Pub Street Siem Reap is the best spot to hang out with friends and enjoy the city’s nightlife. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the best hotspots and hidden gems of Pub Street to ensure you have an unforgettable night out in Siem Reap. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a more relaxed vibe on a terrace, our guide will help you optimize your search for the perfect venue. So, let’s get the party started and explore the best bars and clubs on Pub Street!
A Street Transformed – The History of Pub Street Siem Reap
Pub Street has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Only a decade ago, it was still a quiet, residential street lined with colonial-era shophouses. Today, it’s the pulsing heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife scene. How did this change come about?
In the mid-2000s, business owners began converting the old shophouses into trendy bars, restaurants and cafes to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting Angkor Wat. The first wave of openings featured places like Angkor What? Bar, Temple Club and Island Bar. These pioneering venues helped establish Pub Street as a go-to nighttime destination.
Word soon spread about this “new” street in Siem Reap. More business owners scrambled to open their doors, launching a second wave of openings from 2008 to 2012. Establishments like Madame Butterfly, Soup Dragon, and Laundry Bar debuted during this time. With more options, Pub Street’s popularity skyrocketed.
The Cambodian government took notice of Pub Street’s success and invested in infrastructure improvements around 2013. They repaved roads, added street lighting and planted trees to make the area more inviting. These upgrades, in turn, spurred a third wave of openings from 2013 onward. Places like X Bar, The One Up Bar and Angkor Palette joined the scene.
Today, Pub Street is lined end-to-end with over 50 rollicking bars, clubs and eateries. While some lament the loss of its residential roots, others celebrate how Pub Street has helped boost tourism and the local economy. For visitors, it remains the place to go for an epic night out in Siem Reap. The street stays open until 4 am, so you can bar hop for hours, then watch the sunrise at a nearby cafe.
No matter what side you take, one thing is clear: Pub Street has been utterly transformed. And its evolution is far from over. New bars and restaurants continue to open, ensuring Pub Street remains the beating heart of Siem Reap’s legendary nightlife.
What to do at Pub Street Siem Reap
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
With over 50 bars and restaurants lining the street, your options for food and drink are endless. Grab a drink at one of the rollicking bar spots like Angkor What? Bar, or chill out at a lounge bar like Miss Wong Cocktail Bar. For cheap eats, you can’t beat the BBQ stands and street carts selling everything from noodles to tropical fruit shakes.
Shop ‘til You Drop
In between the bars and restaurants, you’ll find stalls selling handmade goods, stylish boutiques and souvenir shops. Bargain for silk scarves, wood carvings or colorful Cambodian pottery. The Night Market is open from 4pm to midnight and features over 100 vendors selling handicrafts, clothes and more.
Take in the Atmosphere
Simply strolling down Pub Street, especially at night, is an experience in itself. Neon signs flash, music blares, travelers from all over the world fill the sidewalks and street. Get a drink, sit down, and watch the people. You’re sure to witness everything
Safety Tips for Pub Street Siem Reap
Siem Reap’s party central, Pub Street, offers a thrilling nightlife scene. However, it’s important to exercise caution since the area can get quite rowdy, especially late at night.
Watch your drinks
Keep your drink close at all times and never let a stranger offer you an open drink. There have been reports of drinks being spiked with sedatives to facilitate robbery or assault. Only buy drinks that you see being made and poured.
Travel in groups
Exploring Pub Street solo late at night is not advisable. Try to go out in groups so you can look out for each other. There is safety in numbers, so sticking together with people you trust is key. If you do get separated from friends, call them right away to find each other again.
Be wary of unsolicited offers
Be very cautious if strangers approach you with unsolicited offers of drugs, sex or business opportunities. These types of offers often conceal ulterior motives like theft or fraud. Politely but firmly refuse any such offers.
Watch out for traffic
The streets of Pub Street are open to vehicle traffic, so be careful crossing roads and alleys, especially if you’ve had a few drinks. Always look both ways, look at drivers, and walk with confidence but care. The area has a festive vibe, but that doesn’t mean regular road safety rules don’t apply!
Don’t display valuables
Avoid openly displaying expensive electronics, jewelry, or large amounts of cash. This can make you a target for thieves and pickpockets. Instead, keep your valuables secured in a bag that you keep close to you at all times.
Following these common-sense safety tips will help ensure you have an enjoyable night out in Pub Street without incident. Stay alert, watch out for your friends, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Have a great time, but put your safety first! The thrills of Pub Street will still be there tomorrow.
Top Bars and Restaurants on Pub Street
Angkor What? Bar
This quirky bar is a Siem Reap institution. With its loud music, cheap drinks and party vibe, Angkor What? is always hopping. Get your dancing shoes on and join the crowd rocking out to classic pop and rock hits. The bar is open until the wee hours of the morning, so it’s a great spot for a late-night cocktail or bucket of beers with friends.
Red Piano Bar
For a more laid-back scene, head to the Red Piano Bar. This bar is famous for its “Taste of Hope” cocktail, made from locally produced Hangar Gin. Grab a drink, then snag a seat outside to people watch and listen to the nightly live music. The Red Piano has been a popular watering hole for visitors and expats alike for over a decade.
Pub Street Restaurants
With so many bars surrounding you, you’re bound to get hungry at some point. Luckily, Pub Street is also lined with restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe. For a classic Cambodian meal, try one of the many Khmer barbecue spots, where you can grill your own meat, seafood and veggies. In the mood for comfort food? Pub Street Deli serves up burgers, pizza and pasta. There are also Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Thai restaurants within a few steps of the bars.
No trip to Siem Reap’s nightlife hub is complete without sampling the vibrant bar and food scene on Pub Street. The variety of watering holes – from loud and lively to chilled out and funky – means there’s something for everyone. And when your stomach starts to growl, you can find food to satisfy any craving. Get ready for a wild night out in Cambodia’s biggest party town. The fun starts at sundown!
FAQs About Pub Street Siem Reap: Your Top Questions Answered
If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, Pub Street is one of the must-visit destinations. It’s a bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops that attract tourists from all over the world. However, if you’re new to the area, you may have a few questions about Pub Street and what to expect. Here are some FAQs about Pub Street Siem Reap that can help answer some of your top questions:
1. What is Pub Street Siem Reap?
Pub Street is located in the middle of Siem Reap is a popular place for tourists to visit. It’s a street lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, and it’s known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife.
2. What can I find on Pub Street?
You can find a variety of things on Pub Street, including restaurants serving local and international cuisine, bars and clubs, and shops selling souvenirs, clothes, and accessories.
3. Is Pub Street safe?
Pub Street is generally safe, and there is a visible police presence in the area. But you should always be careful and aware of what is going on around you, especially at night.
4. What is the best time to visit Pub Street?
Pub Street is busiest in the evenings and at night, so if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, that’s the best time to visit. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the day can be a good option.
5. How much does it cost to visit Pub Street?
There is no entrance fee to Pub Street, but the cost of food, drinks, and shopping will depend on the individual business. Prices can be different, but most of the time they are reasonable. You can visit Pub street with budget less than 50$.
6. Can I haggle with vendors on Pub Street?
Yes, haggling is common in Cambodia, and vendors on Pub Street may be open to negotiating prices. However, it’s important to be respectful and fair when haggling.
Hopefully, these FAQs about Pub Street Siem Reap have answered some of your questions and given you a better idea of what to expect when visiting this popular destination.
You might also want to read:
Top Places to Visit in Siem Reap: The complete guide
Siem Reap Travel Package: Tips for Planning Your Trip
Exploring Cambodia’s Siem Reap Province: A Complete Travel Guide