5 rooftop bars to grab a drink in Phnom Penh
For over ten years now, buildings have been sprouting up and steadily—well, rapidly—filling the Cambodian capital. Many hotels, bars, and restaurants saw an opportunity and figured that a rooftop view from one of these buildings could impress more than a few people. And it’s true—being perched dozens or even hundreds of meters above Phnom Penh’s concrete jungle reveals a hidden charm.
There are several ways to enjoy a drink in Phnom Penh and unwind during your holidays after a day of sightseeing, sports, or even relaxation. Renting a boat to cruise along the Tonlé Sap river is one option. Straying off the beaten path to find a local eatery where you can blend in, chat, laugh, and soak up the local party customs is another. Sure, why not. But some prefer to leave the ground behind and climb to new heights. To feel that emotional lift. To step into an elevator, escape the repetitive chaos of rush hour traffic filled with motorbikes and cars, and then emerge onto a peaceful terrace where the only background sound is a lounge playlist carefully selected by the venue’s staff. From up high, the urban noise becomes tiny, almost trivial—yet artistic. Here are five rooftop bars you can try out when you arrive in Phnom Penh.
The Luxurious Rosewood
From the plane as you arrive in Phnom Penh, or from the tuk-tuk taking you to your hotel, you won’t miss the Vattanac Tower. This building, officially inaugurated in May 2018, stands out from the rest of the city’s skyline, its highest point surpassing all others for now.
Its glass architecture, curved at the top, gives way to a vast west-facing terrace, free of any obstruction. This is where the Rosewood Bar is located, on the 37th floor of the building. It takes full advantage of the terrace and opens every day of the week from 5 PM to allow guests to enjoy an extraordinary sunset. Except in the case of cloudy skies, nothing will block your view of the setting sun. Note, however, that proper attire is required: no shorts for men, and no flip-flops for anyone! Still, the experience is well worth it.
The youthful energy of Eclipse
If, after reading this article, you decide to try out these rooftop bars in order, just turn south from Rosewood’s terrace. There you’ll see the Phnom Penh Tower. Much more basic in design than the previous building, this one is home to the Eclipse Sky Bar on its rooftop. This venue features a terrace that wraps around the entire rooftop of the tower, giving you, in other words, a 360° view of Phnom Penh. This is the trendy and very popular spot for Khmer students in the capital—the music is livelier, and the cocktails are cheaper than at Rosewood! The location offers a true panoramic view of the entire city. Open from 5 PM.
The natural touch of Vehaa
Located in the Bassac Lane district, south of Sisowath Quay, Vehaa completely breaks the mold of other Phnom Penh rooftop bars. Here, nature holds its place—that’s clearly the team’s intention. You’ll be surrounded by trees and greenery across the bar’s two floors. The prices remain affordable, and the terrace offers a panoramic view of the Mekong River—a major plus.
The glass pool at Aquarius
The Aquarius Hotel, located in the BKK 1 district near the Independence Monument, features a rooftop bar along with a swimming pool. The pool itself is quite charming and boasts a unique design—it's made of glass, and the interior is visible from the outside. Though not as high as the previous rooftops, it still offers a pleasant view of the surroundings. The bar is less upscale and can provide a more romantic experience.
The Lumière Rooftop
Lumière Hotel offers a rooftop bar with a west-facing terrace and no roof overhead, allowing for perfect sunset views. This terrace is connected to a rather luxurious and charming dining area, with floor-to-ceiling windows and large murals that lend the space an artistic feel.
The standout feature of Lumière’s rooftop is, without a doubt, the jacuzzi on the terrace! Located on the 14th floor, in a quieter part of town compared to the last two bars mentioned, Lumière’s rooftop can be an ideal spot to spend an entire evening—drinks and dinner—either as a couple or with a group.
