Complete Guide to Pub Street Siem Reap: Best Bars, Restaurants & Nightlife (2025)
Last updated: May 2024
Are you planning a trip to Siem Reap and wondering where to spend your evenings? Look no further than the legendary Pub Street! This vibrant 100-meter stretch transforms from a quiet road by day to Cambodia’s most exciting nightlife hub after dark.
As someone who’s spent many nights exploring this famous strip, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate pub street Siem Reap restaurants, bars, and the overall nightlife scene. From mouthwatering Cambodian delicacies to exotic cocktails and wild dance floors, I’ll show you exactly where to eat, drink, and party in Siem Reap!
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What is Pub Street Siem Reap?
Officially known as Street 8, Pub Street is the pulsating heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife scene. Located in central Siem Reap adjacent to the Old Market (Psar Chaa), this lively strip becomes pedestrian-only after dark, creating a walking street brimming with energy and excitement.
The street’s transformation into a tourist hotspot began in the late 1990s with the opening of the now-iconic “Angkor What?” bar in 1998. What started as a quiet residential area has evolved into a vibrant entertainment district packed with restaurants, bars, and shops.
What makes Pub Street special? For starters, it’s incredibly affordable! You can find draft beers for as low as 75 cents during happy hour, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most budget-friendly nightlife destinations. Plus, its central location near attractions like the Siem Reap River and Old Market makes it a convenient stop after a day exploring the magnificent Angkor temples.
💡 Pro Tip: While Pub Street is definitely tourist-oriented, don’t let that deter you! The bustling atmosphere, affordable prices, and variety of options make it a must-visit, even for travelers who typically avoid “touristy” spots. I resisted going for years during my time in Southeast Asia, but now I recommend it as an essential Siem Reap experience.
Best Restaurants on Pub Street Siem Reap
After a day exploring Angkor Wat, you’ll definitely work up an appetite! Fortunately, pub street Siem Reap restaurants offer everything from traditional Cambodian cuisine to international favorites. Here are my top picks:
Red Piano Siem Reap
Cambodian & European Cuisine Live Music
The Red Piano is perhaps the most famous restaurant on Pub Street, and for good reason! This Belgian-owned establishment offers a perfect blend of local and international dishes in a vibrant setting with live music. Their fish amok (a traditional Cambodian curry) is outstanding, and their beef loc lac melts in your mouth.
Don’t leave without trying their signature “Tomb Raider” cocktail – created when Angelina Jolie filmed parts of the movie in Siem Reap. The drink is so popular that the 10th Tomb Raider cocktail sold each night is free!
Highlights:
- Signature Tomb Raider cocktail
- Authentic fish amok curry
- Live music performances
- Historic connection to Angelina Jolie
Price Range: $8-15 per main dish
🌟 My Experience: I still remember my first night at Red Piano – the place was packed with travelers sharing temple stories while Cambodian musicians played acoustic covers in the corner. I ordered the fish amok and a Tomb Raider cocktail and ended up becoming friends with a group of Australians at the next table. We spent the rest of the night exploring Pub Street together!
Happy Special Pizza
Unique Experience Cannabis-Infused Options
For the adventurous eater, Happy Special Pizza is a unique experience. This spot is known for its “happy” pizzas – regular pizzas that come with an optional cannabis topping. While technically in a legal gray area, these establishments operate openly in Siem Reap.
Highlights:
- Traditional and “happy” pizza options
- Budget-friendly prices
- Casual atmosphere
- Unique Cambodian experience
Price Range: $5-10 per pizza
⚠️ Warning: If you decide to try a “happy” pizza, start with a small amount and wait at least an hour before considering more. The effects can be stronger than expected and last several hours. Never drive or operate vehicles after consuming these products.
Banana Leaf
Fusion Cuisine Sports Screenings
Banana Leaf combines American, Asian, and Cambodian cuisines in a lively setting. With outdoor seating perfect for people-watching, this restaurant is equally popular with locals and tourists. Their happy hour deals are some of the best on Pub Street, making it an excellent spot to start your evening.
I love their Khmer curry and spring rolls, but they also make a mean burger if you’re craving Western comfort food. The open-air design means you can enjoy Pub Street’s electric atmosphere while dining.
Highlights:
- Fusion menu with something for everyone
- Prime people-watching location
- Sports screenings for major events
- Excellent happy hour specials
Price Range: $6-12 per main dish
Other Notable Restaurants on Pub Street
- Easy Speaking: A long-standing café and pub serving a mix of Cambodian, Thai, and Western dishes
- The Hideout: A cozy spot with quality food and drinks for a more laid-back evening
- The Bridges Restaurant: European cuisine in an elegant setting
- The Palm Coffee House: Perfect for coffee lovers with light meals
- Temple Coffee: Great coffee with a variety of food options
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Top Bars in Siem Reap
No visit to Pub Street is complete without exploring its diverse bar scene. From sports pubs to cocktail lounges and wild party venues, here’s where to quench your thirst:
Sports Bars Siem Reap
If you’re looking to catch a game while in Cambodia, you’re in luck! Pub Street has several great options for sports fans:
Jungle Burger Sports Bar & Bistro
Multiple TVs Gourmet Burgers
Jungle Burger is a paradise for sports enthusiasts with screens showing everything from Premier League football to UFC fights. The atmosphere is electric during big matches, and their burgers are seriously good – perfect for soaking up those beers!
Highlights:
- Multiple screens showing different sports
- Large projector for major events
- Award-winning burgers
- International beer selection
Price Range: $4-8 for drinks, $8-15 for food
Best Bars in Siem Reap for Cocktails
Miss Wong
Premium Cocktails 1920s Shanghai Vibe
For a more sophisticated drinking experience, Miss Wong is my absolute favorite. Tucked away from the main Pub Street chaos, this stylish cocktail bar channels a 1920s Shanghai vibe with red lanterns, dark wood, and an intimate atmosphere.
Their cocktail menu is extensive and creative – try the Indochine Martini with lemongrass-infused vodka or the Chrysanthemum with absinthe and yellow Chartreuse. The prices are higher than Pub Street beer joints (around $7 per cocktail), but the quality and ambiance make it worth every dollar.
Highlights:
- Handcrafted Asian-inspired cocktails
- Intimate, sophisticated atmosphere
- Escape from the Pub Street chaos
- Knowledgeable mixologists
Price Range: $7-12 per cocktail
🌟 My Experience: Miss Wong became my sanctuary whenever I needed a break from Pub Street’s intensity. The dim lighting, vintage posters, and sophisticated crowd create an atmosphere that transports you to another era. I’ve spent hours here chatting with the knowledgeable bartenders about the history of Siem Reap. Their Indochine Martini is still one of the best cocktails I’ve had in Southeast Asia!
Party Bars in Siem Reap
Ready to dance? These Pub Street institutions will keep you moving until the early hours:
Temple Club
Live Music Dance Floor
Located right in the heart of Pub Street, Temple Club offers a high-energy nightlife experience with live music in the early evening before DJs take over for late-night dancing. The large space has multiple levels, including a dance floor that really gets going after midnight.
Their drink specials are excellent, with $0.75 draft beers during happy hour and reasonably priced cocktails. If you’re looking to dance the night away, this is your spot!
Highlights:
- Lively dance floor with international music
- Live music earlier in the evening
- Multiple levels and areas
- Great drink specials
Price Range: $0.75-5 for drinks
Street Food on Pub Street
One of my favorite aspects of pub street Siem Reap restaurants is actually the street food! Between the established restaurants, you’ll find vendors selling delicious, affordable snacks. Here are some must-try street food highlights:
Fried Ice Cream
Watch in amazement as vendors pour liquid cream onto freezing metal plates, chop and mix ingredients, then roll the frozen creation into beautiful spiral desserts. Flavors range from classic vanilla and chocolate to exotic options like mango and durian. At just $1-2, it’s a perfect sweet treat while exploring.
Insect Snacks
For the brave foodie, vendors selling fried insects offer a true Cambodian street food experience. From relatively mild crickets (crunchy and salty, like popcorn) to intimidating scorpions on sticks, these protein-packed snacks are surprisingly tasty when you get past their appearance.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with crickets if you’re new to eating insects – they’re the gateway bug! My first experience with insect snacks was after a few beers when I was feeling brave. I was surprised by how crunchy and flavorful they were! Ask vendors to go light on the spices if you’re sensitive to heat.
How to Save Money on Food:
- Eat at street food stalls where meals cost $1-3 instead of restaurants
- Take advantage of happy hour deals (typically 5-7pm) for discounted drinks
- Look for restaurant promotions like “buy one get one free” beers
- Ask your hotel/hostel for local recommendations away from the main tourist area
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Nightlife Experience
Beyond individual bars and restaurants, the overall Pub Street experience deserves special attention. Here’s what makes it unique:
Vibrant Atmosphere
As a pedestrian-only zone after dark, Pub Street creates a safe, walkable party environment. Colorful lights illuminate the street, music spills from every doorway, and the energy is infectious. Street performers – from traditional Apsara dancers to modern fire jugglers – add to the carnival atmosphere.
The mix of locals, expats, and tourists from around the world creates a friendly, open vibe where it’s easy to make new friends. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a group, you’ll quickly find yourself caught up in conversations with interesting people.
Night Markets
Adjacent to Pub Street, you’ll find several night markets worth exploring:
- Angkor Night Market: The original night market with over 200 stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and art
- Art Center Night Market: Slightly more upscale with a focus on handicrafts
- Siem Reap Night Market: Smaller but less crowded option
These markets are perfect for picking up souvenirs or gifts between drinks and meals.
A Typical Night on Pub Street: Case Study
Let me share what a perfect night on Pub Street might look like:
6:30 PM: Start with dinner at Red Piano, ordering fish amok and a Tomb Raider cocktail while enjoying live music.
8:00 PM: Wander through the Angkor Night Market, picking up a few souvenirs and watching artisans at work.
9:00 PM: Head to Miss Wong for expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
10:30 PM: Move to Jungle Burger to catch the second half of a Premier League match with a cold Angkor beer.
Midnight: End the night dancing at Temple Club until the early hours.
This itinerary hits the highlights while giving you a well-rounded experience of what Pub Street has to offer.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Now for some essential information to help you make the most of your Pub Street adventure:
Getting to Pub Street
Tuk-tuks are the easiest and most affordable way to reach Pub Street. These motorized rickshaws are everywhere in Siem Reap, and a ride from most hotels costs between $2-5 depending on distance.
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If you’re staying near the Old Market area, Pub Street is easily walkable – just follow the noise and lights!
Best Time to Visit
Pub Street really comes alive after 7 PM when the street closes to traffic and the bars fill up. For the most vibrant atmosphere, visit between 9 PM and midnight. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, early evening (6-8 PM) is perfect for dinner and drinks before the party crowd arrives.
Special events like New Year’s Eve, Water Festival, or Khmer New Year amplify the experience with additional celebrations.
Where to Stay Near Pub Street
Staying close to Pub Street means you can easily walk back to your accommodation after a night out. Here are my top recommendations:
Park Hyatt Siem Reap
Luxury 10-min Walk to Pub Street
The Park Hyatt offers a peaceful oasis just a short walk from the action. After a night on Pub Street, you can recover in their stunning saltwater pool or indulge in a traditional Khmer massage.
Highlights:
- 5-star luxury accommodations
- Beautiful saltwater pool
- Full-service spa
- Gourmet dining options
Price Range: $200-350 per night
Central Suite Residence
Mid-Range 5-min Walk to Pub Street
Central Suite Residence offers excellent value with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool with city views, and an unbeatable location just minutes from Pub Street.
Highlights:
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Modern, spacious rooms
- Excellent location
- Friendly staff
Price Range: $40-80 per night
Onederz Hostel
Budget 2-min Walk to Pub Street
One of the best hostels in Southeast Asia, Onederz has both private rooms and well-designed dorms, plus a beautiful pool and rooftop bar where you can meet other travelers.
Highlights:
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop social area
- Clean, modern facilities
- Private and dorm options
Price Range: $8-25 per night
💡 Pro Tip: Book accommodation in advance during peak season (November-February) as the best places near Pub Street fill up quickly. When I visited during Christmas week, I had to stay 20 minutes away because everything nearby was fully booked!
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Planning Your Perfect Night
Want to make the most of your Pub Street experience? Here’s my step-by-step guide to planning the perfect night:
Step 1: Start with Dinner
Begin your evening with dinner at one of the top pub street Siem Reap restaurants. Red Piano is my recommendation for first-timers, but Banana Leaf or World Lounge are excellent alternatives depending on your food preferences.
Step 2: Happy Hour Drinks
Most bars offer happy hour specials between 5-7 PM. Take advantage of these deals to sample different venues without breaking the bank. Angkor What? and Temple Club typically have the cheapest beer specials.
Step 3: Explore the Night Markets
Take a break from drinking to explore the nearby night markets. This gives you time to digest dinner before the next phase of your night.
Step 4: Specialty Bar Experience
Head to a specialty bar like Miss Wong for cocktails or one of the sports bars if there’s a game you want to catch. This middle portion of the night is perfect for sitting, chatting, and pacing yourself.
Step 5: Late-Night Party
If you’re up for dancing, finish your night at Temple Club or Angkor What?, where the energy peaks after midnight.
Step 6: Late-Night Food
End your night with a street food snack before heading back to your accommodation. The fried ice cream stalls are typically open late and provide a sweet end to your evening.
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FAQs About Pub Street Siem Reap
What is Pub Street in Siem Reap?
Pub Street (officially Street 8) is Siem Reap’s main nightlife area, a pedestrian-only zone filled with restaurants, bars, and shops near the Old Market. It’s the social hub of the city, especially popular with tourists after days exploring Angkor Wat.
What is the famous food for Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is known for traditional Khmer dishes like fish amok (coconut curry fish steamed in banana leaves), beef loc lac (stir-fried beef with a lime-pepper dipping sauce), and Khmer BBQ. On Pub Street, you can find all these local specialties alongside international options.
Does Siem Reap have nightlife?
Absolutely! Siem Reap has a vibrant nightlife centered around Pub Street, with options ranging from casual beer bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges and pumping nightclubs. The scene is active every night but especially lively on weekends.
What is the best neighborhood in Siem Reap?
The Old Market area, which includes Pub Street, is considered the best neighborhood for tourists due to its central location, abundance of restaurants and shops, and proximity to the Siem Reap River. It’s the perfect base for exploring both the temples and the city.
| Category | Name | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Red Piano | Fish amok, Tomb Raider cocktail | $8-15 |
| Restaurants | Happy Special Pizza | “Happy” pizzas | $5-10 |
| Restaurants | Banana Leaf | Fusion cuisine | $6-12 |
| Cocktail Bars | Miss Wong | Premium cocktails | $7-12 |
| Sports Bars | Jungle Burger | Sports screening, burgers | $4-15 |
| Party Bars | Temple Club | Dancing, live music | $0.75-5 |
Ready for an Unforgettable Cambodian Adventure?
Experience the vibrant energy of Pub Street while having the perfect place to rest after your adventures. Book your accommodation near Pub Street today and prepare for nights you’ll never forget!
Have you visited Pub Street in Siem Reap? Share your experiences and favorite spots in the comments below!
