Phnom Penh nightlife is spread across a few easy-to-reach areas, each with a different feel. Riverside is a convenient first stop, Bassac Lane suits a cocktail-led evening, and Street 136 brings together social bars, hostess venues and late-night clubs. Charlie Chan's Club is on Street 136, with free entry and opening hours of 8PM–5AM every night.
Phnom Penh nightlife at a glance
| Easy first stop | Riverside and Sisowath Quay for dinner, riverfront drinks and nearby venues |
|---|---|
| Cocktail-led evening | Bassac Lane and nearby streets |
| Social nightlife | Street 136, with smaller bars and larger late-night venues |
| Late-night club | Charlie Chan's Club, open 8PM–5AM, seven nights |
| Simple first-night plan | Choose one area, check prices and hours, and arrange your return trip |
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. It works well if you want to begin with dinner or a riverfront drink, then decide whether to continue with cocktails, conversation or a club.
Street 136
Street 136 is one of Phnom Penh's established nightlife streets. Smaller social and hostess bars sit alongside larger late-night venues. Charlie Chan's Club is a full club option on the street, with two stages, dancers and hostesses, live DJs, VIP table service and live sports. See our Street 136 guide for more about the immediate area.
Bassac Lane
Bassac Lane is a good fit when you want compact cocktail bars and a slower start to the evening. It can be combined with Riverside or Street 136 later, but leave time for the journey between areas instead of trying to cover the whole city in one night.
Choose the kind of night you want
- Easy first evening: Start near Riverside, have dinner, and keep the next stop flexible.
- Cocktails and conversation: Try the smaller bar setting around Bassac Lane.
- Social bars and a later finish: Explore Street 136, where several venue styles are close together.
- Dancing and stage entertainment: Look for a club that publishes its hours, entry policy and drinks prices. Charlie Chan's has free entry, two stages and live DJs, and stays open until 5AM.
There is no single best Phnom Penh nightlife area for everyone. The right choice depends on whether you want an easy walk, cocktails, conversation, dancing or a late finish. Check the current details before you set out, because hours and promotions can change.
When to go
Dinner and early drinks begin in the evening. Riverside is useful for an earlier start, while the nightlife around Street 136 becomes livelier later. At Charlie Chan's, the club opens at 8PM every night; the strongest dancing and club atmosphere is usually between 10PM and 3AM. If you prefer a quieter conversation, arrive earlier and ask the team what is happening that night.
A simple first-night plan
- Early evening: Eat near Riverside or your hotel and decide how you will get back.
- Later: Pick one area that matches your mood rather than rushing between districts.
- After midnight: Check the venue's published hours, prices and house rules before settling in.
Keep the plan flexible, use a reputable ride-hailing service or hotel-arranged transport, and keep your phone and valuables secure. Our first-night guide has more practical planning advice.
Prices and practical details
Prices vary by venue, so look for a current menu and ask how charges are handled before ordering. At Charlie Chan's Club, entry is free, drinks start from US$3 and the draft beer promotion starts from US$2 while the offer is running. Bills are itemised and updated with each order. The club accepts cash, major cards and USDT.
- VIP Card holders receive 10% off eligible menu drinks after US$200 spend.
- Staff drinks, food and other promotions are excluded from that discount.
- Photography and video are not permitted inside Charlie Chan's Club to protect guest and staff privacy.
Offers can change. Check the current drinks page or contact the club before relying on a promotion. For details about the VIP offer, see the VIP nightlife guide.
Getting around comfortably
Riverside, Bassac Lane and Street 136 are separate areas, so a multi-stop plan can mean extra travel. For a first visit, choosing one area keeps the evening simple. If you do travel between districts, use a reputable ride-hailing service or transport arranged by your hotel, and confirm your destination before you leave.
As with any busy city night out, keep valuables secure and agree on prices before using a service that does not show the fare in advance. Inside Charlie Chan's, the bill stays visible and is updated with each order; other venues may handle bills differently, so check as you go.
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 suited to compact cocktail bars.
What time does nightlife start in Phnom Penh?
Dinner and early drinks begin in the evening, while areas and clubs become livelier later. Charlie Chan's Club opens at 8PM and closes at 5AM every night.
Where can I go after midnight in Phnom Penh?
Check the venue's current hours before travelling. Charlie Chan's Club on Street 136 is open until 5AM, seven nights a week.
Is Street 136 close to Riverside?
Yes. Street 136 is near Sisowath Quay and is a short trip from the Riverside area.
Does Charlie Chan's Club charge entry?
No. Entry is free. Guests pay for what they order; check the current menu for drink prices and offers.
Can guests take photos inside Charlie Chan's Club?
No. Photography and video are not permitted inside so guests and staff can enjoy the night privately.
What payments does Charlie Chan's accept?
The club accepts cash, major cards and USDT.
About this guide: Charlie Chan's Club is a venue on Street 136 and the publisher of this local guide. It shares first-hand information about its own opening hours, facilities and policies; area descriptions are intended as a practical orientation, not an independent ranking of every Phnom Penh venue.