Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Cambodia has two distinct nightlife capitals: Siem Reap's Pub Street district offers a lively tourist-friendly bar scene in a compact pedestrian area, while Phnom Penh has a more diverse and sophisticated scene ranging from riverside rooftop bars to local music venues and late-night clubs.
Lively and welcoming — Cambodia's nightlife is energetic and affordable. Siem Reap centers on the pedestrianized Pub Street area with dozens of bars within walking distance. Phnom Penh spreads across BKK1, Riverside, and Street 278 with a mix of cocktail bars, live music venues, and clubs.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Pub Street (Siem Reap)
Siem Reap's famous pedestrianized bar and restaurant street lit with neon signs, live music spilling from every doorway, and tourists mingling over $0.50 Anchor beer. The surrounding streets extend the area with quieter cocktail bars.
Best for: Budget drinking, meeting travelers, street food, live music
Riverside (Phnom Penh)
Phnom Penh's Sisowath Quay riverside promenade lined with bars, restaurants, and cafés with views over the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers. Mix of backpacker bars, upscale cocktail spots, and rooftop terraces.
Best for: Sunset cocktails, river views, and relaxed early evening drinks
BKK1 (Phnom Penh)
Phnom Penh's trendiest neighborhood centered on Streets 278, 57, and 51 with craft cocktail bars, wine bars, rooftop venues, and sophisticated dining options. The most vibrant nightlife for adults who prefer quality over price.
Best for: Craft cocktails, sophisticated bars, wine, and upscale nightlife
Street 51 (Phnom Penh)
Known as the nightclub corridor of Phnom Penh, Street 51 and surroundings host Cambodia's most energetic late-night clubs with live DJs, dancing, and an electric mix of locals and expats.
Best for: Dancing, clubs, and late-night entertainment
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Temple Bar
One of Pub Street's most iconic bars with three floors, live music, and a raucous atmosphere. Draft Anchor beer for $0.50 makes it the go-to pre-drinks spot for Siem Reap backpackers.
Known for: Cheap beer ($0.50 draft Anchor) and party atmosphere
Miss Wong
An intimate and stylish cocktail bar off Pub Street with a 1920s Shanghai speakeasy aesthetic. Outstanding cocktails, dim candlelight, and jazz music make it Siem Reap's most atmospheric drinking spot.
Known for: Classic cocktails and 1920s Shanghai ambiance
The Elephant Bar at Raffles
The legendary bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor where writers and explorers have drunk since the 1930s. The signature Femme Fatale cocktail is a Siem Reap institution served in beautiful colonial surroundings.
Known for: Classic tropical cocktails in colonial luxury
Lennon Bar at Rosewood
The 36th-floor bar at Rosewood Phnom Penh offers Cambodia's most spectacular drinking experience. Craft cocktails and fine spirits with panoramic views over Phnom Penh's skyline and the Mekong River.
Known for: Panoramic rooftop cocktails above Phnom Penh
Hop Haus Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's leading craft beer bar featuring Cambodian microbrewery beers alongside regional Asian craft ales. The knowledgeable bar team and relaxed BKK1 setting attract beer enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Known for: Local Cambodian craft beers and IPAs
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Pontoon Club
Phnom Penh's most famous nightclub on a floating pontoon on the Tonlé Sap River. International DJs and resident performers, multiple bars, and the unique experience of dancing on the water.
Cover: $5-10
Hours: 10PM-5AM Friday-Saturday
Heart of Darkness
Phnom Penh's longest-running expat club on Street 51 with two floors, pool table, and an eclectic crowd. Known for a mixed local/expat atmosphere and reliable late-night fun without pretension.
Cover: Free
Hours: 8PM-4AM daily
Savage Garden
Siem Reap's most serious nightclub featuring local and international DJs in a purpose-built venue near the Night Market. Higher production values than typical tourist bars with serious sound system.
Cover: $8-15
Hours: 11PM-5AM Thursday-Sunday
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap combines acrobatics, music, and dance — world-class entertainment. Live music at Temple Bar and various Pub Street venues nightly.
Late dining
Friends Restaurant (Street 13, Phnom Penh) until 11PM; Pub Street food stalls until midnight; Boat Noodle Riverside until 11:30PM
Shisha
Several bars around Siem Reap's Night Market area offer shisha from $5-10. Limited options in Phnom Penh compared to Bangkok or Bangkok.
Rooftop
Sky Bar at Rosewood Phnom Penh (36th floor), Lennon Bar at Rosewood, rooftop of FCC Phnom Penh, Templation Hotel rooftop Siem Reap
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Draft Anchor beer for $0.50-1 is ubiquitous — it's Cambodia's great travel bargain. Drink it cold and fresh rather than letting it warm.
Use Grab or PassApp rideshare apps after a night out — never hail unlicensed tuk-tuks after midnight in Phnom Penh.
Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap is the single best evening entertainment in Cambodia — book tickets in advance November to February.
Pace yourself in the tropical heat — alcohol dehydrates much faster in Cambodia's humidity, especially in the dry hot season.