Phnom Penh has a lively and surprisingly diverse pub and bar scene, with everything from traditional-style pubs and relaxed neighbourhood bars to rooftop venues, cocktail lounges, craft beer spots and late-night hangouts. Much of the nightlife is concentrated around the city centre and Riverside area, although great bars can now be found across Phnom Penh.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet pint, somewhere to watch live sport, locally brewed craft beer, a few cocktails or a lively night out, there is plenty of choice. This guide explores the different types of pubs and bars in Phnom Penh and what visitors can expect from the city’s bar scene.
Does Phnom Penh Have a Pub Street?
For international tourists and locals alike, the bustling, family friendly Pub Street is a must-see attraction, and top of the to-do list when visiting Siem Reap! Street 8, next to the Old Market in Siem Reap, started off as a handful of restaurants and has transformed into a pub street that is world-famous! It is undeniable that Pub Street Siem Reap is the center of energy, excitement and nightlife in the city.
While there are hundreds of bars in Phnom Penh the capital city doesn’t really have anything quite like Pub Street in Siem Reap just yet. Every Saturday & Sunday evening – from 18:00 to 23:00 however, the Phnom Penh riverside transforms into a pedestrian zone (called walking street), providing a new addition to the capital’s nightlife.
Riverside Bar Scene
Phnom Penh’s Riverside is one of the city’s best-known areas for drinking, dining and nightlife. Bars are spread along the streets surrounding the riverfront, with everything from relaxed pubs and small local bars to cocktail venues and late-night spots. The area attracts a broad mix of residents, tourists and regular visitors to Cambodia. Its central location also makes the Riverside in Phnom Penh particularly convenient for exploring several different bars on foot in one evening.
Street 172 Bar Vibes
Street 172 is a well-known part of Phnom Penh’s Riverside nightlife area, located just a short walk from the riverfront and close to many of the city’s major tourist attractions. The street and surrounding neighbourhood offer a mixture of bars, pubs, restaurants, cafés and inexpensive accommodation, giving the area a relaxed and accessible feel. It is particularly convenient for visitors who prefer exploring Phnom Penh on foot, with numerous drinking and dining options concentrated within a relatively small area.
Craft Beer Bars
Cambodia has developed a growing craft beer scene, and Phnom Penh is at the centre of it. Alongside familiar international beer brands, drinkers can find locally brewed ales, lagers, IPAs, stouts and more experimental styles produced in Cambodia. Some bars specialise heavily in craft beer, while others offer a smaller selection alongside mainstream beers. Exploring locally brewed beer is also an interesting way for visitors to discover another side of Cambodia’s expanding food and beverage industry.
Themed Bars
Phnom Penh has a growing selection of themed bars offering something beyond the standard bar experience. Themes can be inspired by a particular country or culture, music, décor, entertainment or a specific style of food and drink. Some aim to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional pub, while others build their identity around more unusual concepts. For visitors, themed bars can offer a fun change of pace and provide distinctive surroundings alongside the usual drinks, food and nightlife.
Bassac Lane Bars
Bassac Lane and the surrounding streets have developed into one of Phnom Penh’s bar street areas. Known for compact venues and an intimate atmosphere, the area is particularly popular with people who enjoy moving between several different bars during an evening. Many venues are relatively small, giving the neighbourhood a lively atmosphere when busy. The wider Bassac area also offers restaurants and other nightlife within easy walking distance.
Rooftop Bars
With an increasingly impressive skyline, Phnom Penh has plenty of rooftop bars offering a different perspective on the city. Venues range from casual open-air terraces to sophisticated hotel rooftops with cocktails, food and panoramic views. Sunset is an especially popular time to visit, when temperatures begin to cool and the city lights appear. Rooftop bars can be found throughout central Phnom Penh, with views ranging from the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers to the city skyline.
Sports Bars
Sports bars are an important part of Phnom Penh’s bar scene, particularly among the city’s large international community and visiting travellers. Depending on the venue, customers can watch football, rugby, GAA, Formula 1, boxing, cricket and other major international sporting events. Because Cambodia is several hours ahead of Europe, some matches are shown relatively late at night. For major fixtures, it is worth checking in advance whether a particular venue will be showing the event.
Live Music Bars
Live music is another popular part of Phnom Penh’s nightlife, with bars around the city hosting everything from solo acoustic performers and local bands to rock, blues, jazz and international acts. Some venues feature music every night, while others have performances on selected evenings or at weekends. The programme can change regularly, so it is always worth checking a venue’s social media before heading out. For those who prefer a soundtrack with their drinks, Phnom Penh has plenty to discover. Top tip – for live music check out LengPleng for a full list of events.
Hostess Bars
Hostess bars are part of Phnom Penh’s nightlife scene, particularly in certain areas around the city centre and Riverside. These venues generally operate as regular bars but employ hostesses who socialise with customers, encourage conversation and often receive drinks purchased for them by patrons. The atmosphere and style can vary considerably from one establishment to another. They are primarily adult-oriented venues and may not appeal to everyone, but visitors exploring Phnom Penh nightlife are likely to encounter them in some of the city’s busier late-night areas.
Best Bar in Phnom Penh
What is the best bar in Phnom Penh? With such a varied bar scene, there really isn’t one answer. The perfect bar depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Some people want a quiet pub and a good pint, while others prefer rooftop cocktails, live music, craft beer, sports, late-night entertainment or somewhere simply to meet new people. Phnom Penh has bars catering to almost every taste and budget, so rather than searching for one definitive “best bar,” part of the fun is discovering the place that suits you best.
The Best Place to Start
Sometimes the best bar is simply the one closest to you. Phnom Penh has bars and pubs scattered throughout the city, so there is often a good option just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away. Google Maps is one of the easiest ways to see what is nearby. Try searching “bar near me” or “pub near me” to find local options, then check recent reviews, photos, opening hours and directions. You might discover that the perfect place for a drink is already just around the corner.
Looking for Something More Familiar?
If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, The Wild Rover Irish Pub offers a traditional Irish bar experience in the heart of Phnom Penh. Located on Street 178, just a few steps from the Riverside, it’s a relaxed, no-frills pub serving Guinness, Magners, Irish whiskey and its own locally brewed craft beer - Wild Rover Irish Red Nitro Ale.
Whether you’re visiting Cambodia or living in Phnom Penh, The Wild Rover Irish Pub is a friendly spot for a proper pint, live sport and a decent conversation, with a welcoming mix of locals, expats and travellers.
Come visit us at The Wild Rover, Phnom Penh
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