A Discerning Drinker's Guide to Siem Reap's Top 20 Bars
From the chaos of Pub Street to colonial-era hotel lounges, where to drink in Temple Town.
Introduction
Pub Street runs about 100 meters, and most first-time visitors never get past it. That is a mistake. The fifty-cent draft beer and the noise are real, but so are the cocktail bars down the side lanes, the hotel bars built in the 1930s, and the riverside places that brew their own beer on site.
The 20 bars below run from the Pub Street institutions that built the city's party reputation to quiet rooms where the bartender spends four minutes on one drink. Some are loud until 3 a.m. Some close by ten. Prices range from a 50-cent glass of draft to a $12 cocktail at Raffles. Each entry says what the place is actually good for, so you can choose by the night you want rather than the sign out front.
Part I: The Icons of Pub Street. Where the Party Never Stops
These are the foundational pillars of Pub Street's reputation, institutions that define the high-energy, late-night experience. The atmosphere is loud, the drinks are cheap, and the party spills onto the street, creating a nightly festival of sound and light.
1. Angkor What? Bar
The Vibe: The original and arguably most famous bar on the strip, Angkor What? opened in 1998 and has been a backpacker rite of passage ever since. Graffiti-covered walls, loud music, and a dance floor that fills after midnight. If you want the unfiltered Pub Street night, this is the room. Open until 3 or 4 a.m.
2. Temple Club
The Vibe: The largest and most dominant nightclub on Pub Street, Temple Club is a multi-level behemoth of entertainment. The ground floor caters primarily to a Khmer clientele with loud local music, but most tourists head straight for the expansive rooftop bar. This sprawling space features international DJs, Western music, pool tables, and a commanding view of the street below, with the party continuing until around 5 a.m.
3. Cheers Bar
The Vibe: Located near the end of the street, Cheers Bar offers what many describe as the closest thing to a proper club on Pub Street. It distinguishes itself with a superior sound system, lasers, and a dedicated dance-floor atmosphere. Open until 3 a.m., it's a prime destination for those who want to dance the night away to loud music at characteristically cheap prices.
Part II: Sophisticated Sips & Hidden Gems
For those seeking craft and conversation over chaos, the alleys branching off Pub Street offer a collection of sophisticated cocktail lounges and intimate bars. Here, the decibel level drops, and the focus shifts to quality ingredients and expert mixology.
4. Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
The Vibe: Universally praised, Miss Wong is a stylish speakeasy that transports patrons to 1930s Shanghai with its red lanterns, dark wood, and intimate, opium-den-inspired décor. It provides a chic and relaxed escape from the nearby pandemonium, focusing on expertly crafted, high-quality cocktails like the Rose & Lemongrass Martini. It is the definitive choice for a quiet, sophisticated drink, with cocktails averaging around $7.
5. Picasso Bar
The Vibe: A long-standing favorite since 2009, Picasso Bar is an intimate, air-conditioned haven in Alley West. Its unique horseshoe-shaped bar is specifically designed to foster conversation, making it a popular meeting point for expats, locals, and in-the-know travelers. Known for its excellent cocktails and a fantastic happy hour, it offers a quiet oasis just steps from the chaos.
6. Asana Old Wooden House
The Vibe: This bar offers one of the most unique drinking experiences in Siem Reap. It is housed in one of the last traditional Khmer wooden houses in the city center, creating a wonderfully authentic and relaxed atmosphere. Downstairs, guests can lounge on hammocks and hanging beds, while the upstairs bar serves a distinctive menu of Khmer-influenced herbal cocktails, such as the Ginger Mojito. Asana also hosts daily cocktail-making classes.
7. BAR43
The Vibe: A true connoisseur's bar, BAR43 in Alley West is for those who appreciate the art of the cocktail. The menu is small but highly creative, focusing on premium ingredients and unique concoctions you won't find elsewhere, such as the Midnight Monk. The ambiance is reminiscent of a 1970s French film, offering a stylish and intimate escape.
Part III: Rooftop Revelry & Casual Landmarks
These bars offer a more relaxed atmosphere than the all-out party hubs, providing great spots for people-watching, live music, and taking in the views from above.
8. X-Bar
The Vibe: Widely considered one of the best rooftop bars in Siem Reap, X-Bar is perched atop a 7-Eleven at the southern end of Pub Street. This three-level venue offers an unparalleled panoramic view down the main strip and is famous for its rooftop skate ramp. It masterfully balances the energy of a nightclub with the sociability of a bar, making it ideal for a sunset drink before it transitions into more rowdy territory later on.
9. The Red Piano
The Vibe: An institution on the corner of Pub Street, The Red Piano's fame is inextricably linked to the filming of Tomb Raider. It was reportedly a favorite hangout of star Angelina Jolie, a connection the bar has masterfully woven into its identity, culminating in its signature Tomb Raider cocktail. It's a prime spot for people-watching and soaking in the history of Pub Street.
10. Laundry Bar
The Vibe: A local institution just a block from Pub Street, Laundry Bar is a popular haunt for expats and locals. It's known for its excellent and eclectic music, whether from a live band or a visiting DJ. With cheap drinks and a bohemian, dimly-lit atmosphere, it's a top choice for a casual night out with a cool, laid-back vibe.
11. Banana Leaf
The Vibe: Occupying a prime corner location at the end of Pub Street, Banana Leaf is one of the area's original establishments and is known for its nightly live music. It serves a wide range of Khmer, Asian, and Western dishes, but is particularly famous for its adventurous Jungle Cocktails, which come garnished with insects like scorpions and spiders.
Part IV: Themed Bars & Specialised Tastes
For those seeking an experience beyond the typical pub or club, these venues offer unique themes and specialized menus that cater to niche interests, from heavy metal to craft beer.
12. The Harbour Tavern
The Vibe: For those seeking an alternative to the typical Pub Street scene, The Harbour provides a unique hard-rock-metal pirate-tavern theme. Located just off Sok San Road, its distinctive sailor's décor, candles and lanterns, creates an atmosphere of being on an old ship, offering a memorable night out away from the noisy crowds.
13. Atlantis Metal Bar
The Vibe: A haven for fans of heavy metal, punk, and hardcore music, this Japanese-owned bar on Sok San Road is a unique fixture in Siem Reap's nightlife. It frequently hosts live bands, serves affordable Japanese food, and offers a raw, energetic alternative to the pop hits of Pub Street.
14. Embargo Craft Beer
The Vibe: Embargo is the riverside craft-beer specialist, a few minutes' walk from Pub Street. The tap list rotates constantly across local and international brewers, from fruity IPAs to heavy stouts, and the river-facing seats catch the sunset.
15. HomeBrew Siem Reap
The Vibe: A microbrewery on Funky Lane run by a local couple who brew on site and will talk you through the process if you ask. There is no kitchen, so they let you order food from the neighboring restaurants and eat it at the bar with their beer.
Part V: Expat Favorites & Laid-Back Locals
These are the comfortable, friendly bars where conversation flows easily. Popular with Siem Reap's long-term residents, they offer a more relaxed and authentic social scene.
16. Spin Bar
The Vibe: A favorite among locals and expats, Spin Bar is located just across the river from Pub Street and is praised for its great cocktails and relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect alternative for those looking to escape the main tourist strip for a well-made drink and good conversation.
17. Long's Bar
The Vibe: Tucked away in an alley within the Pub Street area, Long's Bar is a hip, air-conditioned spot that offers a fun place to chill out. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is known for its great cocktails and comfortable, home-like feel. A happy hour runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
18. Karma Bar
The Vibe: Located on Sok San Road, Karma Bar is a very laid-back, late-night spot known for its mellow vibes. It serves English pub grub and offers reasonably priced drinks, making it a haven for those looking to relax away from the high-energy clubs. It is open from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Part VI: The Height of Elegance. Premier Hotel Bars
For a more refined and tranquil drinking experience, the hotel bars located near Pub Street offer a sophisticated alternative. These establishments provide impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and premium beverage programs.
19. Elephant Bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
The Vibe: A living piece of Cambodian history, the Elephant Bar exudes old-world colonial elegance with its leather armchairs and walls adorned with historical prints. It is renowned for holding the country's largest collection of whiskeys and for its signature cocktail, the Airavata. As the most celebrated bar in town, it welcomes non-guests and maintains a smart-casual dress code.
20. The Living Room at Park Hyatt Siem Reap
The Vibe: Just a five-minute walk from Pub Street, The Living Room offers chic, modern luxury. Designed with a stylish library theme featuring dark woods and pink velvet, it is an elegant and tranquil cocktail spot. Open to the public, it is known for its impeccable service and signature cocktails infused with Khmer flavors.
Conclusion
Siem Reap's bar scene rewards anyone willing to walk two blocks off Pub Street. You can spend a dollar on draft beer in a backpacker bar that has not changed since 1998, or sit on a rooftop with a Khmer-flavored cocktail and watch the light go off the river. Both are worth doing. Pick the one that fits the night, and keep the other for tomorrow.