Join Asia King Travel as we embark on an adventure to uncover Pub Street, a vibrant and bustling place that has captured the hearts of party enthusiasts and tourists alike visiting Cambodia.

Explore Pub Street, Siem Reap

The magnificent city of Siem Reap is known for its rich cultural heritage, with its most famous attraction being the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex. But beyond its historic attractions, Siem Reap is alive with energy, best captured by its bustling Pub Street. Here, amid the vibrant markets and ancient charm of the city, lies the hive full of partying and dancing, where visitors and locals alike come to immerse themselves in the spirit of Siem Reap's nightlife and cuisine.

About Pub Street

Pub Street is situated in the center of the city, close to the Old Market and the lovely Siem Reap River. Pub Street, officially known as "Street 8," is the hub of activity when night falls in Siem Reap. The street is a 100-meter length of road that is lined with neon-lit bars, restaurants, clubs, and street vendors. It begins at the Red Piano Restaurant and ends at the Banana Leaf Restaurant. Here, locals and travelers gather together to revel in the lively atmosphere and vibrant energy that Pub Street has to offer. Many places there are open 24/7 but around 7 P.M., the place really starts to come alive.

History of Pub Street

Located in the center of the city on a narrow dirt lane, the now-famous Pub Street was once only just three restaurants. The first club to operate on the street was the Angkor WHAT? Bar in 1998. The Red Piano Restaurant and the already-closed "Singaporean Asian Rooftop" restaurant then followed, opening in August 2000. Not too long later, more famous Pub Street landmarks like Temple Club and Le Tigre de Papier were completed.

But the streets back then were shabby and plagued by rodents, until it was eventually renovated and made into a nicer road in 2005. Then after Siem Reap became more popular among tourists after the hit movie “Tomb Raider” was filmed in the city, and the street attracted more and more visitors in the process, the name "Pub Street" was formally coined around 2008. The two parallel lanes known as "The Lane" (placed north of Pub Street) and "The Passage" (located south of Pub Street) are currently the hub of nightlife activity.

Angkor WHAT? Bar

How to get to Pub Street

• By Tuk-Tuks:

The most common way to travel to tourist sites in Cambodia, Tuk-Tuks can take you to your destination. Pub Street is located in the heart of Siem Reap, so it’s well-known to all tuk-tuk drivers. Most tuk-tuk rides only cost a few bucks, unless you're staying far out of town

• By Walking:

If you’re staying nearby, you can also walk there to save costs. To ask for directions, just saying "Pub Street" to someone while you're walking can quickly get you pointed in the correct direction. You may also get the best directions to Pub Street from your hotel or guest house. Additionally, you can just use Google Maps to know the directions leading to Pub Street.

Where to Eat in Pub Street

Whether you want to taste some exotic food or just have some familiar, comfort food from your home, you can find every bit of cuisine on Pub Street. Just take a stroll across the street and gaze upon the countless restaurants and food stalls around you, you are bound to find something that suits your palette. There are many famous restaurants that you can choose from, including:

• The Red Piano:

Located at the corner of Pub Street, this popular spot is also one the oldest in the area. This place is also said to be Angelina Jolie’s favorite hangout when she was filming the blockbuster “Tomb Raider”. In fact, one of their item on the menu is the infamous Tomb Raider Cocktail!

• The Banana Leaf:

This was one of the first establishments to open on the opposite end of Pub Street. It is popular among tourists because of its years of experience, live music, and delicious food.

• Le Tigre de Papier:

Another one of the “founding members” of Pub Street, it features a large menu with options for Western, Asian, and Khmer food. There are two places to sit: one in the lane at the back and one right on Pub Street itself.

The Red Piano Restaurant

Additionally, if you’re looking for something more inexpensive, you can also try out many of the street food stalls in the vicinity. Among many of the street foods you can encounter are fried ice cream, kebabs, noodles, fruit shake stands, and fried scorpions and spiders, just to name a few. You can also try out Cambodian BBQ, also known as "Sach Ang Phnom Pleung" or "Fire Mountain BBQ," for a really authentic experience. This meal consists of a BBQ apparatus shaped like a mountain of lava, along with unusual meats to grill, such as frog, snake, and crocodile.

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What to do while visiting Pub Street

In addition to trying out the cuisine, there are also many activities for you to try when visiting Pub Street. After all, this is a place where people hang out and dwell in the excitement.

• Experience the nightlife:

Pub Street comes alive with the throbbing rhythms of music and revelers' laughter as the sun sets. You can explore the numerous bars and clubs lining the street, where there are live music, DJ sets, and refreshing cocktails late into the night. A great night in Siem Reap comes to a finish at the "Temple nightclub." There lies an atmosphere with popular dance music, a fog machine, strobe lights that shine constantly, and stages that you can step up on when you're ready to show off your moves to the public.

• Try out fish massage:

When you are full from eating all the local delicacies, try out the unique “fish massage” services available in Pub Street. There are glass aquariums filled to the brim with different-sized fish. Dip your feet into a fishbowl and these fish will simply nibble and feast on the dead skin off of your feet. As bizarre as it sounds, they genuinely perform the trick and will make your feet feel more comfortable. Although the feeling is a little odd at first, you'll quickly get used to it.

• Buy souvenirs:

You can browse the stalls and shops along Pub Street for unique souvenirs and gifts to take home. From handmade crafts and clothing to Cambodian spices and trinkets, you'll find a treasure trove of items to commemorate your visit to Siem Reap.

• Enjoy Street Performances:

Usually on Pub Street, there is a band or two playing traditional Khmer music, or street performers trying to entertain you for donations.

Nightlife on Pub Street

In conclusion, Pub Street in Siem Reap offers a vibrant and diverse array of experiences, from sampling delicious street food to partying in various nightclubs. No matter what you choose to do while visiting here, a visit to Pub Street promises an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, vibrant entertainment, and the warm hospitality of the Cambodian people. Contact us today to find out the best plan if you wish to visit Pub Street or any other sites in Siem Reap.

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