
Diamond Bay Garden offers faster returns. Phnom Penh property prices rise quickly during economic growth periods. The on main road location and elevator access make units easy to rent or sell. Foreign investors often flip these properties within 3-5 years.
Angkor Grace Residence rewards patient investors. Tourism in Siem Reap grows steadily but slowly. The 10-year leaseback program encourages longer ownership periods. Many buyers treat this as a retirement investment that pays income while they work elsewhere.
Both properties avoid common problems:
- Non-flooding locations protect your investment
- Professional management reduces owner headaches
- Fire alarm and security systems maintain safety standards
- Backup electricity prevents lost rental income during outages
6. The Risks: What Could Go Wrong
No investment comes without risks. Diamond Bay Garden depends on Cambodia’s economic growth continuing. If Phnom Penh development slows down, rental demand could drop. The modern condo market also faces increasing competition from new projects.
Angkor Grace Residence relies heavily on international tourism. COVID-19 showed how quickly travel can stop. The Siem Reap market has fewer backup options if tourism drops again.
Both properties face currency risk since Cambodia uses US dollars. Political changes could affect foreign ownership rules. However, Cambodia’s government actively encourages foreign investment in real estate.
Market oversupply poses the biggest long-term risk. Too many new condos could hurt rental rates and resale values. Research shows Phnom Penh has more supply risk than Siem Reap due to rapid construction.
7. Making Your Choice: Head vs Heart
Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap represents two different Cambodia investment stories.
Choose Diamond Bay Garden if you want:
- Maximum rental returns (8% guaranteed)
- Urban convenience and modern amenities
- Exposure to Cambodia’s economic growth
- Easy property management through Somerset by Ascott
- Pool views and city views from a luxury tower
Choose Angkor Grace Residence if you prefer:
- Investment opportunity with personal use benefits
- Connection to Cambodia’s cultural heritage
- Peaceful garden views and wellness lifestyle
- Serviced property with resort-style amenities
- Tourism industry exposure through the leaseback program
Both properties offer bank loans available and promotional discounts. Foreign buyers get the same financing options as locals in most cases.
Final Thoughts: Which Property Wins?
After studying Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh VS Angkor Grace Residence Siem Reap, I believe both properties work for different people. Diamond Bay Garden suits investors who want maximum returns and city excitement. Angkor Grace Residence appeals to those who value lifestyle and cultural connection.
My personal advice? Visit both locations before deciding. Phnom Penh’s energy either energizes you or exhausts you. Siem Reap’s calm either relaxes you or bores you. Your gut reaction during the visit often proves more accurate than spreadsheet analysis.
Action Steps for Buyers:
- Contact DaBest Properties for current pricing and availability
- Review financing options and payment plans for both properties
- Schedule site visits to experience each location personally
- Consider your 10-year investment goals and lifestyle preferences
Next Steps:
- Explore more Condos for Sale in Phnom Penh options
- Compare with other luxury developments in Cambodia
- Speak with current owners about their experiences
Additional Resources:
Learn more about Cambodia’s real estate market and investment opportunities.
- DaBest Properties YouTube Channel – Video tours and market updates
- Angkor Grace Siem Reap Property Listings – Current available units and pricing
- Diamond Bay Garden vs The Pinnacle Residence Comparison – Alternative Phnom Penh options
These resources provide deeper insights into Cambodia’s growing property market and investment opportunities.
