Tourists Dancers Booze... Oh My!

Restaurant Name: Temple Bar

After a long day in the heat of the blazing sun, exploring Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom we decided to go restaurant hopping along Bar Street and try appetizers at each restaurant. We didn’t get very far. Our first stop was the uber-touristy Temple Bar. We thought we would stop here for a drink after a long day exploring the temples. A word of caution: a bucket means exactly that. The drinks here are cheap and the service is friendly but the food is expensive, by Cambodian standards, and is targeted at tourists rather than being customary Khmer food. The other draw is the free traditional Aspara (traditional Khmer dancing) show nightly on the second floor. There is a buffet upstairs during the show or you can just have a drink and watch the dancers.

Favorite Dish: If you’re looking for a hot spot on bar street to meet other travelers this might be your place but if you’re looking for something more authentic and local go elsewhere. The food’s not great but the drinks get the job done. Happy Hour is from 4 to 9pm daily.

Prices: less than US$10

Address: Bar Street Website: http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-templeclub.htm

Bar Street: Party Town          Siem Reap turns into quite the party town at night, at least along Bar Street and The Alley. All the backpackers spend their days discovering the mysteries of Angkor and their nights partying Cancun-style. Although there are lots of bars on the side streets, most of the crowds can be found on Bar Street. Most bars offer Happy Hour specials that last all night and the drinks all around are cheap. If you’re in the mood to tie one on and meet other travelers head to the hear of Bar Street, pick a bar and start drinking.

Aspara Dancers

Aspara Dancing is a traditional Khmer art and there are several places to experience it in Siem Reap. If you’re looking for a touristy, but free way to see this Cambodian custom check out the free show upstairs at the Temple Bar. This place gets packed, especially with the $5 US dinner buffet. If you’re not hungry you’re still welcome to grab a table and watch the show, daily 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

There are other places in the city to see this art form, but this one is free!

Address: Bar Street Website: http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-templeclub.htm