While the Cambodian drinking culture is still largely centred around cheap booze and dizzying local spirits, a new wave of drinking trends is breathing new life into the country’s nightlife scene. Armed with a distinctly Cambodian flavour, here are 7 bars in Phnom Penh that are seriously causing a stir in the capital’s emerging cocktail scene.
Think, classic cocktails with a touch of Cambodian elements such as bitters infused with Kampot pepper, local liqueurs and palm wines.
1. Elephant Bar – Located in 5-star Raffles Hotel Le Royal
A visit to Phnom Penh is not complete without a visit to the famous Elephant Bar. An institution in the city, you can luxuriate in a stunning afternoon tea spread here as well as enjoy a full range of premium wines, beers and spirits, with Asia’s largest selection of Gin—110 different labels.
A signature cocktail that warrants a try for first time visitors is their Femme Fatale, first concocted for Jacqueline Kennedy during her visit to Cambodia in 1967. A delicate ensemble of fruit and fizz, it employs the syrupy likes of Crème de Fraise, cognac and finished with champagne.
Address: 92 Rukhak Vithei, 12302, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 12PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +855 23 981 888
2. Hangar 44 – Custom bike tribute bar with exceptional cocktails
This rustic bar sports plenty of greenery, dark wood and even sees a vintage motorbike suspended from the ceiling by chains, giving you a sense that this is a man-only bar.
While its masculine features might suggest a beer-only tavern, Hangar 44’s selection of cocktail concoctions will surprise you. Their bartenders make some of the best cocktails in the city, with gin and rum forming the major foundation for most of their drinks.
Address: Street 308 @ Street 29, Tonlé Bassac Lane Phnom Penh, 12301, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11PM (Sun to Tue), 5PM – 12AM (Wed to Sat)
Contact: +855 89 666 414
3. Long After Dark – Hidden in the Russian Market
Hidden amongst the vibrant hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh’s Russian Market lies Long After Dark, a secluded oasis where lovers of fine whisky and craft beer gather for revelry and fun. The vibe in this cosy bar is welcoming and the bar curates a selection of over 50 single malts and bourbons, as well as a decent array of craft beer.
Address: #86, street 450 Russian Market Phnom Penh, 12310, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 3PM – 12AM (Mon to Thu), 3PM – 2AM (Fri), 12PM – 2AM (Sat), 12PM – 12AM (Sun)
Contact: +855 93 768 354
4. Red Bar – Live music & super cheap beer
A friendly and lively little local bar situated in a buzzing neighbourhood, Red Bar is a great place to visit if you’re a fan of live music. Located within spitting distance of the trendy bars of Tonle Bassac, Red Bar is a great place to start (or end) given its incredibly cheap drinks. No kidding, a bottle of beer can cost as low as a dollar.
Address: St 308, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Tue to Sun), 5PM – 12AM (Mon)
Contact: +855 10 729 655
5. Seibur – An intimate bar worth visiting
Seibur was the first bar to be built on the now bustling Bassac Lane and was one of the key pioneers that shot Phnom Penh’s cocktail scene forward. This breezy, open-fronted venue is widely patronised by locals, tourists and veteran expats alike who all gather to try their unique brand of libations.
Address: 34 Street 308 & Bassac Lane, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11PM (Sun to Wed), 5PM – 12AM (Thu to Sat), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +855 77 960 413
6. Sora Skybar – Perched on Rosewood Phnom Penh
Sora Skybar is the perfect stopover for post-dinner drinks. Unwind high above the city and take in the spectacular views at one of Phnom Penh’s best sky bars.
Perched on a cantilevered terrace on the 37th level of Rosewood Phnom Penh, Sora is a high-energy bar and lounge. It also boasts a swanky whisky bar manned by experienced bartenders.
Choose from over 80 different varieties, if not, the bar also has a good selection of cocktails and sake.
Address: 66 Monivong Boulevard Sangkat Wat Phnom, Vattanac Capital Tower Khan Daun Penh Phnom Penh, 12202, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12.30AM (Daily)
Contact: +855 23 936 866
7. Sundown Social Club – Rooftop bar with Bali vibes
Perched atop a shanty-looking building on Street 440, this funky bar boasts serious Bali vibes. Look at the Russian Market below in a whole new light as you plonk your tired self down onto a chair and sip on punchy tiki cocktails and refreshing coolers while munching on a selection of innovative pub grub.
Address: #86, Street 440, Phnom Penh 12310, Cambodia
Opening Hours: 12PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +855 15 526 373
Read our guide to 50 Best Bars in Asia.
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