Sports and party bar
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.
Nightlife Guide
Cambodia Nightlife Guide 2026
Discover the best bars, clubs, and evening entertainment in Cambodia.
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.
Nightlife Overview
Scene
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.
Peak Hours
Bars fill up from 8PM, peak crowds 10PM-1AM, clubs run until 3-5AM
Dress Code
Smart casual for most venues; nightclubs may require closed-toed shoes. Very relaxed standards overall.
Average Drink
Beer: $0.50-1 (draft Anchor at Pub Street); $2-4 (imported/craft); Cocktail: $4-8 (tourist bars); $8-15 (cocktail lounges); $15-20 (luxury hotel bars)
Important Note
Most bars close at 2AM; nightclubs in Phnom Penh often continue until 4-5AM. Cambodia's nightlife scene varies greatly in quality — stick to well-reviewed venues on main tourist streets for safety.
Nightlife by Neighborhood
Find the vibe that suits you.
Pub Street (Siem Reap)
Lively tourist district
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)
Relaxed river views and cocktails
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)
Upscale expat and local bar district
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)
Late-night clubs and live music
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
Complete Nightlife Guide
Insider tips, venue recommendations, and safety advice.
Best Bars
Top spots for drinks and socializing.
Cocktail lounge
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.
Heritage hotel bar
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.
Sky bar
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.
Craft beer bar
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.
Clubs & Dancing
Where to dance the night away.
EDM, hip-hop, house
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.
Varied — rock, pop, dance
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.
Electronic, EDM, techno
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.
Evening Entertainment
Beyond bars and clubs.
Culture
Live Music & Performance
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.
Dining
Late Night Dining
Friends Restaurant (Street 13, Phnom Penh) until 11PM; Pub Street food stalls until midnight; Boat Noodle Riverside until 11:30PM
Social
Shisha/Hookah Lounges
Several bars around Siem Reap's Night Market area offer shisha from $5-10. Limited options in Phnom Penh compared to Bangkok or Bangkok.
Views
Rooftop Venues
Sky Bar at Rosewood Phnom Penh (36th floor), Lennon Bar at Rosewood, rooftop of FCC Phnom Penh, Templation Hotel rooftop Siem Reap
Nightlife Tips & Safety
Stay safe and make the most of your evenings.
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.
Safety Reminders
- Never accept drinks from strangers
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts saved
- Tell someone where you're going
- Be cautious in unfamiliar areas late at night
- Respect local customs and dress codes
Experience Cambodia After Dark
Get our complete nightlife guide with venue reviews, safety tips, and insider recommendations.
Download Nightlife Guide