Pub Street · Street 08
Pub Street
Discover the famous nightlife street in the heart of Siem Reap
A lively pedestrian hub of restaurants, bars, street food and Khmer hospitality — steps from the Old Market.
Basic Information
The key facts about Pub Street for planning your evening in Siem Reap.
What is Pub Street?
Pub Street is the most famous nightlife area in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Tucked beside the Old Market (Phsar Chas) in the city center, it is where visitors gather after dark to eat, drink and enjoy the easygoing atmosphere of a Cambodian travel town.
Where
Old Market area, central Siem Reap
Open
Pedestrian zone in the evening
Rating
4.4 (7,182+)
Crowd
Travelers & expats
Why it matters
- The best-known nightlife hub in Siem Reap.
- Steps from the Old Market and the Siem Reap River.
- Restaurants, bars, street food and shops in one place.
At a glance
A quick orientation before you go.
- Free to walk around — no entry ticket.
- Easily reached on foot from the city center.
- Liveliest from around 18:00 to midnight.
- Family-friendly earlier in the evening.
History & Culture
How a quiet riverside town grew into Cambodia's best-known travel nightlife district.
A quiet riverside town
In the 1990s, Siem Reap was still a quiet small town on the Tonlé Sap river. Angkor Wat was already world-famous, but tourist infrastructure was thin and there was barely any nightlife.
The first bar opens
In 1998, Angkor What? Bar — a modern bar for backpackers — opened at the corner of the street. It became the seed of Pub Street's nightlife and marked the turn from an ordinary residential lane into a cluster of bars.
The Tomb Raider effect
When the 2000 Hollywood film Tomb Raider was shot in Siem Reap, its star Angelina Jolie often visited The Red Piano bar at the street corner. International media attention quickly lifted Pub Street from a backpacker secret into a globally known landmark.
The pedestrian street forms
As visitor numbers surged, the Siem Reap authorities designated Street 08 as a night pedestrian zone in the mid-2000s — laying asphalt and adding signature lanterns, transforming an ordinary alley into a city landmark.
Siem Reap's social heart
Today Pub Street is the city's after-dark gathering point — live music, street performances and a blend of Khmer culture with traveler cultures from around the world.
A Small Tale
Locals say there is an unwritten rule: after a day at the temples, every traveller returns to the old town at dusk to wash off the dust among lights and aromas. Over time, this short street between the Old Market and the river became the ritual 'return to the human world' after pilgrimage. The story may not be in history books, but it explains why it anchors so many travel memories.
How the Name Came About
'Pub Street' (Khmer: ផ្លូវបារអាហារ / ផ្លូវហាងស្រា) literally means 'bar street.' It is a short lane in Siem Reap's old town known for dining and nightlife. The name comes from the many bars and restaurants clustered here; it is a local habit, not an official district name.
By Day a Pilgrimage, By Night Back to Earth
In Siem Reap's travel culture there is an unspoken understanding: by day, travellers climb and contemplate in the solemn silence of the Angkor temples until they are spent; at dusk they return to Pub Street in the old town, shedding the dust and fatigue of the day amid bright lights, cold beer and street music. This sharp contrast — 'paying respects to the ancient temples by day, returning to the human world by night' — gives Pub Street an emotional symbol that goes beyond an ordinary commercial street. It is not just a nightlife district, but the 'city living room' where cultures from around the world meet in Siem Reap.
By Day a Pilgrimage, By Night Back to Earth
In Siem Reap's travel culture there is an unspoken understanding: by day, travellers climb and contemplate in the solemn silence of the Angkor temples until they are spent; at dusk they return to Pub Street in the old town, shedding the dust and fatigue of the day amid bright lights, cold beer and street music. This sharp contrast — 'paying respects to the ancient temples by day, returning to the human world by night' — gives Pub Street an emotional symbol that goes beyond an ordinary commercial street. It is not just a nightlife district, but the 'city living room' where cultures from around the world meet in Siem Reap.
Night Experience
What makes an evening on Pub Street so memorable.
Street Atmosphere
When the lights come on, the street fills with people, music and the warm glow of restaurant signs. It is lively but relaxed — perfect for an evening stroll.
Local Food
From Khmer curries and BBQ to fried noodles, fruit shakes and sweets — the street is a casual open-air dining court for every budget.
Entertainment
Bars, live acoustic music and street performances line the lane. You can sit with a drink, listen to a band or simply watch the crowd go by.
Day vs Night
Pub Street changes character through the day. Here is what to expect.
How the mood shifts
Quiet and bright — good for photos, shopping and a relaxed walk before the crowds arrive.
Restaurants open and the first drinks appear. A relaxed, friendly vibe builds up.
The busiest and most energetic time — music, lights and the fullest crowds.
Tip: go after 18:00 for the true Pub Street feeling, but earlier in the evening is calmer and more family-friendly.
How to Visit Pub Street
Practical pointers to make the most of an evening here.
Best time to go
Suggested stay
Who it's for
- Backpackers
- Couples
- Friends & groups
- First-time visitors
A 1-hour evening walk
Catch the sunset and browse stalls at the Old Market (Phsar Chas).
Step into Pub Street for a Khmer or BBQ dinner.
Grab a street shake or local beer and soak up the live music and snacks.
Stroll to the Siem Reap riverside night market to wind down by the water.
How To Get There
Pub Street is central and easy to reach from anywhere in Siem Reap.
From Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
The airport is about 20–30 minutes by road from Pub Street. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available at the terminal.
- Exit the arrivals hall and head to the official taxi / tuk-tuk counter or ride-hailing pick-up area.
- Agree the fare before boarding (a taxi is usually more than a tuk-tuk, which is the local open-air option).
- Follow National Road 6 toward the city center, then turn toward the Old Market (Phsar Chas) area.
- Ask the driver to drop you at 'Pub Street' or the Old Market — they are adjacent and well known.
From Angkor Wat
Pub Street sits about 7 km north of the temple area; a short tuk-tuk ride brings you back into town.
- After your temple visit, find a tuk-tuk near the Angkor ticket checkpoint or main entrance.
- Show the driver 'Pub Street / Old Market' — most drivers know it by name.
- The ride heads south into central Siem Reap and takes roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Around the city center
Pub Street is compact and walkable from most central hotels and the riverside. For the ride back at night, use ride apps like Grab or PassApp — transparent pricing, no haggling markups.
- From the Old Market (Phsar Chas), walk one block east — Pub Street is right beside it.
- From the Siem Reap River promenade, head one block inland (west) toward the Old Market.
- At night the street becomes a pedestrian zone, so simply follow the lights and music.
Nearby Attractions
Worth exploring before or after your evening on Pub Street.
Old Market (Phsar Chas)
Few min walkA traditional market for souvenirs, snacks and local life, right beside Pub Street.
Angkor Night Market
5 min walkA nighttime shopping area with handicrafts, clothes and street food stalls.
Siem Reap Riverside
5 min walkA calm promenade along the river — nice for a post-dinner walk.
Angkor Wat
≈ 7 kmThe world-famous temple complex and Cambodia's top heritage site, a short trip north.
Food Around Pub Street
Pub Street is a great place to sample Cambodian flavors in a relaxed, casual setting. These are some dishes you will commonly find — presented as cultural context, not restaurant recommendations.
Amok
A gentle Khmer curry steamed in banana leaf, often with fish and coconut.
Khmer BBQ
Grilled meats and vegetables, sometimes cooked at your table.
Fried noodles
Quick, cheap and filling — a backpacker staple across the street.
Fruit shakes
Fresh blended tropical fruit drinks, perfect in the warm evening.
Cambodian desserts
Sweet sticky-rice, custards and palm-sugar treats from small stalls.
Visitor Experience Summary
A balanced look at what travelers commonly say — based on public review trends, not copied comments.
What visitors love
- Lively, friendly atmosphere that is easy to enjoy.
- Central and walkable, close to the Old Market.
- Great for an evening stroll and people-watching.
Good to know
- Crowded at peak hours (evenings and weekends).
- Quite commercial compared with the rest of the city.
Nearby Facilities & Services
Listed to help you plan your visit. We describe only the type and general availability of services, and do not endorse any specific business. Verify locations and opening hours on site before your visit.
Public Restrooms
CommonRestrooms are available in restaurants, cafés and shopping venues along the street; some public areas have paid facilities.
Prefer facilities inside dining venues; open-air options are limited at night.
Parking
LimitedSeveral open-air lots and hotel valet parking exist nearby; spaces around the Old Market get tight in the evening.
At peak hours, park a bit further and walk, or use other transport.
Dining
AbundantMostly bars, restaurants, BBQ stalls and street food, covering Khmer, Asian and international cuisines.
Choose by budget and cuisine; check public reviews rather than a specific name.
Accommodation
AbundantFrom hostels and boutique hotels to upscale resorts, concentrated around the Old Market and west riverbank.
Pick by budget and quietness; street-facing rooms can be lively at night.
Convenience & Shops
CommonWithin walking distance: convenience stores, groceries and souvenir markets for daily needs, drinks and small items.
The night market near the Old Market is best for souvenirs.
Fuel & Charging
CitywideFuel stations are spread across the city; EV and phone charging are available at hotels, cafés and malls.
If renting a vehicle, top up before long trips.
ATM & Currency
CommonATMs and money changers near main streets and malls accept major cards.
Prefer ATMs inside bank branches; mind cross-border fees.
Medical & Emergency
CitywidePharmacies, clinics and international medical points are in the city; contact local ambulance and tourist police in emergencies.
Get travel insurance and save embassy contacts.
Connectivity
UbiquitousMost dining and lodging offer free Wi-Fi; tourist SIM cards are sold at local kiosks.
Be careful with public networks in crowded areas.
This is an independent non-profit guide. Listed facilities are type references only and are not commercial endorsements; on-site conditions apply.
Pub Street Gallery
A glimpse of the street, its food and its night-life energy.
Practical Tips
Neutral advice for independent travellers to plan with more ease.
Stay aware
It is a popular tourist area. Keep normal travel caution with belongings.
Getting around
Walk or take a tuk-tuk. The area is central and compact.
Money
Cash is handy for small stalls; many bars and restaurants take cards.
Timing
Arrive after 18:00 for the full lights-and-music experience.
Ride Apps (Grab / PassApp)
Besides negotiating tuk-tuk fares on the spot, use popular local ride apps like Grab or PassApp for transparent pricing and tracked trips, avoiding inflated night fares.
Responsible travel
Do not buy from or give money to children selling or begging on the street at night, to support their return to school (echoing UNICEF and NGO initiatives); beware of the 'milk scam' near the Old Market–Pub Street junction and politely decline unsolicited donation requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for first-time visitors.