Phnom Penh nightlife is centred on a few easy-to-reach areas. Riverside is a convenient place to begin, Street 136 has a dense mix of social bars and late-night venues, and Bassac Lane suits a cocktail-led evening. Charlie Chan's Club is on Street 136 and is open 8PM–5AM every night with free entry.
Phnom Penh nightlife at a glance
| Easy first stop | Riverside and Sisowath Quay |
|---|---|
| Street 136 | Social bars, hostess venues and late-night clubs |
| Cocktail option | Bassac Lane and nearby streets |
| Typical start | Dinner or drinks from early evening; clubs become livelier later |
| Late-night option | Charlie Chan's Club, 8PM–5AM, seven nights |
Where to go at night in Phnom Penh
Riverside and Sisowath Quay
Riverside is a practical orientation point for a first evening. Restaurants, bars and hotels sit close together, and Street 136 is nearby. Start with dinner or a riverfront drink, then decide whether you want cocktails, conversation or a club.
Street 136
Street 136 is one of Phnom Penh's established nightlife streets. It has smaller social and hostess bars alongside larger late-night venues. Charlie Chan's combines two stages, dancers and hostesses, live DJs, VIP table service and live sports in one club. Read the detailed Street 136 guide.
Bassac Lane
Bassac Lane is the better fit when the priority is compact cocktail bars and a slower start. It can be combined with Riverside or Street 136 later in the evening, but allow for travel time between areas.
A simple first-night plan
- Early evening: eat near Riverside or your hotel and confirm how you will get back.
- Later: explore one area rather than rushing across the city.
- After midnight: choose a venue with published hours, clear prices and transport available outside.
Keep the plan flexible, use a reputable ride-hailing service or hotel-arranged transport, and keep valuables secure. Our first-night guide covers practical planning in more detail.
Prices and practical details at Charlie Chan's
- Free entry and no cover charge.
- Draft beer promotion from US$2 and drinks from US$3.
- Cash, major cards and USDT accepted.
- Live itemised billing: the bill remains visible and is updated with each order.
- VIP card: 10% off eligible menu drinks after US$200 spend; staff drinks, food and promotions are excluded.
- No photography or video inside, protecting guests and staff.
Offers can change, so check the current drinks page or contact the club before relying on a promotion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area for nightlife in Phnom Penh?
It depends on the night you want. Riverside is convenient for a relaxed start, Street 136 has social bars and late-night venues close together, and Bassac Lane is known for compact cocktail bars.
What time does nightlife start in Phnom Penh?
Dinner and early drinks begin in the evening, while many clubs become livelier from around 10PM. Charlie Chan's Club opens at 8PM and closes at 5AM every night.
Is Street 136 close to Riverside?
Yes. Street 136 is near Sisowath Quay and can be reached quickly from the Riverside area.
Does Charlie Chan's Club charge entry?
No. Entry is free. Guests pay only for what they order.
Can guests take photos inside?
No. Photography and video are not permitted inside Charlie Chan's Club so guests and staff can enjoy the night privately.
What payments does Charlie Chan's accept?
The club accepts cash, major cards and USDT.