Pub street, Siem Reap's party street
In the Old Market district, a section of Street 8, which has been transformed into a pedestrian street and renamed Pub Street, is the center of Siem Reap's nightlife. The name is well-earned given the many pubs and similar establishments that line the street from end to end.
As the main tourist street in the city, Pub Street is a paradise for those who enjoy a trendy, colorful, noisy, and lively atmosphere. It is the go-to spot for young tourists looking to let loose and party.
Discovering Pub street
Spanning about 1 km in length, Pub Street is home to around 100 bars, restaurants, shops, massage parlors, and various clubs. Through all these establishments, the street comes to life late into the night, becoming a fantastic playground for fans of the nightlife scene. Music is omnipresent, and trendy rhythms mix, blasting from countless speakers in a joyful cacophony. There’s no shortage of places to party, like "Angkor What," the oldest bar. Right across from it is "The Temple," a true institution and the largest pub on the street, which stands out with louder music, brighter lights, and a rooftop terrace where, every evening from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, a free traditional Apsara dance show is held.
The vibrant and unmissable Pub Street hosts many foreign visitors. The atmosphere is very friendly, and you'll easily be able to meet other tourists to share your thoughts on the Angkorian temples and enjoy pleasant evenings together.
What to do?
Every day of the year, Pub Street offers a wide range of entertainment. During your visit, you can shop, sample local cuisine, watch an Apsara dance performance or a Cambodian circus act, enjoy a live music session, or even try fish therapy, a famous foot treatment performed by small fish. To get into the mood, try the local "Angkor" beer, which features the Angkor Wat temple as its brand image. Very popular in Cambodia, all bars offer it, and you can enjoy a glass for just $1 or $1.50 USD.
The restaurants on Pub Street offer both local and international cuisines to satisfy the tastes of the predominantly tourist clientele. You can indulge in an Italian pizza, Japanese sushi, a French steak and fries, or a Khmer specialty like fish amok.
Along the entire street, shops and souvenir stands remain open in the evening, giving you the opportunity to pick up some small gifts to take home.
When to go?
"Happy Hour" is a common practice in most bars in Cambodia, and of course, it's also a feature on Pub Street. Typically, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (just in time for aperitif hour), drinks are offered at 50% off or with a "buy one, get one free" deal.
While the atmosphere is lively year-round on Pub Street, it reaches a peak on the night of December 31st. To celebrate the New Year, all the establishments deck out in colorful decorations and crank up the music to the max, getting everyone to dance until the early morning.
How to get there
If your hotel is nearby, just a few minutes of walking will get you to Pub Street. For example, from the Angkor Night Market, it will take you barely 10 minutes to walk there.
Otherwise, the easiest way is to take a tuk-tuk. All drivers know the most famous street in Siem Reap.
Opening Hours
Generally, the action on Pub Street starts at 5:00 PM. Most bars and pubs stay open until midnight, with some remaining open until 4:00 AM.
