Phnom Penh Nightlife
Nightlife in Phnom Penh is pretty vibrant and there are a large number of bars to choose from. There are only a few live music venues, although some of the international hotels have bands from the Philippines. Most nightlife in Phnom Penh can be found along Sisowath Quay, on Street 104, and also on Street 51 between Streets 174 and 154, known as The Strip.
Culture in Phnom Penh revolves around the traditional Cambodian apsara dancing, which is very slow and graceful. Skills have been retained despite the loss of many dancers during the Khmer Rouge years.
You can find information on performances in the Friday edition of the Cambodia Daily (www.cambodiadaily.com), the fortnightly Phnom Penh Post (www.phnompenhpost.com) and the irreverent monthly Bayon Pearnik (www.bayonpearnik.com). Phnom Penh Nightlife (www.phnompenhnightlife.com) also has the latest happenings and openings.
Bars in Phnom Penh
Eclipse Sky Bar
Right at the top of Phnom Penh Tower, Eclipse Sky Bar offers unrivalled views of the city. The martinis here are spot on, and while it’s not quite as swanky as The Fifth Element, it’s still an essential stop for anyone who enjoys a sundowner or two after a hard day’s sightseeing.
Address: , 455 Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 23 964 171.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/eclipse.skybar.pp
The Fifth Element
Phnom Penh's rapid development has seen a boom in rooftop and sky bars. The Fifth Element is arguably the best. A hip and smartly decorated joint, it's situated on the top floor of La Maison d'Ambre, one of the city's best boutique hotels. The lounge area is the ideal place to grab a cocktail and watch the sun go down over the city.
Address: , 123 Street 110, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 23 222 780.
Website: http://www.lamaisondambre.com
The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Cambodia
This is a popular hangout with journalists, diplomats, travellers and the occasional movie star. The bar is set within a boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Mekong River. Most people passing through Phnom Penh have heard about the FCC, so stop for a drink, especially during the daily happy hour, and play a game of pool.
Address: , Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 23 724 014.
Website: http://www.fcccambodia.com/red/phnom_penh/restaurant_bar.php
Clubs in Phnom Penh
Darlin Darlin
Head to this glitzy entertainment resort, a chic location where the city's young and trendy like to see and be seen. It has a huge range of cocktails and imported wines, while DJs and a resident live band perform nightly. For a change of scene, try a bit of karaoke in Club 88 or try not to lose your shirt in the casino.
Address: , Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 23 228 822.
Website: http://www.nagaworld.com
Heart of Darkness
This is a late night dance spot with a reputation for partying into the early hours. It’s a western style club, so expect to find ex-pats and travellers rubbing shoulders with locals on the dancefloor.
Address: , 38 Pasteur, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 77 837 777
Website: http://heartofdarknessclub.com.kh/
Pontoon Nightclub
Phnom Penh’s hottest nightspot, Pontoon, attracts international and local DJs. There’s a more laid back vibe during the week, but things can get pretty hectic on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a place for serious clubbers and those looking to let their hair down.
Address: , Street 172, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 10 300 400
Website: http://www.pontoonclub.com
Live music in Phnom Penh
Equinox
Listen to local live bands, check out changing exhibitions by Phnom Penh-based artists, or cool down on the rooftop terrace at this perennial favourite located on the city's Golden Mile, Street 278. A great place to head for if you just want to relax with a cold beer and listen to some good music.
Address: , Street 278 3a, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 23 676 7593.
Website: http://www.equinox-cambodia.com
Sharky's Bar
This large buzzing bar hosts live rock bands at the weekends and showcases new bands (ex-pat and Khmer) who are starting to appear on the Phnom Penh scene. This is a longstanding favourite with pool tables, large screen for sporting events, big beer selection and a wide choice of food.
Address: , 126 Street 130, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 12 228 045
Website: http://sharkycambodia.com
Studio 182
Good live music is hard to find in Phnom Penh but this venue, situated in the upscale Topaz restaurant, hosts an array of local and international performing jazz and soul music. It’s a sophisticated place to enjoy music or relax on the open-air terrace overlooking Norodom Boulevard with a good selection of spirits, cocktails, an excellent wine cellar and a Cuban cigar room.
Address: , 182 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh,Telephone: +855 77 555 182
Website: http://www.topaz-restaurant.com
