Riverside

Sisowath Quay — the riverside strip running along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers — is Phnom Penh's most scenic and tourist-friendly bar area. The bars here are more varied than Street 136: some are straightforward tourist bars serving Western food and Angkor beer, others have entertainment and female staff. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed than Street 136.

The riverside is the right starting point for a first night in Phnom Penh — get oriented, have a drink at sunset, get a feel for the city before moving into the more specific zones. Several bars have rooftop terraces with river views that are genuinely excellent regardless of other interests.

The riverside peaks from 6pm to midnight. It's better lit, more policed, and safer than Street 136 in terms of petty crime. A good base for food and drink with the option to move to Street 136 later in the evening.