Drinking in Sihanoukville
Nightlife in Sihanoukville continues to gather pace with more and more travellers crossing by land from Thailand. The late-opening spots are all in the centre of town or at Serendipity Beach, but there are a whole lot of beach shacks further south on Occheuteal that heave until the early hours. It is hard to recommend any by name, as they may not be around much longer, once the new resort opens in this part of town.
With the Angkor Brewery located on the outskirts of town, draught beer is very cheap – it starts at US$0.50 at some of the budget restaurants on Weather Station Hill. Melting Pot, Romduol’s Restaurant and Mealy Chenda Restaurant all pull a drinking crowd into the evening, but for the real action it is better to hit a dedicated bar.
Pet’s Place
Tel: 012 472325 – Add: Weather Station Hill
A long-running bar that has moved all over town; it’s come to rest here and is one of the most popular places in the old backpacker quarter. Cheap drink and a pool table should keep it that way and there are rooms for rent (US$2 to US$5) for those that like the place so much they want to stay.
Corner Bar
Add: Weather Station Hill
It does what the sign says and straddles the busiest corner in this part of town. A hot spot for catching English Premier League action, it stays open later than most on the hill.
Angkor Arms
Add: Ph Ekareach – www.angkorarms.com
Probably the oldest bar in town, this place sells itself as a traditional British pub with darts and draught beer. There is air-con on the inside and a large outdoor area for those who want a drink au naturel. Happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm, and it’s open late.
Dusk til Dawn
Add: Ph Sopheakmongkol
Right next door to Angkor Arms, this place is located on the rooftop of a townhouse, up a rickety staircase. The name gives away its hardcore opening hours and it is usually the last place in town to close. Just mind the stairs on the way home.
Blue Storm
Add: Ph Ekareach – Entry free
This is the only real nightclub in town. It can be pretty quiet on weekdays, but it tends to be crammed at the weekends when young Khmers make for the beach. With DJs, VJs and slightly more-pricey drink than elsewhere in town, don’t come here expecting conversation.
Down on Serendipity Beach there are a couple of popular bars, including 24-hour Unkle Bob’s that rocks on into the night. There’s also the ever-popular Eden, with an inviting bar to prop up and some horizontal deckchairs for taking things slowly.
Tags: Drinking in Sihanoukville