Pub Street & nightlife in Siem Reap

Pub Street — what it’s really like

Pub Street (officially "Street 8") is a pedestrian street about 200 meters long in the heart of Siem Reap, entirely dedicated to bars, restaurants, and tourist shops. In the evening, starting at 6 PM, it comes alive with outdoor tables, live music, souvenir vendors, and dozens of tuk-tuks waiting for customers.

Pub Street is a must-visit at least for a stroll — it’s the heart of the city’s tourist life. But it’s worth going beyond: the side streets (The Passage, Alley West, Street 9) host much more interesting spots, less crowded, with better food and fairer prices.

Phare Circus — our favorite evening in Siem Reap

If you do only one thing in the evening in Siem Reap, make it the Phare Cambodian Circus. This contemporary acrobatic show, created by artists trained at the Phare Ponleu Selpak school in Battambang, is one of the most memorable experiences in Cambodia — suitable for all ages, from 5 years old.

Each program tells a different story, drawn from Khmer mythology or Cambodia's recent history. The artists are all former students of the school, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the circus is as much a social project as it is artistic. A portion of the ticket sales directly funds the school.

Apsara dance show

The apsara dance is the classical Khmer art — a court dance inspired by the dancers sculpted on the temples of Angkor, with millimeter-precise finger and wrist movements, golden headdresses, and silk costumes. It nearly disappeared during the Khmer Rouge, who killed the vast majority of artists. Its survival is an act of cultural resistance.

Several restaurants offer Khmer buffets with an apsara dance show in the evening, starting at 6:30 PM or 7 PM. It’s a convenient and enjoyable way to dine while enjoying an authentic show. Expect to pay 20-35 USD per person (buffet + show included).

Night markets & street food

Siem Reap has several night markets worth visiting, well beyond souvenirs:

• Angkor Night Market: an indoor market with dozens of stalls selling crafts, clothing, and street food. Lively atmosphere, prices to negotiate. Ideal for a first evening. Free entry.
• Street 60 Food Market: an authentic street food market, mostly frequented by locals. Grilled meats, skewers, soups, tropical fruits. Less touristy, more authentic, very low prices (2-5 USD per dish).
• Old Market (Psar Chas): the historic market transforms into a pleasant pedestrian area in the evening. Fewer vendors than during the day, but the surrounding restaurants stay open late.

Bars & atmosphere

Pub Street and its adjacent streets host around fifty bars, from the most touristy to the most local. Here are some highlights:

• The terraces of Pub Street: live music, Angkor beers at 1.5-2 USD, international atmosphere. Ideal for a beer at the start of the evening before heading elsewhere. Noisy after 9 PM.
• The Passage / Alley West: the alleys west of Pub Street concentrate quieter bars, with quality cocktails and a more mixed clientele (expats, passing travelers, locals). Prices are slightly higher, but the atmosphere is much better.
• Parks Hyatt hotel bars: for a dressed-up evening with quality cocktails in a refined setting. Expect 8-12 USD per cocktail.

Practical tips for evenings in Siem Reap

• Tuk-tuk at night: always negotiate the price before getting in, as prices rise in the evening. 3-5 USD for a ride in the city is reasonable. Be wary of drivers offering ridiculously low prices — they will try to take you to a commission restaurant or bar.
• Dress code: Pub Street and the markets accept any casual attire. Fine dining restaurants (Cuisine Wat Damnak, etc.) prefer smart casual attire.
• Money: bars on Pub Street generally accept both dollars and riels. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants but not always in beer bars. Keep some USD bills on you.
• Return to hotel: ask your hotel to recommend a trusted tuk-tuk driver for your evenings. Many hotels have partners who wait or come on call.

On nous pose souvent ces questions

Questions fréquentes

Are there clubs or nightclubs in Siem Reap?

There are a few clubs in the downtown area, but Siem Reap is not a clubbing destination. The city goes to bed relatively early — most of the activity ends around midnight-1 AM even in high season. For a real nightlife experience, Phnom Penh is much more vibrant.

Is Pub Street suitable for children?

Early in the evening (6 PM-8 PM), yes — the atmosphere is family-friendly, there are many restaurants, and the surrounding markets are perfect for children. After 9 PM, Pub Street becomes more festive and the environment less suitable for young children. The Phare Circus, however, is recommended from 5 years old and usually starts at 7 PM — it's the ideal option for a family evening.

Can you see an apsara show for free?

Some hotels offer small free apsara dance demonstrations as appetizers or in the evening for their guests. For a real show, dinner-show packages at 20-35 USD remain the best value for experience. Avoid free performances offered in tourist restaurants — the artistic quality is generally very low.