Phnom Penh's bar and drinking scene is a dynamic and affordable landscape, offering a compelling blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication. The city provides diverse experiences, from elegant rooftop lounges with panoramic views to bustling alleyways filled with eclectic, intimate bars.
Entertainment and Music:
Phnom Penh offers a lively and diverse music and entertainment scene, providing various options for evenings out.
For those seeking live performances, establishments like Oscar on the Corner regularly feature rock, country, and western tunes daily. The Box Office, with its Speakeasy Theatre, also provides opportunities to experience live music, alongside comedy and film screenings.
1. Sora Sky Bar
Type: Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Perched on the 37th floor of the Vattanac Capital building, Sora Sky Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of Phnom Penh and the Mekong River. It features a stunning cantilevered terrace, a stylish whisky library with Cambodia's largest single malt collection, and expertly crafted cocktails, often inspired by local ingredients and Japanese folklore. The atmosphere is upscale yet vibrant, making it an ideal spot for sophisticated evenings and sunset gazing.
Getting There: Sora Sky Bar is located in the Vattanac Capital building. A tuk-tuk ride from most central areas of Phnom Penh would typically cost between $1.50 and $3 USD, depending on distance and time of day. Using ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp can ensure a fair price.
2. Elephant Bar
Type: Classic Hotel Bar
Located within the historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Elephant Bar exudes timeless charm and sophistication. This iconic bar, known for its colonial style with rich wood accents and historic photographs, offers one of Southeast Asia's most diverse gin collections with over 150 labels. Its signature cocktail, the 'Femme Fatale,' was famously created for Jacqueline Kennedy. It provides a luxurious setting for both afternoon tea and evening drinks, often accompanied by live piano music.
Getting There: The Elephant Bar is situated within Raffles Hotel Le Royal. From major tourist areas like Sisowath Quay, a short tuk-tuk ride typically costs between $1.50 and $2 USD.
3. Bassac Lane
Type: Lively Alleyway Bar District
Bassac Lane is a collection of narrow alleyways and low-lit lanes brimming with stylish cocktail bars, cozy restaurants, and live music venues. This area offers a more intimate and authentic nightlife experience, attracting a mix of locals, expats, and travelers. Each bar often has its own unique identity and atmosphere, ranging from speakeasies to casual spots, making it perfect for bar-hopping. Many venues offer happy hour specials in the early evening.
Getting There: Bassac Lane is centrally located, often referred to as the Bassac Quarter, near Street 308. A tuk-tuk ride from most central Phnom Penh locations would cost approximately $1.50 to $2 USD.
4. Le Moon Rooftop Lounge
Type: Riverside Rooftop Bar
Perched atop the Amanjaya Pancam Hotel on Sisowath Quay, Le Moon Rooftop offers unparalleled 270-degree views of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, as well as the Royal Palace. It is known for its relaxing ambiance, especially at sunset, and provides a wide selection of classic and international cocktails, alongside finger foods and dinner dishes. It remains a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Getting There: Le Moon Rooftop Lounge is located directly on Sisowath Quay (Riverside), which is a main tourist area. It is easily walkable from many nearby hotels and attractions along the riverside. For those further afield, a tuk-tuk ride to Sisowath Quay generally costs between $1.50 and $2 USD for a short journey.
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