Phnom Penh’s riverside, or Sisowath Quay, is a hive of activity throughout the day and night. The promenade that skirts the Tonle Bassac River is popular with locals taking evening strolls, jogging or joining in the aerobics classes that dot the stretch. It is also packed full of restaurants, bars and cafes that target the tonnes of tourists that hit the Cambodian capital’s riverside. Here are some of the best bars to stop off at.
Riverhouse is a riverside stalwart, having called it home for more than 15 years. Spread over two floors, the corner venue’s downstairs bistro serves up chilled tunes, food and drinks. While the upstairs lounge is much more lively, with a dancefloor and top tunes pumping until after midnight. Catering to the affluent young Khmer crowd, its location also draws in the tourists, with guest DJs and entertainers regularly taking to the stage.
For the last decade, La Croisette has been providing the capital with fine food, drinks and entertainment. The spacious bar also regularly holds live entertainment, when the chairs and tables are moved to one side so punters can bust some moves.
This modern hotel boasts a great rooftop terrace overlooking the river that welcomes outside guests. As a great spot to spend dusk, The Quay serves the usual array of drinks and snacks, with DJs occasionally playing mellow sundowner sets at weekends.
Nestled further north along the river, Chinese House may well be in a more secluded spot, but it’s worth staying in the tuk-tuk for an extra few minutes. Housed in a former Chinese merchant’s home, the offerings inside this stunning building match its appearance. With the upstairs hosting the grand dining room, downstairs is more casual, serving tapas and drinks, with a quaint outdoor garden to relax in.
Le Moon rooftop bar that sits atop the AMANJAYA Pancam Suites hotel boasts spectacular views across the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, as well as the bustling riverside below. This makes it popular with both young locals and tourists at dusk. The open-air terrace is home to plenty of seating and serves food as well as drinks.
The Foreign Correspondent Club is popular with tourists catching happy hour and sunset views from their balcony that overlooks the river. Housed in a beautiful colonial building, FCC serves drinks and food throughout the day and night.
As the younger sister of Bangkok’s Oskar, Phnom Penh’s offering is a classy affair that welcomes the upper echelons of Khmer society. Boasting an expansive cocktail menu, food and tunes from resident and guest DJs, Oskar is often packed until closing time in the early hours.
Every major city has to have an Irish bar, right? Well, Phnom Penh’s comes in the form of Paddy Rice. And it doubles up as a sports bar too, screening all of the major games so no one needs to miss out while away. Happy hours run daily, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and the bar regularly hosts live music night.
This stylish and cosmopolitan restaurant and bar offers great views, friendly staff, delicious food and a pretty relaxed place to hang out and watch life on the riverside pass by. An extensive range of cocktails are served at Metro, and if you happen to be hungry, then tuck into a few of their Asian tapas dishes – the Peking duck pancakes and Tequila black pepper prawns are a must.
