Street 172: Guide to Phnom Penh’s Most Casual Nightlife

We start with street 172 if you want some cheap bars in Phnom Penh. Less formal, lower commitment, and also cheaper. Get drinks, talk to a local or sit back, and enjoy the music. The vibe here is relaxed. Do not dress up or spend too much.

If you are interested in seeing a bit of Phnom Penh nightlife without having to spend any money head over to Street 172. Good for a couple of drinks before heading somewhere nicer or more happening. Such a friendly bunch — casual, laid back crowd.

The Difference: Street 172 “Girly Bars” vs. Street 104 Hostess Bars

The girly bar Phnom Penh locations on street 172 are well-known. These bars are smaller and much simpler. You can come and we sit down with the staff without pressure. Drinks are affordable, and the music is laid-back. You can spend an hour or two there with little spent.

Street 104 bars are different. They are more commercialised, have trained staff and expect to charge you more. Drinks are pricier, and the atmosphere is more sophisticated. Here, the experience is far more seamless and you might just find travelers or locals who are hardcore nightlife enthusiasts.

So think of 172 as a warm-up. You can get fun at low cost. If you want more of a night out, then step it up to 104. I love them both, but the experience is pretty different between the two streets.

Best Budget-Friendly Spots on 172

Cheap bars Phnom Penh 172 is littered with them. Some have fresh little tables and bright lights. Other people pump music loud enough to keep you going. You can find people and buy beer for less than a dollar.

The girly bars in this city are relaxed and approach. No need for a fancy dress here. All you have to do is come in, say hi and drink. In some places, games or simple performances are offered to make it fun.

Itquite simple to walk in a street. You are able to bar hop freely as no one loses out on anything. Then you will get to know which bars were crowded and which of them are slower. And the staff are always friendly and willing to recommend a good drink.

Why You Should Eventually Head Back to Street 104 for the Best Experience

If you love Street 172 even a little, you need to stop by 104 at some point. Meanwhile the hostess bars there are shinier, and offer a fuller night out. The drinks are more expensive, but the vibe is worth it.

Staff are trained to ensure your experience at 104 is as seamless as possible. As well as listening to music, playing a game or having a chat without having to rush. The sort of place you can walk into and just feel at home.

So use 172 as a starter. Cheap drinks and a relaxed vibe. Next stop 104 and experience what the Phnom Penh nightlife has to offer. You will get everything from low-key to grade-A bars in just one night.

Street 172 Phnom Penh Ideal for casual nights Cheap, fun, and easy to watch. And when you are ready, Street 104 is here to provide a better-refined experience. Combined these two give you the complete nightlife narrative of Phnom Penh.