How to Enjoy Nightlife in Siem Reap - Top Things to Do on a Night Out in Siem Reap
While Siem Reap may not be as vibrant or as metropolitan as the nation's capital Phnom Penh, that doesn't mean the heritage city doesn't offer its own array of nightlife activities. Although a vast majority of the city's best bars, restaurants and shops are found down Pub Street, there's more to spending a night out in Siem Reap than going on a bender. Here's a list of some of the best after-dark hotspots tourists can explore during a holiday in this historic region of Cambodia.
Photo by form PxHere
1. Grab a Drink at Angkor Wat
Claiming to be the first drinking hole to have been established down Pub Street, the quirkily named Angkor Wat has been drawing travellers and backpackers since it first opened its doors in 1998. With its iconic tagline ‘Promoting Irresponsible Drinking Since 1998,’ Angkor Wat is a veritable institution for the young and restless in Siem Reap. This bar opens from 2 pm to 3 am on Sunday to Thursday and closes at 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. It serves a variety of drinks, including shots, beer, cocktails, and loud pop bangers. If you order two buckets of whiskey, you might get a free t-shirt from Angkor Wat. The bar's interiors are colourful and neon-lit, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
2. Play Pool and Unwind at Ultra Hip X Bar
X Bar is arguably the trendiest bar in all of Siem Reap, with a clientele that includes both travellers and expats. This exclusive bar is famous for its selection of draft beer and wine, and for playing mostly rap, hip-hop, and rock music. With two pool tables, X Bar is a great place for partygoers of all ages to hang out after sundown. Moreover, the halfpipe located on its roof attracts skaters from local neighbourhoods. X Bar is situated on Sok San Road and is one of the few bars located outside of Pub Street. The best time to visit X Bar is after 1 am, as this is when the place really comes alive and things get interesting.
3. Grab an Authentic Cambodian Dinner at the Sugar Palm Restaurant
Sugar Palm is a renowned restaurant in the city. It is famous as the Khmer eatery where celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay learned the basics of local cuisine. The restaurant offers long-forgotten traditional Khmer delicacies. Most tourists visit the venue for its excellent Khmer cuisine and its peaceful atmosphere. Sugar Palm is located on Street 27, and the recipes served at the restaurant have been handed down through generations from Chef Kethana's grandmother and mother.
4. Learn How to Make Khmer Cocktails at Asana Bar
Whether one is based at Anantara Angkor Resort or any other hotel in the city, signing up for a cocktail class at Asana Bar is one of the top things to do in Siem Reap. The Asana Bar is located in the only conventional Khmer-style residence that remains in downtown Siem Reap. Visitors can enjoy BBQ nights and Jazz music at this bar, while also getting a chance to attend daily cocktail-making classes that delve into Khmer-style alcoholic drinks. In these classes, participants can learn the recipe for some of Asana Bar's signature cocktails. However, those who would rather relax with a drink on the bean bags, hammocks, and daybeds found on the top floor lounge of the bar are more than welcome to do so.
5. Catch up with Expats at Picasso Bar
If you're a tourist and looking to socialize with expats and locals, then the Picasso Bar is the perfect place to be. This friendly drinking hole is located on Alley West down Pub Street and is known for its iconic barrel-vaulted bar area. The bar offers a variety of drinks, but its Chocolate Cake and Thong Slap cocktails are a must-try. Alternatively, you can also try their B53 cocktail that contains absinthe, Bailey's, and Kahlua.
6. Dig into Cambodian BBQ Faves at Easy Speaking Restaurant
This bar cum restaurant in Siem Reap is undoubtedly the best place to order a plate of Cambodian barbeque. Those on the lookout for the city's best Thai and continental meal options will also be won over by the Easy Speaking Restaurant's extensive menu.
