Cambodia Nightlife

Cambodian nightlife is a lot more locally orientated than in Thailand although foreigners are amply catered for in the country's many bars, restaurants and clubs. Go Go bars are a no-go in Cambodia and most hostesses are fully dressed but that's not to say that naughty stuff doesn't happen; it does and with girls from Vietnam drawn to the nightlife scene the effect is multi-tiered. Some clubs are open 24 hours round the clock and none close early. The restaurant scene runs parallel, that is to say late, along with the nightclubs.

Phnom Penh Nightlife

Early evening in Phnom Penh you can visit establishments like the Australian-owned Rubies Bar, frequented by young and well-heeled expats or the FCC on Sisowath Quay which has great views and good, if somewhat over-priced, food. The California 2 Café and Guesthouse is where expats and travelers meet and exchange information. These are generally quieter establishments.

Nightlife in Siem Reap

Most visitors to Siem Reap are more interested in daytime visits to the nearby temples than nightlife but there are several good nightspots worth checking out. There is an Angkor Night Market, selling local handicrafts while most of the popular bars are close to the old market and the river, down the appropriately named 'Pub Street' and the two best nightlife places on this street are The Angkor What? (the area's nightlife pioneer) and The Temple Club, a full-on dance affair.

Sihanoukville Nightlife

Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main beach resort. Back when Phnom Penh was considered too dangerous for NGO officials they stayed here, resulting nowadays in a glut of hotel rooms. Billed as a beach resort, also the county's main port, in reality the main raison d'etre is a casino destination. There are four casinos at Sihanoukville and they draw many foreigners.

Battambang Nightlife

Cambodia's second-largest city, Battambang is the main hub of the Northwest, connecting Phnom Penh with Thailand. To put it succinctly, there is no nightlife in Battambang unless you count sipping fruit drinks by the river, in which case you should head to the Riverside Balcony Bar. Remember to remove your shoes when going upstairs.

You may run across the occasional karaoke bar but this will be strictly local. This city, probably with much justification, goes to bed early.