Phnom Penh is a city of early mornings and late nights, and the nightlife zone is where the two meet. Here is a simple way to spend twenty-four hours there.
Late afternoon: the river
Start on Sisowath Quay as the heat drops. The Riverside fills with families, joggers and street vendors, and rooftop and river-view bars pour their first happy-hour drinks as the sun goes down over the city.
Evening: dinner
Between 6 and 9 pm the zone eats. You will find Khmer kitchens next to European bistros, Asian street food and steakhouses within a few blocks. Use the Explore page and filter by Restaurants to see what is near you.
Night: music and bars
From about 9 pm the energy moves inland to Street 136 and the streets around it: live bands, DJs, pool tables and big screens for football. This is the busiest part of the night.
Late night: the second wind
After 1 am the late bars and clubs take over, and so do the kitchens that never close. The 24 Hours page shows what is open right now.
Morning: recovery
At sunrise the city is already awake. Find a 24-hour café or a bowl of noodle soup, walk the river while it is still cool, and if you need it — a massage.
Every venue on this site sets its own opening hours, so check the venue page before you go.