Phnom Penh has a vibrant nightlife offering a wide range of evening venues. Though bars and clubs are scattered across the town, it is never hard to hop in a tuk-tuk (or cab/taxi if you must) and arrive at any destination within 5 to 10 minutes without a big impact on the wallet. Note, though most of Phnom Penh’s streets are numbered, it is difficult to navigate on foot all the time so plan to be transported by a local.

For the first night on the town, the Riverfront boosts a line of restaurants and bars, lit up at night to show off its serene, laid-back, colonial feel. Visitors can browse from bar and restaurant on this strip, indulging in a cocktail at one place and a game of pool at another. Don't miss the FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) for one of the best views of the riverfront action and a terrific happy hour.  Many of the Riverfront restaurants have maintained the colonial feel, with revolving white fans and white whicker seats. Jungle Bar offers a great happy hour, terrific food and a fine music selection. The legendary DV8 bar is just around the corner. Also Street 104 area hosts several friendly little pubs while there is some fun nightspots on Street 51 near Street 174 including the Heart of Darkness, Howie, 51 Bar and Walkabout. In the backpacker area on Boeung Kak Lake, visitors will find welcoming and cheap pubs, Bob Marley, dreads, and showers optional tourists aplenty. There are a couple of spots on Street 278 and on the north side of the Wat Phnom traffic circle. Street 178 features great views of the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and Phnom Penh's finest (and only) Irish pub -- Rory's Pub and Guesthouse. The Bayon Pearnik magazine and the back page of the Friday Cambodia Daily list the nights live music options. Also, the lobby bar in InterContinental Phnom Penh offers music and cocktails for a more adult crowd; the Silverado offers live rock and roll and the always popular Riverhouse Lounge has live music (sometimes jazz) on Sundays and hip DJs on Friday.