Pub Street Phnom Penh > Cambodia: Phnom Penh Bar Street

Street 8, next to the Old Market in Siem Reap, started off as a handful of restaurants and a bar called The Angkor WHAT? Bar, way back in 1998. Since then, Street 8 has transformed into the world-famous Pub Street Siem Reap! It is undeniable that Pub Street Siem Reap is the center of energy, excitement and nightlife in the city. The 100-meter-long street is packed with pubs, clubs, street vendors and restaurants on either side. Long standing, well-known establishments include The Angkor WHAT? Bar, the Red Piano Restaurant and the Temple Club.

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! While there are hundreds of bars in Phnom Penh the capital doesn’t really have anything quite like Pub Street in Siem Reap just yet. However, in May 2024, the Khmer Times published an article outlining exciting new Pub Street Phnom Penh plans, quoting a meeting conducted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration.

Pub Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

Pub Street Phnom Penh

The plan is to attract more local and international tourists by transforming a whopping 57-hectare area of land in Phnom Penh into a pedestrian zone, providing a new and improved destination for entertainment, shopping and nightlife in Phnom Penh.

The plans outline a pedestrian zone located in front of the Cambodia Post Office in Wat Phnom, connecting the new Phnom Penh Pub Street with the riverside area, close to the Phnom Penh Night Market, already both popular Phnom Penh attractions for locals and international tourists.

The 57-hectare area will be divided into three zones – with one zone reserved for Bar Street Phnom Penh:

Zone 1 is outlined to be a 3.3-hectare square in front of the Cambodia Post Office. With Street 94 to the north, Street 106 to the south, Street 13 to the west and Preah Sisowath Quay to the east.

Zone 2 (reserved for Pub Street Phnom Penh) is outlined to be a 20.7-hectare area with Street 106 to the north, Street 184 to the south, Street 13 to the west and Preah Sisowath Quay to the east.

Zone 3 is outlined to be 34 hectares with street 184 to the north, Sihanouk Boulevard to the south, Street 7 to the west and Preah Sisowath Quay to the east.

The plans include amenities such as outdoor seating arrangements, public toilets, shops, restaurants and hotels. The Director of the Department of Public Works and Transport of Phnom Penh noted, “These three areas will be meticulously curated by the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, adorned with verdant greenery, vibrant gardens, colourful illumination, restroom facilities, and temporary parking lots,”.

Map of proposed Pub Street Area in Phnom Penh. Photo courtesy of Khmer Times.

When Will Pub Street Phnom Penh be Ready?

Phnom Penh Pub Street (zone 2) is expected to be completed and ready for the 2025 New Year celebrations. Who knows, we may even open a new Wild Rover Irish Pub to dish out cold pints of Guinness on Phnom Penh Bar Street! Stay up to date by following our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Sláinte