The Pub Street in Siem Reap is not spectacular. You'll find a lot of quite expensive and loud bars, a few clubs and some very expensive low quality restaurants. Our group of seven friends wandered around Pub Street, and I was way out of my comfort zone. It didn't feel unsafe or scary - just a bit noisy, youthful, and touristy, with overpriced food, understrength drinks and tourist-oriented attractions.
If I wanted Kuta, I would have gone to Bali. We walked up and down Pub Street, the variety of food, music, karaoke, drinks and atmosphere was fantastic. We went to a bar sorry can't remember name serving wood fired pizza and a variety of local food. We ordered drinks a pizza, some fries and chicken BBQ. We were entertained by a 3 piece band singing along to karaoke, joined by other guests in a place opposite. How can you complain? I suppose Pub Street is an antidote to temple fatigue!
Encompassing a few streets and several lanes in downtown Siem Reap, Pub Street encompasses several dives, a few themed pubs - like Yellow Sub - and a few Ibiza-standard clubs, notable amongst which is Temple. There's even a pretty high end Italian restaurant - Il Forno. Recent times have seen the introduction of numerous brightly illuminated booze trucks, serving shots and cocktails al fresco.
A nice way to start or finish your evening in the vicinity. Karaoke abounds. It's not as racy or seedy as Patong or Patpong, but intoxicating 'milk shakes' are served openly in some venues. All kinds of cuisines are available, from traditional Khmer dishes like Amok and Lok Lak, to crocodile burgers. Just make sure you have plenty of US Dollars. Local Riels are not so welcome. Oh and if you have time, make sure you pay a visit to the Phare Circus.
It's first rate. Just minutes away by tuk-tuk. Hang on to your wallet and don't wear flashy jewellery. Muggings are an increasing problem as they are in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Other than that, you should have an excellent time. We were not expecting this party scene in the middle of sien reap and what a great surprise It's busy and fun and has a feel of khanson road in Thailand but bigger wider and not so full of people in your face wanting to sell Definitely worth a look and a sample of the great street food.
