Did you know that Cambodia really comes alive after sundown? After your day sightseeing tour of mystic temples and ancient palaces, do not retire into your hotel room. Hit the many nightclubs, bars, pubs, casinos, and other lively joints, and feel the buzzing nightlife in Cambodia.
You can swing to the stimulating beats of techno or hip-hop, or spend some beautiful moments with your loved one over a romantic dinner. If you are a food connoisseur, you may take a trip down the local streets and check out the outstanding street food. Or you may travel down history watching a mesmerizing Khmer dance performance depicting old tales of royal personages.
Even if you are traveling with family, you can find entertainment in Cambodia nightlife. Shadow theatres and puppet shows are notable performing arts in Cambodia. They let the guests try their hands at the shadow puppets.
Although Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are the hubs of the nighttime parties in Cambodia, the other cities also feature sparkling night scenes. Catering to every budget and taste, the eateries, bars, and casinos will spoil you for choice. And while in town, do not miss a stroll along with the night markets, picking up decorative craft items and clothing at a bargain price.
1. Pontoon Club: Featuring a different theme every night from a wild mix of hip-hop, techno, dubstep, and deep house, this is one of the most amazing destinations of Cambodia nightlife.
The spacious dance floor does not make you feel jostled around, even when the place gets crowded. The ample seating space lets you rest nurturing a drink after a vigorous bout of dancing. On Wednesday nights, you can also catch a fascinating cabaret and live drag show called Shameless.
Timings: 10pm – 5am.
2. Cadillac Bar & Manhattan Lounge: This bar cum restaurant provides a laid back setting playing music from the '60s and serving homemade comfort food including pot pie, Texas chili, gumbo, meatloaf, lasagna, roast beef, and much more.
At the bar, you can get ciders, mojitos, cocktails, chilled craft beers of unusual varieties, and many other drink varieties. Head out to this place if you want to spend some relaxed moments with a good dinner at affordable prices.
Timings: 7am – 12am.
3. Candy Bar: Do you want to experience nightlife in Cambodia but wish to enjoy a good conversation without having to shout loud music? Then this is the place to be.
This air-conditioned sports bar generates a relaxed atmosphere with cushioned seating arrangements, hip-hop, and rock music, and live DJ events on Saturdays. You can enjoy live sports feeds while playing pool and other entertaining games and satiate your appetite with burgers, pizzas, Thai, and Khmer food choices.
Timings: Open 24 hours daily.
4. Club Love: At this inexpensive nightspot in Phnom Penh, you can dig into appetizing Khmer and western fare before dancing through the night with hip-hop, pop, house, trap, and other peppy numbers.
The high-energy ambiance is further enlivened with free shots throughout the night. Arrive between 11 pm and midnight to catch the happy hours serving drinks at low prices. Women can enjoy fantastic deals on their drinks and free welcome shots every Wednesday night.
Timings: 9pm – 4am.
5. Eclipse Sky Bar: Renowned as the highest rooftop bar cum restaurant in Phnom Penh, this open-air eatery on the 23rd floor offers breathtaking views of the city skyline through its glass panels.
If you are looking for an elite venue to enjoy Cambodia nightlife, visit this award-winning restrobar. Enjoy a glorious sunset sipping into refreshing drinks. Enjoy some chilled-out moments with friends and loved ones with live performances lending vibrant energy to the ambiance.
Timings: Open 24 hours.
6. Heart Of Darkness: The rustic-style interiors decked with temple-style sculptures lend a Khmer feel to this club-style bar. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is fun, with the psychedelic club lighting creating the perfect mood to party.
You can choose to dance the night away with heartbeat-rousing music by local DJs. Or you may indulge in a challenging game of snooker with friends, as the waiters serve your favorite drinks at the snooker table.
Timings: 9 pm - dawn.
7. Le Moon Rooftop: This riverside skybar offers enchanting views of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and innovative cocktails that you will not find anywhere else. The refreshing river breeze blowing over the terrace sets the mood for the perfect night out.
A delicious meal of steaks, sirloins, tenderloins, and chicken wings adds to the evening's pleasures. If you want to ensure a seat overlooking the river and quay, you can book your table in advance.
Timings: 5pm – 11pm.
8. Soul Train Reggae Bar: Located in the popular Pub Street, the ultimate party destination for sampling nightlife in Cambodia, the Caribbean setting with soul, reggae, and funk music in this bar will set the mood for romance.
It is the only reggae bar in Siem Reap, although the friendly host lets you request your favorite song. You can enjoy signature cocktails at surprisingly low prices and spend relaxed moments with fun games.
Timings: 5pm - 3am.
9. Bassac Lane: Set in the eclectic Tonle Bassac neighborhood, this small laneway has turned into a sophisticated drinking hub. After shopping at the chic retail destinations along the lane, revive yourself with hipster cocktails, tasty oysters and shrimp crackers, and other delicacies.
Featuring live music bands and western expat vibes, the bars on the lane showcase different styles and themes, suiting every taste. Red bar, Hanger 44, Cloud, and Harry's are the trendiest spots here.
Timings: 5 pm - 12 am.
10. Le Boutier: A cozy bar with a rooftop seating option Le Boutier serves some of the best original cocktails in town. The prevailing theme is the fusion of Khmer culture with western styles.
Carefully curated '60s music, tailor-made cocktails to entice your palate, and the host's warm hospitality are sure to win your favor. For one hour every evening, you can enjoy substantial discounts on the house cocktails, wine, and beer.
Timings: 12am - 5am, 5pm - 12am.
1. Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC): An ancient French colonial construction houses this landmark in the nightlife in Cambodia, with the bar on the upper floor providing an excellent riverfront view. This select club serves exclusive cocktails, draft beer, and a wide range of western and Asian dishes.
2. Riverhouse Lounge: One of the oldest nightclubs in Phnom Penh, the Riverhouse sprawls across two floors. The upstairs lounge provides a vibrant nightlife experience featuring live DJs, serving several options in cocktails and drinks at pocket-friendly prices.
3. Rubies Wine Bar: Offering some of the world's best wines, the soothing music, elegant décor, mouth watering food, and prices that fit every budget draw in throngs of repeat customers.
4. Mezze: Enjoy superior electronic music, blasting at a volume that gets your heart thumping and foot tapping. Club this with delicious tapas and the exotic flavors of the signature cocktails, and you get to experience the best nightlife in Cambodia.
5. Rory's Irish Pub: Providing an impressive menu of Irish food and drinks, this pub in Cambodia's capital city attracts locals and tourists alike throughout the week. Apart from authentic Irish whiskey, you can delight your taste buds with Irish stew, beef, fish, and chips.
Yes, Cambodia is safe at night. Stay alert as you usually would while traveling anywhere at night. Stick to busy areas, and do not walk around alone. Try to travel via public transportation in groups. Use ATMs at guarded spots, don't leave your drink unattended and avoid flashing your valuables in public.
1. Siem Reap: Feel the pulse of Cambodia nightlife at Pub Street, catch a drink and enjoy a sumptuous meal without burning a hole in your pocket, or buy an exotic souvenir at the night market. Home to numerous celebrated bars and pubs like Angkor Wat Bar, Temple Club, and Red Piano, Siem Reap parties well into the dawn.
2. Phnom Penh: If you want to savor the best nightlife in Cambodia, take a tuk tuk and explore the night hotspots scattered across this beachside city. The prices are more reasonable than Thailand, but the experiences are on par with Bangkok.
3. Sihanoukville: Famous for its casinos and seafood, this seaside town is also the ultimate beach party destination. La Rhumerie is a notable rum bar serving innovative flavors like espresso-infused rum, while JJ's Playground finds favor with lovers of loud techno music and pyrotechnics.
4. Koh Rong: The monthly Full Moon Party on Police Beach is the highlight of this stunning island famous for its relaxed vibe and roaring nightlife.
5. Poipet: From karaoke bars to casinos, you can find innumerable ways to unwind at this western Cambodia destination. Some famous casinos include the Great Diamond City Hotel and Casino and Tropicana Casino Resort, open 24X7.
1. Take a street food tour: Get acquainted with the local culture and taste outstanding Thai food like rice-filled crabs in papaya salad, fish with mango sauce, freshwater prawns, and more, with a local guide to take you to the choicest destinations. You can also learn the ropes of preparing such delicacies.
2. Watch traditional Khmer Apsara Dance: Glimpse into Cambodia's ethnic traditions with an electrifying classical-dance performance narrating stories from mythology through riveting costumes and soul-stirring music.
3. Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise: Create memorable moments with the special person of your life enjoying the glittering cityscape floating along Mekong River, biting into scrumptious Cambodian or Western dishes.
1. Sport Bar: Entertaining visitors with a wide variety of music like rock, hip-hop, classics, and more, this open-air bar cum restaurant remains open 24X7. Flavorful drinks and delicious dishes like spaghetti, sandwiches, and several non-vegetarian main courses cater to every guest's preferences.
2. Armands: Open until late night every day, this French bistro is the ideal place for a romantic night out with the juiciest lamb cutlets and wines imported from South France.
3. Banana Leaf: Along with Asian and Cambodian cuisine, you can also order American food at this restaurant, a favorite joint for late diners.
Tuk tuks, or two-wheeled carriages pulled by motorbikes, are the most popular public transports for exploring Cambodia nightlife. You may have to bargain heavily for a reasonable price and look out for inebriated drivers if the hour is late. Hiring a taxi through your hotel's travel desk can be a better option.
1. Angkor night market: The country's first night market includes more than 200 shops that remain open until midnight, some of which you should not miss, like Sala House, Kroma House, Coco House, and Brick House.
You can take your pick from Khmer artifacts and handicrafts, eat a hearty meal of local and western delicacies, and enjoy refreshing beer, cocktails, and smoothies, accompanied by live performances.
2. Phnom Penh night market: This night market is popular for clothes, accessories, Cambodian handicrafts, and curios, available at low prices. You can take back home collection-worthy souvenirs from the chic outlets like Kravan House, Wanderlust, Mulberry Boutique, Silk & Pepper, and more.