Cambodia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It's not only famous for the magnificent Angkor temples but also for its vibrant and bustling nightlife. Besides many fancy bars and clubs, visitors can also explore night markets and enjoy street food. Offering a wide range of activities, Cambodia’s nightlife is both lively and diverse, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the night.
The nightlife in Cambodia is lively and diverse. (Source: TravelMag)
Chic night spot is often used to refer to luxurious, trendy, and attractive nightlife venues. These places often have beautifully designed spaces, vibrant music, quality drinks, and cuisine that attract young people and those who love trendy nightlife.
If you’re looking for the best nightlife in Cambodia, take a look at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These two largest cities are particularly known for their many popular riverside entertainment spots, attracting countless tourists. These two cities also have some of the best bars and clubs in the country.
Pub Street in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Source: Gadt Travel)
Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. Nightlife in Phnom Penh is thriving and booming. This energetic city keeps the party going late into the night in hidden lounges and on breezy rooftop bars. Phnom Penh has everything you need, whether you want to dance the night away with your friends, have a quiet conversation with locals over a cheap beer, or both. Here are some chic night spots you should visit when you come to this city.
Location: 6th floor, No. 10, Street 282, BKK1, Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh
Opening hours: 5.30 PM - 11 PM
As a chic, modern, and charming rooftop bar with a modern lounge space, Lantern Rooftop Bar is considered one of the most famous bars in Phnom Penh. Not only does it serve classic cocktails with a local twist, it also attracts customers with a variety of substantial meals with the unique taste of Cambodia.
Lantern Rooftop Bar, one of the most famous bars in Phnom Penh. (Source: Baitong Hotel)
The design of the bar is inspired by lanterns, blending light and shadow. With the soft glow of the electric lighting system, the area becomes a private retreat as the night falls. Together with the breathtaking city view, this place will definitely bring visitors memorable experiences.
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Location: No. 17, street 228 Phnom Penh
Opening hours: 11 AM - 1 AM
Hops Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant is a centrally located craft beer brewery with a beer garden, restaurants throughout Phnom Penh, private rooms, terraces, and a sports bar with billiard tables and electronic darts. This is Cambodia’s first independent international craft beer brewery and beer garden, crafting beer in line with 500-year-old German purity law. Hops committed to using only water, malt, hops, and yeast to create the most natural and pure beer in Cambodia.
A corner of Hops. (Source: HopsCambodia)
At Hops, besides premium beers, the restaurant also offers a range of selected German, international, and Asian specialities; prepared by a German chef.
Location: Ground Level, NagaWorld 1, Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Phnom Penh
Opening hours: 1 PM - 1 AM
If you're looking for a luxurious, spacious, and impressive space from the first moment, The Vimean is definitely the place to go. Located on the ground floor of NagaWorld, a 5-star hotel and the only luxury premium casino in Cambodia, The Vimean is especially suitable for private dates. The design here is eye-catching, with a stunningly decorated bar area and a chandelier centerpiece.
Experience a lavish and high-class atmosphere at The Vimean. (Source: The Vimean)
Coming to The Vimean, enjoy special cocktails made by on-site mixologists, with the main ingredients being Japanese whiskies, Champagne, wine, spirits, beers, cigars, and more.
Location: No. 55, Street 178, Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh
Opening hours: 5 PM - 12 AM
Situated on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, a 5-star hotel in colonial style, The Attic has been voted the best bar in the Kingdom. It is identified by its elegant yet vintage speakeasy-style decor.
The Attic stands out with its elegant and classy decor. (Source: TripAdvisor)
The Attic hosts exciting nighttime events such as Argentinian Night, Oysters & Bubbles, and Jazz Nights. With a comfortable atmosphere, seating, and specially crafted cocktails, The Attic ensures every experience is memorable for each guest.
Location: 23rd Floor, Phnom Penh Tower
Opening hours: 5 PM - 2 AM
Eclipse Sky Bar, located on the 23rd floor of Phnom Penh Tower, is known as the tallest rooftop bar in Cambodia. It has won the award for the best sky bar in 2014. Covered with glass panels, this bar gives a 360-panoramic view of the city and also gives a view of the Independent Monument, the Royal Palace, and the confluence of the Mekong and Bassac Rivers.
Enjoy a paranomic view of Phnom Penh from the tallest rooftop bar in Cambodia. (Source: Bite A Map)
Eclipse Sky Bar is open nightly and is a great place to enjoy happy hour drinks and a beautiful sunset. Every night, live bands will perform, and on special occasions, international DJs will spin records.
Siem Reap is the second-largest city of Cambodia and one of the top-chosen by travelers. While Siem Reap may not be as exotic as Phnom Penh, it still offers some of the best experiences. Once the sun sets, this city transforms into a party paradise. With countless bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from, both locals and tourists can enjoy the nightlife until the early hours of the morning. Here are some recommendations for you to try:
Location: Grand Lobby Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap
Opening hours: 4 PM - 11:45 PM
Elephant Bar, the most well-known bar in Siem Reap, is a tribute to classic sophistication and grace. Visitors will be amazed by the bar's extensive collection of whiskies and bourbons, the largest in Cambodia.
Elephant Bar, the most well-known bar in Siem Reap. (Source: Raffles Hotels)
In Elephant Bar, the drink selection is broad, with many kinds of special and all-day cocktails. Enjoying a drink while admiring the lithographs depicting ancient Angkor and Cambodian life is definitely a must-try.
Location: 2 Thnou Street, Old Market Area, Siem Reap
Opening hours: 6 PM - 1 AM
The Menaka Speakeasy Lounge, hidden away behind a coffee shop, is the best place for craft cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere, and an exciting night out for both tourists and locals. Despite its intimate size, the lounge offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with soft, dark flame lighting.
The Menaka offers a cozy space for intimate meetings. (Source: Asia Bars and Restaurants)
Beyond its cozy ambiance, The Menaka is renowned for its unique cocktails inspired by Angkor, Sangkum, and the Great Era, which are sure to pique your curiosity.
Location: Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap
Opening hours: 3 PM - 10 PM
Another excellent option for a sophisticated evening is "The Living Room" at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap, which has a chic atmosphere with modern Cambodian art, comfy seating, and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
The Living Room is an ideal place for a chic atmosphere. (Source: Park Hyatt Siem Reap)
The menu offers fine dining dishes as well as unique cocktails created with local flavors. It is the ideal place for a relaxed evening or a hangout with friends because of the friendly service and convenient location.
Location: Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap
Opening hours: 3 PM - 12 AM
Scribe Bar in Siem Reap is a popular cocktail spot with a hidden, speakeasy feel. It’s located near the busy Pub Street but offers a quieter and more relaxed vibe than the other bars in the area. The bar is known for its creative cocktails made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients.
Come to Scribe Bar for a relaxing evening. (Source: TripAdvisor)
The decor is simple but stylish, with dim lighting and comfy seating, making it a cozy place to hang out. The bartenders are skilled and love talking about the drinks they make. It’s a great place for those who enjoy well-made cocktails and prefer a calm, more refined night out in Siem Reap.
Location: 26 Street, Siem Reap
Opening hours: 6 PM - 12 AM
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar is an intimate cocktail bar with strong Chinese influence. The atmosphere of the bar is gentle and comfortable, with beautiful decorations.
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar is a hidden treasure in Siem Reap. (Source: misswong.net)
The lounge is known for its well-crafted cocktails and Chinese-inspired food, made with quality ingredients and care. Here, after a long day of sightseeing, guests can unwind in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere thanks to the staff's friendliness, efficiency, and warmth.
Be vigilant: While Cambodia is generally a peaceful and safe country, there are always potential risks. Be extremely cautious of your drinks.
Choose the right bar: There is a wide variety of bars to choose from. If you're not familiar with the nightlife scene, take your time to select a bar that suits your preferences and budget. Look for bars with positive reviews and reasonable prices.
Follow these tips for a perfect night out. (Source: Weekend Weekly)
Learn basic bar terminology: Familiarize yourself with common drink terms like "neat" (straight up, no ice), "on the rocks" (with ice), "soda out" (soda is added last in a cocktail), "base" (the spirit used in a cocktail), and "virgin" (mocktail, no alcohol). You can also ask the bartender for recommendations.
Never drink and drive: If you're renting a vehicle in Cambodia, strictly avoid driving after consuming alcohol. Doing so can have severe consequences for yourself and others.
Beyond the ancient architecture, Cambodia also offers a diverse nightlife that is sure to excite any visitor. From trendy bars with modern music to traditional pubs offering a cozy atmosphere, the Land of the Temples is always ready to welcome those seeking unique and unforgettable experiences. Come and discover a whole new side of this fascinating country.
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