Siem Reap is a global hub for travellers due to Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples, but when the sun sets over the historic land, Siem Reap is one of the best nightlife destinations in Southeast Asia. While the $0.50 beers are a dream for many travellers, when looking for a place to go, tourists usually default to going to pub street, but if you’re looking to dive deeper, this guide will show you exactly where the locals and expats prefer to spend their evenings.
To help you find the best, here are our top 4 nightlife areas in Siem Reap that are still underrated and locals visit more often:
Quick Takeaways: Siem Reap Nightlife
- Go beyond Pub Street to find where the locals in Siem Reap hang out.
- The New Riverbank Area is the community social hub for Khmer teenagers and families, offering cheap BBQ and open-air socialising after sunset.
- Road 60 Market is the top non-touristy choice for an authentic local picnic and massive food/market fair.
- For the cheapest draft beer and budget-friendly traveller bars, head to Sok San Road.
- Phnom Krom Hill provides a peaceful, local alternative for a stunning sunset view over the Tonle Sap Lake (requires a 20-minute climb).
1. New Riverbank Area
Pub Street is the go to for travellers looking for a loud, wild party. Still, the locals in Siem Reap love to frequent the new river bank area (often called the “riverbank” or “new bank”), it’s the unofficial social hub of Siem Reap where young adults and families gather at night for good food and drinks in the open air.
Key Information
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the riverbank is definitely sunset, usually around 6 pm in Siem Reap. The area remains active until around 11 to midnight, especially on the weekends.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: This spot is the antithesis of Pub Street. It’s a non-touristy, casual area marked by its community atmosphere. Locals often sit on plastic mats and stools along the riverside and enjoy each other’s company. Famous Food/Drinks
- Famous Food/Drinks: The Riverbank is a perfect for authentic, budget-friendly Khmer street food.
- Must-Try: Deliciously affordable local-style BBQ (skewered meats, sausages) cooked on small charcoal grills.
- Local Delights: Vendors sell fresh fruit shakes, local desserts, and, most importantly, chilled cans of local beer and soft drinks at affordable prices.
Getting There
The New Riverbank area is along the Siem Reap River, just north of the Old Market & Pub Street on the quieter side
How to Reach There:
Tuk-Tuk: Tell your driver to go to the “Riverside local food area” or “New Bank.” Drivers will know the popular stretch where the mats and stalls are set up.
On Foot/Bicycle: If you are staying in the Wat Bo or residential areas east of the river, it is easily walkable. Simply walk away from Pub Street along the river.
2. Road 60 (60M Night Market)
Most travelers & tourists normally head straight to the Old Market but if you’re looking for a truly local experience, Road 60 (60M Night Market) is the typical local nightlife and community hub in Siem Reap. When visiting, you are likely going to be the only barangs (foreigners) , a truly local experience.
Key Information
- Best Time to Visit: The market opens at 5:00 PM and remains so until around 11:00 PM or midnight. It is busiest on weekend evenings when families gather for dinner.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: Road 60 is a highly social area known for its picnic culture. Locals rent large mats and set up their own DIY BBQ parties along the roadside, surrounded by endless food stalls, affordable market shops, and a lively, festive air.
Famous Food/Drinks
- Famous Food/Drinks: This is the best place to eat the widest variety of Khmer street cuisine at local prices.
- Must-Try: Khmer BBQ (self-cooked meats and vegetables on a small burner) and local versions of noodle dishes and soups.
- Drinks: Cold soft drinks and very cheap local Angkor draft beer.
Getting There
Road 60 is on the outskirts of the city center, around a 10 to 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from the Pub Street/Old Market area.
How to Reach There:
Tuk-Tuk: Tell your driver “Road 60 Market” or “60 Meter Road.” It’s a very well-known local landmark.
Note: It’s too far to walk from the tourist centre, so taking a tuk-tuk or ride-hailing app (like Grab) is essential.
3. Sok San Road
Sok Sank Road has been a favorite of locals for a long time and is even now becoming a hub for backpackers and travelers looking for a budget friendly less intense version of pub street.
Key Information & What to Look For
- Best Time to Visit: Sok San Road is active all day, but the nightlife scene starts in the late afternoon as happy hours begin and continues until midnight or later.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: The area is known for budget accommodation, hostels, and small, traveler-friendly bars and restaurants. It has a more authentic vibe compared to Pub Street. It’s great for meeting other travelers, arranging tours, and finding very affordable food and drink.
- Famous Food/Drinks: This area is famous for its cheap eats and excellent street food. You’ll find countless stalls and small restaurants offering delicious Khmer cuisine. The bars are also well known for offering some of the cheapest draft beer in town.
Getting There and Staying Safe
Travelling Around the Area
Location: Sok San Road runs southwest from the central Sivutha Boulevard. It’s a key alternative hub to the Pub Street area.
How to Reach There:
Tuk-Tuk: Tell your driver “Sok San Road” or “Brothers International Guesthouse.” It is a short, 5-10 minute ride from the Old Market/Pub Street area.
Walking: It’s walkable from the main Pub Street area (about 10-15 minutes), making it easy to hop between the two nightlife areas.
4. Phnom Krom: The Sunset Hill Over Tonle Sap
Phnom Krom is not a nightlife spot, but a scenic, sacred hill 9.5 km south of Siem Reap town, offering a stunning, low-tourist alternative for sunset. It is a favoured destination for locals seeking natural beauty, quiet contemplation, and the expansive view of the Tonle Sap Lake and the floating houses of its nearby villages. At the summit rests the Prasat Phnom Krom, a weathered 9th-century Hindu temple.
Phnom Krom isn’t a party spot per se, but rather a scenic hill offering a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset with a couple of beers. The locals love it for its natural beauty and the chance for quiet contemplation over a stunning view of the Tonle Sap Lake and the floating houses of its nearby villages. This is another place where you won’t find many other tourists. Again, it should be noted that Tonle Sap Lake has two seasons: Wet & Dry seasons, the rainy season (June–October), when water levels rise dramatically and the lake expands to several times its size, and the dry season (November–May), making the wet season the best time to see the sunset.
Tonle Sap Lake is one of the main attractions in Siem Reap. From a distance, it looks stunning, but exploring it up close is even more fascinating. The lake is home to unique wildlife and plays a vital role in supporting local communities. If you’re in Siem Reap, a tour of Tonle Sap Lake is a must.
Key Information
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive at 4:30 PM to allow time for the 20-minute climb and to secure a good viewing spot for sunset, which occurs around 6:00 PM.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: The atmosphere is peaceful, attracting locals who come for quiet reflection and to appreciate the natural landscape. It offers an escape from the city bustle, with panoramic views of rice fields, lotus farms, and the massive Tonle Sap.
- Note: Since the Prasat Phnom Krom temple is located on the summit, an Angkor Pass is technically required to enter the temple complex area during the day, though entry may be free after 5:30 PM for sunset viewers.
Famous Food/Drinks
- Famous Food/Drinks: The main food scene is at the base of the hill and along the road leading up to it, rather than at the summit itself.
- Must-Try: Local riverside/lake-view restaurants and food stalls near the base, which specialise in regional Khmer dishes and fresh fish from the nearby lake.
- Drinks: Cold beer and local soft drinks are available from roadside stalls, making them perfect for enjoying before or after your climb.
Getting There
Phnom Krom is 9.5 km south of central Siem Reap, located on the road leading to Tonle Sap Lake.
How to Reach There:
Tuk-Tuk: This is the easiest way. Tell your driver “Phnom Krom.” Due to the distance, you should negotiate a round-trip price that includes waiting time for the sunset, which typically takes about 2 to 3 hours total.
Bicycle/Scooter: The road is good and flat, allowing you to stop and enjoy the countryside and lotus fields along the way.
Note: The final ascent to the summit requires a 20-minute climb up a staircase or path.
FAQS
How safe is Siem Reap nightlife?
Siem Reap is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The only crime that occurs is almost always petty theft, and it is rarely a violent crime, but it is always to stay cautious, especially when walking in other parts of Siem Reap.
Is it safe for women to travel in Siem Reap at night?
Yes, solo female travellers generally feel safe in Siem Reap. The city is welcoming, and violent attacks against tourists are sporadic.
However, it’s always wise to follow standard safety precautions, such as sticking to busy, well-lit areas, using a ride-hailing app, and avoiding walking alone down dark, deserted side streets. If you’re going somewhere off the main road, take a tuk-tuk directly to the door.
Which is the best location to stay for nightlife?
To enjoy the best nightlife, it is preferred to stay near Sok San Road or Pub Street, as both streets are just 5 minutes apart. There are different properties and hostels in those areas.
