Pub Street is at the core of the tourist centre of Siem Reap. Everything you choose to do in the evening time is probably going to revolve around this part of town. In fact, itâs often said that a trip to Siem Reap isnât complete unless you visit Pub Street! Located next to the Old Market, Pub Street (officially Street 8), has grown to become the centre of all nightlife in Siem Reap. The area is full of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, street food, market stalls, and just about anything else you could imagine. If youâre looking to eat fried ice-cream, dance until 2 oâclock in the morning or even just get a good meal after a day exploring Angkor Wat, then you’ll find yourself heading to Pub Street Siem Reap.
When to go to Pub Street Siem Reap
Itâs much quieter in the morning and afternoon. There are still many places open during the day and itâs also good to go to find somewhere to get some breakfast or lunch. From 5pm onwards, the street is blocked off to motor traffic, making it a relaxing place to stroll and take in the sights.
Remember that it can get packed during special events such as New Year’s Eve and Songkran (Buddhist New Year) and on these occasions you might find it difficult to get a Tuk-Tuk!
But let’s face it, you canât visit Siem Reap without stopping by Pub Street at least once, and you may just love it so much youâll make it your nightly haunt. Pub Street is sure to bring you some of the best memories from your Cambodia trip, so enjoy your time there, and make the most of your time in Siem Reap!
How to get to Pub Street Siem Reap?
Pub Street is in the centre of Siem Reap town and all tuk tuk drivers will know how to get there. Unless youâre staying a long way out of town, most tuk tuk rides will cost just a couple of dollars. If youâre walking, just say to anyone âpub streetâ and they will easily be able to point you in the right direction. Your hotel or guest house will also be able to give you the best directions to Pub Street. Getting to Pub Street isnât usually a problem, itâs the getting home again which is more problematic for most people. Remember to note the name of your hotel and any nearby landmarks. If possible, take a business card from your hotel so you can show it to your driver when you want to go back. There are so many hotels, often with very similar names, so try to remember where youâre staying. Itâs not too uncommon to hear stories of people âgetting lostâ for a few days! You can haggle price for tuk tuks waiting at Pub Street to take you home. Never settle on the first price.
Which are the Best Pubs and Bars to visit?
Angkor What?
As the most famous bar on Pub Street, The Angkor What? is jam-packed until dawn, with a combination of flashpackers, backpackers, young, old and everyone in between congregating on the dance floor. Expect debauchery, loud music, plenty of dancing and super-strong buckets, well, by the bucketload.
Temple Club
Temple Club is another Pub Street bar, attracting the crowds until the early hours. Open through the day, it also has a sky lounge, hosts cookery classes and serves food. Apsara shows take place in the early evening before the tunes get pumping.
Laundry Bar
While Pub Street may be right at the heart of the nightlife, to not explore the areas surrounding it is a crime. Laundry Bar is one popular spot that sits one street away from Pub Street. Open since 2002, it plays an eclectic mix of music and offers free darts and pool.
Picasso Bar & Tapas
Having been on the scene since 2009, Picasso Bar is a popular after-dark haunt. The friendly drinking spot is situated on Alley West, which neighbours Pub Street. A range of innovative cocktails are served, and there is a well-stocked bar.
YOLO Bar
Found at the bottom end of Pub Street, YOLO Bar is a lively spot, where a combination of R&B, hip hop, rock and house is played throughout the night. Cheap drinks are on tap, with a warning going out that the cocktails are super strong. This funky spot is also home to a swathe of street art, and the UV paint comes out after dark.
The Yellow Sub
The Yellow Sub is another popular after-hours spot, especially if you happen to be a Beatles fan. Spread across four floors, this pub is packed full of genuine Beatles paraphernalia and other tributes to great rock ânâ roll acts. It also serves up a great selection of food and drinks and has a rooftop terrace.
Banana Leaf
As one of the first restaurants/bars to open on Pub Street, Banana Leaf has made a strong reputation of the go-to place for food and drinks. The venue hosts live music and serves a variety of beers, cocktails and wine. Fans of Sports can keep up to date with their team on the projector screen, and nice food is also offered, including crocodile burgers.
Miss Wong
No visit to Siem Reap is complete without grabbing a cocktail at the stylish Miss Wong. With its Shanghai 1930s circa feel, the bar is known for its precisely crafted cocktails, which include Lemongrass Collins, Indochine Martini, Kaffir Lime Martini and China White and Apricot – all made using spirits infused onsite with native ingredients. A selection of tapas and dim sum is also served.
Further Reading on Angkor Wat
I’ve spent 7 full days exploring the temples of Angkor Wat and I’ve written extensively about them. If you would like to read further, check out these articles…
- The Best Temples of Angkor Wat
- Banteay Samre – A worthwhile off the beaten track temple
- Angkor Wat Sunrise – A photo essay