Right at the top of Phnom Penh Tower, Eclipse Sky Bar offers unrivalled views of the city. The martinis here are spot on, and while it’s not quite as swanky as The Fifth Element, it’s still an essential stop for anyone who enjoys a sundowner or two after a hard day’s sightseeing.
Phnom Penh Nightlife
Nightlife in Phnom Penh is pretty vibrant and there are a large number of bars to choose from. There are only a few live music venues, although some of the international hotels have bands from the Philippines. Most nightlife in Phnom Penh can be found along Sisowath Quay, on Street 104, and also on Street 51 between Streets 174 and 154, known as The Strip.
Culture in Phnom Penh revolves around the traditional Cambodian apsara dancing, which is very slow and graceful. Skills have been retained despite the loss of many dancers during the Khmer Rouge years.
You can find information on performances in the Friday edition of the Cambodia Daily (www.cambodiadaily.com), the fortnightly Phnom Penh Post (www.phnompenhpost.com) and the irreverent monthly Bayon Pearnik (www.bayonpearnik.com). Phnom Penh Nightlife (www.phnompenhnightlife.com) also has the latest happenings and openings.
Bars in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s rapid development has seen a boom in rooftop and sky bars. The Fifth Element is arguably the best. A hip and smartly decorated joint, it’s situated on the top floor of La Maison d’Ambre, one of the city’s best boutique hotels. The lounge area is the ideal place to grab a cocktail and watch the sun go down over the city.
This is a popular hangout with journalists, diplomats, travellers and the occasional movie star. The bar is set within a boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Mekong River. Most people passing through Phnom Penh have heard about the FCC, so stop for a drink, especially during the daily happy hour, and play a game of pool.
Clubs in Phnom Penh
Head to this glitzy entertainment resort, a chic location where the city's young and trendy like to see and be seen. It has a huge range of cocktails and imported wines, while DJs and a resident live band perform nightly. For a change of scene, try a bit of karaoke in Club 88 or try not to lose your shirt in the casino.
This is a late night dance spot with a reputation for partying into the early hours. It’s a western style club, so expect to find ex-pats and travellers rubbing shoulders with locals on the dancefloor.
Phnom Penh’s hottest nightspot, Pontoon, attracts international and local DJs. There’s a more laid back vibe during the week, but things can get pretty hectic on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a place for serious clubbers and those looking to let their hair down.
Live Music in Phnom Penh
Listen to local live bands, check out changing exhibitions by Phnom Penh-based artists, or cool down on the rooftop terrace at this perennial favourite located on the city's Golden Mile, Street 278. A great place to head for if you just want to relax with a cold beer and listen to some good music.
This large buzzing bar hosts live rock bands at the weekends and showcases new bands (ex-pat and Khmer) who are starting to appear on the Phnom Penh scene. This is a longstanding favourite with pool tables, large screen for sporting events, big beer selection and a wide choice of food.
Good live music is hard to find in Phnom Penh but this venue, situated in the upscale Topaz restaurant, hosts an array of local and international performing jazz and soul music. It’s a sophisticated place to enjoy music or relax on the open-air terrace overlooking Norodom Boulevard with a good selection of spirits, cocktails, an excellent wine cellar and a Cuban cigar room.
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