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Pub Street Siem Reap, Cambodia
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
Pub Street is a vibrant hotspot in the heart of Siem Reap, full of bars, clubs, restaurants and street food. Well known for its cheap drinks, live music, and street performers, this pedestrianized street in Siem Reap is home to a unique nightlife scene that has become an incredibly popular destination for locals, travellers and tourists alike.
The street was originally named Street 8, but was renamed Pub Street in 2008. It is a short street, only about 100 meters long, but it is packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs. There is something for everyone on Pub Street, whether you are looking for food, some shopping, a quiet drink or a wild party.
Some of the most popular bars on Pub Street include The Irish Pub, Angkor What, and The Red Piano. These bars offer a wide variety of drinks, from local beers to cocktails. They also have live music and DJs, so you can dance the night away.
If you are looking for something to eat, there are also many restaurants on Pub Street. You can find everything from pizza to pad Thai to Khmer food. There are also lots of street vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.
In addition to bars and restaurants, Pub Street is also home to a number of street performers. You can see fire dancers, acrobats, and musicians. There is always something going on on Pub Street, so you are sure to have a fun time!
Read on for our highlights, things to know about Pub Street, some tips for visiting, how to find it, and our Pub street experience rating.
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Our Pub Street Siem Reap highlights
We aren't always ones to go out and party to the early hours, but made an exception here! After a long day of touring temples in the searing heat, coming to Pub Street to unwind is very attractive indeed.
We actually visited twice, the first time just for a walk through, and the second time in which we found a great spot at the Cheers Bar and spent a good few hours dancing and having a drink (or three haha!).
At just a mere 100m meters, it really is as short as it sounds, although don't let this put you off. There are literally more bars than meters here and every one has its own unique appeal and vibe.
The street is relatively wide which helps keep the crowds fairly separated, although there are plenty of static street performers drawing crowds at various points. Some of them do tricks, some dance, some sing and some play instruments. We absolutely love this kind of art so it was a real treat to see them, especially those in traditional Khmer dress.
We would highly suggest spending some time at the Cheers Bar, near the end of the street heading in towards the city. It is open until 3am and has plenty of great drinks at customary cheap prices. It is probably as close to a proper club as you can get here, with awesome lighting, lasers, and a great sound system. There is also a giant screen outside showing boxing for added entertainment.
As we had already eaten prior to coming, we did not go to any of the restaurants here. We did however take a look at the night market, which is predominantly based at the end of the street along the Siem Reap river. There is tons on offer here if you are hungry, mostly local food, and in particular, many delightful stalls selling fried insects. These are totally part of the culture here, so try not to be too freaked out! We certainly did not try any though. Are you brave enough to?
Don't miss: Angkor Wat: From ancient empire to modern marvel
All you need to know about the largest religious monument on the planet; the jewel in the crown of the ancient Khmer city of Angkor.
Things to know about Pub Street
Pub Street was originally called Street 8, but it was renamed Pub Street in 2008. It is closed to traffic from 5pm to 11pm every day and is home to over 100 bars, restaurants, and shops.
Pub Street is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travellers, but also for locals, who come to enjoy the nightlife and the variety of food and drink options. It is a safe and friendly place to visit, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to be wary of pickpocketing.
Here are some key features and attractions associated with Pub Street:
⪢ Restaurants & Bars
Pub Street is lined with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes serving both local and international cuisines. Visitors can enjoy traditional Cambodian dishes, as well as Western favourites. The street comes alive in the evening, as many establishments offer happy hours and special promotions.
⪢ Nightlife
The nightlife scene on Pub Street is lively and energetic. Bars and clubs often have live music, DJs, and dancing, making it a popular spot for those looking to socialize and enjoy the evening.
⪢ Street Food & Market Stalls
In addition to sit-down restaurants and bars, Pub Street features numerous street food vendors and market stalls. Visitors can try local snacks, fresh fruit, and other treats as they explore the area.
⪢ Shopping
Pub Street and its surrounding alleys are dotted with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and artwork. It's a great place to pick up gifts and keepsakes from your trip to Siem Reap.
⪢ Atmosphere & Street Performers
The street is known for its bustling atmosphere, with colourful lights, lively music, and a festive vibe. Street performers, such as traditional Cambodian dancers and musicians, often entertain until the early hours.
⪢ Accessibility to Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is the main gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple and other ancient structures. Many tourists use Pub Street as a meeting point after exploring these historic sites.
Tips for visiting Pub Street
Here are some useful tips to consider before visiting Pub Street in Siem Reap:
⪢ Bargain Wisely
While shopping in the markets and stalls around Pub Street, bargaining is a common practice. However, remember to do so in a friendly and respectful manner. Start with a lower price and work your way up, but always be mindful of the value of the item.
⪢ Currency & Payments
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely (and preferably) accepted. Be sure to have a mix of both currencies, especially for smaller purchases.
Many establishments on Pub Street also accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand (and small bills, some establishments can be fussy with $50-100 notes). That being said, there are ATM's at the both ends of the street.
⪢ Tipping
Tipping is appreciated in Cambodia, especially in the service industry. While some upscale restaurants and hotels may include a service charge, it's common to leave a small tip for good service.
⪢ Go Early
Pub street is very popular with tourists and locals, and of course with that can get very busy. Arriving early can help with getting a good spot, perhaps inside to be closer to air conditioning, or outside if you want to be closer to the street.
⪢ Street Food Safety
While street food can be delicious, take precautions to ensure you're eating from clean and hygienic vendors. Look for places with a steady flow of locals, as they often know the best and safest options.
⪢ General Safety
Siem Reap is generally a safe destination for travellers, but it's always wise to take basic safety precautions. Keep your belongings secure and try to avoid being out alone late at night or becoming too inebriated. Pub Street is generally safe, but always try to be aware of your surroundings. Don't leave your drinks unattended, and be cautious around strangers.
Where to find Pub Street (street 08)
There are several ways to get to Pub Street in Siem Reap:
⪢ Walking
Pub Street is located in the heart of Siem Reap, and it is easily walkable from most hotels and guesthouses in the city centre.
⪢ Take a tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are a popular way to get around Siem Reap, and they are very affordable. A tuk-tuk ride to Pub Street will cost around $2 USD.
⪢ By Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike taxis are another popular way to get around Siem Reap. They are even cheaper than tuk-tuks, but they can be a bit more dangerous. A motorbike taxi ride to Pub Street will cost around $1 USD.
⪢ By bicycle
If you are feeling energetic, you can also bike to Pub Street. It is a short and easy ride, and it is a great way to see the city.
Here are some directions on how to get to Pub Street from different points in Siem Reap:
⪢ From the Old Market: Walk south along Sivutha Boulevard for about 10 minutes. Pub Street will be on your right.
⪢ From the Night Market: Walk north along Pub Street for about 5 minutes. The Old Market will be on your left.
⪢ From the Angkor Wat Temple Complex: Take a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi to Pub Street. The ride will take about 20 minutes and cost around $4 USD.
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Our Pub Street experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Pub Street has gained fame as a central hub for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique blend of dining, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. We can totally see why, as despite its small size, it somehow manages to pack in such a variety of fun places. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here, especially the lights, colours, performers and good modern music.
It was a little dirty in places, and despite being there at a late hour there were many rambunctious kids running around, which did take the edge off slightly. But overall it is a really cool place to visit and we would definitely recommend stopping by if you are in Siem Reap!
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