Tourism is essential to good business in a country, and the nightlife scene is part of this. Cambodia is not known for heavy partying and nightlife. In fact, when tourists think of Cambodia, the first thing that pops into their minds are temples, backpacking, shopping, and food - basically a serene and peaceful place, perfect to live out your retirement.
Who would’ve thought that Cambodia has one of the busiest and interesting nightlife in Asia?
There are many KTV, night clubs, pubs, lounges, and specialty bars in the cities, definitely not like how they were decades ago. These establishments are not much different from those in their neighbouring countries, but it does have an exciting after hour vibe. What makes Cambodia’s nightlife unique is how every bar is situated near a market, in the middle of the city, or right beside a tourist spot. The options are endless, and these places are very accessible.
Here are some establishments around Phnom Penn and Siem Reap that you can bask into when you visit the country.
PHNOM PENH
Bassac Lane
A vibrant alley that is home to an attractive collection of bars, diners, and restaurants. This place is a great way to feel the hip crowd of the city. Bassac Lane also houses several gift shops, home ware shops, antique shops, and artisanal stores. Once in the area, don’t forget to stop by at Harry’s for a vintage vibe or at Hangar 44 if you are more into motorbikes.
Location: Bassac Lane, 12000 Phnom Penh Street 308
Opening Hours: 5pm-12am Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm on Mondays
Club Love
Club Love boasts itself of international DJs. This place offers a wide-range of music genre from hop-hop, pop, house to EDM. They have different DJs every night and are crowded on weekends for special events. What’s most wonderful about this place would be the cheap drinks. This is considered a casual nightclub and is frequented by backpackers, expats, and yuppies. Happy hour is from 11pm-12am
Location: #3 Street 278 above Duplex Restaurant
Opening Hours: 11pm-4am/7 nights a week
Pontoon
A known bar in Phnom Penh, Pontoon has a very spacious dancefloor and island bars, and an array of lounges and sofas where you can relax after a night of dancing. They also have special events depending on what day of the week. Pontoon is very heavy on hip hop music and themed events. Wednesdays at Pontoon would be Hip-Hop Dance Battle. This place attracts a mix of locals from yuppies to millennials and travellers. You just must pay an entrance fee (it comes with one drink) on weekends and special events.
Location: 80, Street 172, Phnom Penh
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday and Sunday 9pm-4am, Friday-Saturday 9pm-5am
Eclipse Sky Bar
Eclipse Sky Bar is known as the highest rooftop bar and restaurant in Phnom Penh. The venue features an al fresco vibe, meaning fully open air, so it is not advisable to hangout here during wet season. This is a very popular hangout spot amidst the wealthy locals and expats community. Drinks served here are a bit pricey, but it will surely make up for the view and ambiance of the place. If you want to drop by or hang out, the best time to visit is during sunset and at night.
Location: 22nd Floor Phnom Penh Tower, #445, Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Boeung Pralit, Khan 7 Makara
Opening Hours: 5pm-2am
Blue Chilli
Blue Chilli is already a Phnom Penh institution. It is known to be the longest running gay bar in Cambodia. It is one of the LGBT community’s favourite hangout in Phnom Penh. Blue Chilli is open every night, but they are best known for their drag shows from Wednesdays until Saturdays. You can come in early to enjoy their happy hour daily, from 5pm-8pm.
Location: #36Eo, Street 178, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Opening Hours: 5pm-2am
Sundown Social Club
Another rooftop bar in Phnom Penh is Sundown Social Club. It has that LA vibe that attracts the younger crowd. Although smaller compared to other rooftop bars, Sundown Social Club has that intimate and warm feel that allows customers to stay longer and to relax.
Location: #36Eo, Street 178, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm Monday-Sunday
SIEM REAP
Pub Street
This is the nightlife hub of Siem Reap. Pub Street is Siem Reap’s answer to Phnom Penh’s Bassac Lane, but bigger. Here you will find plenty of bars, clubs, restaurants, and pubs that cater to your preference. It is near Angkor Night Market. This street is very popular to backpackers and budget conscious travellers. Pub Street is ideal for those who like to bar hop and mingle. Also, the street is closed to vehicle from 5pm onwards.
Location: Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap
Opening Hours: 5pm onwards
Picasso Bar
A bar in Pub Street, Picasso Bar is a charming, stylish modern bar with a quaint appeal. It has that NYC feel because of the interior. It is frequented by expats and tourists. The space may be small, but the atmosphere is very friendly and intimate.
Location: Alley West (Pub Street) Siem Reap
Opening Hours: 1pm-2am Monday- Wednesday and Sunday, 1pm-3am Thursday-Saturday
Long’s Bar
Considered as one of the hidden gems of Siem Reap’s nightlife, Long’s Bar is just behind Pub Street. It is a great way to relax and enjoy the night, away from the chaos of Pub Street. They offer a wide selection of unique house cocktail mixes to your liking. Also, it is the only smoke-free bar in Siem Reap!
Location: Dong Hem Street Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meachney, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 5pm-1am Monday- Saturday
Island Bar
Island Bar stands out with its enormous cone-shaped roof, where in traditional Cambodian culture and design, are fused stylish modern feel. The interior and ambiance are very relaxing that you would almost forget that you are in a market at the centre of the town. It feels like you’re in an island beach resort. They also offer very reasonable prices. Happy hour runs from 4pm-8pm.
Location: Alley West (Pub Street) Siem Reap Angkor Night Market St. Siem Reap
Opening Hours: 41pm-11:302pam Monday-- Wednesday and Sunday, 1pm-3am Thursday-Saturday
Miss Wong’s
Another Pub Street Staple, Miss Wong’s opened its door in 2008. Easily the most atmospheric and seductive bar in Siem Reap, this pub has a lavish Chinese design that is very reminiscent of 1920’s Shanghai. It is perfect for a relaxed drinking session and for an intimate get together or even for a date. It is owned by Dean Williams, an award-winning radio journalist from New Zealand.
Location: The Lane, Siem Reap
Opening Hours: 6pm-1am Monday-Sunday
Top Banana Bar
More than just a hostel, Top Banana Bar is the go-to place for backpacker and travellers from around the world. It sits right at the centre of the city, offering a fun and friendly environment to everyone. Top Banana Bar has become one of the most popular places to party for travellers and expats alike to spend their free time. They have an affordable menu for everyone to enjoy. They serve happy hour from 4pm-8pm
Location: #9E0 Corner of Street 278 @ Street 51
Opening Hours: 7am-1am Monday-Sunday
The Republic, Bar and Restaurant
Opened last 2017, The Republic offers a unique menu of cocktails and food. They have DJs every weekend, and they even have regular movie screenings. The Republic is also known for their live artist performances, and they mount events that are truly memorable and exciting.
Location: #0123 Group 4, Sala Kamreuk Road Wat Damnak Village, Salakamreuk Commune, Siem Reap
Opening Hours: 7am-12am Monday-Sunday