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Nightlife in Phnom Penh
Majority of backpackers end up staying in the area around riverside due to the amount of cheap guesthouses there. Therefore it’s quite common that most of the places they hangout in are around that area. But Riverside is definitely one of the least interesting in the city considering the type of dodgy bars you’ll find there. Phnom Penh has a lot more to offer, and the nightlife scene is vibrant and filled with places for every taste!
Evening drink on The Mansion.
2. Evening drinks
For an evening drink, there’s a new rooftop bar just across the street from Russian Market with the perfect environment. Check out Sun Down Social Club for a cocktail or a beer with the beautiful sunset view. Also perfect for that hour, Showbox on street 330 has free beer from 6.30 to 7pm (you buy one and get as many free refills as you want for half hour!). Besides that, it’s one of the most eclectic places in Phnom Penh, with a good mixture of expats and locals. In addition to this a famous open mic and live music session every Wednesday gives the guests a chance to experience the great artistic vibe. For dinner you can try the recently open Containers Market which is exactly what the name says. To demonstrate, a bunch of cargo containers refurbished as cool restaurants and eating spots.
3. Some expensive choices
If the budget allows and your preference is unique and “high class” places to have a drink, check out Chinese House on Sisowath Quay. It is an old Chinese shop house recovered while maintaining its old charm and probably the most beautiful building in the whole city. Another old building, The Mansion near Royal Palace is a beautiful villa hosting a bar. It is highly recommended to check out the exhibition space and live music.
Alchemy near Russian market is a great place for cocktail parties, live music and paintings. In addition to the delicious menu for the mid night food cravings. Not so far away, on street 440, the Cool Lounge is a social enterprise where your drinks and good time will be supporting a social project. And one of our favorites is Led Zeppelin on street 278, a simple and friendly place to hang out with friends or meet new people.
4. Fancy a dance floor ?
For the ones looking for a good night of dancing, try
- Pontoon on street 172 especially its Pulse room, with a high quality dj selection.
- Madhouse and Reggae rooftop just across the street, both with free entrance.
- Heart of Darkness for mainstream music and probably the best sound system in the city.
- Club Love on street 278 which is quite popular with backpackers.
- Epic club besides the Containers Market for a more fancy and expensive experience.
- Che Culo for rock’n’roll parties
- Arena club on south of Monivong, which is a 100% Khmer club with energetic local music and full of lasers. As a bonus, they have a promotion of paying 2.5 dollars for unlimited beer.
So if you are spending some nights in Phnom Penh and want to explore its nightlife, find cool spots to hangout or spend some hours dancing, we hope this list gave you some suggestions for you to make the most of it. Have a good night and enjoy your time here 🙂