Atlantis Metal Bar Siem Reap – Cambodia’s Home for Heavy Music

Siem Reap is of course best known for the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex, but once the sun sets, the city comes alive with buzzing bars, incredible restaurants, and plenty of places to unwind. Pub Street is where most tourists naturally end up, but if you’re looking for something a little heavier, grittier, and definitely more unique, there’s only one place to be: Atlantis Metal Bar Siem Reap. This legendary spot is Siem Reap’s home for punk, rock, and heavy metal fans, offering an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in town.

Japanese owned and run (with the help of Kok – the fantastic Khmer barman), the owner Chihiro works tirelessly to give Metal and Rock fans a great space to hang out and enjoy the incredible live shows and international music acts that she works hard to bring to Siem Reap.

A True Haven for Metalheads in Siem Reap

Atlantis Metal Bar isn’t just another bar playing the same old pop hits you can hear everywhere else in town (as a matter of fact, requesting a pop song comes with the rightful punishment of buying a Jagermeister shot!). It’s also a lifeline for the local and international metal scene. The moment you step through the doors, you’ll see what we mean! The walls are lined with band posters, tees and artwork, the lighting is dark and ambient, and the sound system is always ready to blast your ears with the heavy drums and intense guitar riffs that you love!

The TV in the corner will be showing the music videos of whatever song is currently playing and the staff are more than happy to let you request songs – as long as they’re heavy of course!

The bar regularly hosts live music nights, featuring both Cambodian bands and international acts touring Southeast Asia. If you’re lucky, you might catch a night where a touring hardcore or punk band takes over the stage, creating a wild, high energy atmosphere that’s unlike anything else in Siem Reap. Even on nights without live performances, the playlist is stacked with metal classics, keeping the vibe alive and giving you a chance to enjoy an ice cold can of Cambodia Beer, or one of the many spirits and cocktails available.

Where Atlantis Metal Bar is Located

You’ll find Atlantis Metal Bar right on Sok San Road, around 900m from Pub Street and the Old Market area (about a ten minute walk, or 2 minutes in a tuktuk!). This makes it easy to include in your Siem Reap nightlife itinerary, whether you’re looking for a late night stop after exploring the temples or want to kick off your evening with something different. Its location also means there are plenty of nearby guesthouses, bars and restaurants, so you won’t have to go far to go if you’re planning on a big night!

Atlantis Metal Bar runs on the following opening hours, though this can change slightly if there’s a big music event on;
Monday: 8pm – 12am
Tuesday: 8pm – 12am
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 8pm – 12am
Friday: 8pm – 1am
Saturday: 8pm – 1am
Sunday: CLOSED

Bargain Drinks and a Rocking Atmosphere

One of the best things about Atlantis Metal Bar is that despite being unique and offering something you won’t find elsewhere, drinks are affordable and there’s a decent range of options. Draft and canned beer are $1.25, which has become the standard for many places around Siem Reap. They also offer great prices on premium spirits, with options like Jameson, Captain Morgans and Absolut starting at just $2.50! (Add $0.50 for a mixer)

Some great cocktails are available on the menu, whipped up by the fantastic bartender Kok and starting from just $3.50! We highly recommend trying the Matcha Milk Sake cocktail, it sounds a bit out there but it’s absolutely delicious! They do of course have classic cocktails too like Mojitos, Moscow Mules and Tequila Sunrises.

If you’re feeling in the mood, they also have Sake and Japanese whisky available.

Live Music at Atlantis Metal Bar in Siem Reap

While Siem Reap is packed with bars, there aren’t many dedicated live music venues, especially for heavier genres like metal and punk (Atlantis Metal Bar and X Bar are probably the only places you can find these types of live events!). Atlantis stands out as one of the few places that truly support original live performances. Past shows have featured both local Cambodian bands and international touring groups, bringing a mix of underground energy and professional musicians to the city.

Most recently, Brazillian progressive metal band Noturnall headlined an all night event consisting of 3 international bands who Chihiro had brought to Siem Reap especially for the event! (Noturnall, Illusion Force and Dreamspirit). The week before, we were treated to an incredible night of American rock by Scotty Austin, former frontman of Saving Abel, with his new touring band. Both nights were fantastic, with a good turnout of locals and expats.

We really want to give a massive shout out to Chihiro for the amount of work she does for the local music scene. Post Covid, Siem Reap has had very few live music events from touring artists, and Atlantis Metal Bar has had the majority of them!

Atlantis Metal Bar is a small venue, so when live music events happen, you’re right in the middle of the action – which is part of the fun! The stage is only a few metres away from the bar, and the sound system has been set up professionally, so you really feel like you’re taking in the band!

If you’re hoping to catch a live show, it’s best to check their social media pages before you visit. Atlantis regularly updates their Facebook and Instagram with details of upcoming gigs, so you can plan your night around a concert. Even if there isn’t a show scheduled, the bar is still worth visiting for its unique vibe and great music. CLICK HERE to visit the Atlantis Metal Bar Facebook page.

Why Atlantis Metal Bar Should Be on Your Nightlife List

Siem Reap’s nightlife is often centered around Pub Street, where bright lights, loud clubs, and tourist friendly (and tourist priced!) cocktails dominate the scene. While fun, those bars tend to blur together after a while. Atlantis Metal Bar offers something completely different – a space where the music takes center stage and the crowd is there because they love it, not just because it’s the closest bar serving beer!

It’s also a fantastic place to meet likeminded people. Whether you’re a traveler passing through, an expat living in town, or a Cambodian local, Atlantis attracts a diverse mix of patrons united by their love of heavy music. It’s a real community, and a great way to experience Siem Reap beyond the usual tourist traps.

Both the owner Chihiro, and the barman Kok (another metalhead!) are great fun to be around and will make you feel welcome – so even if you’re flying solo you’ll be able to stop in for a cold drink and a good chat about your favourite music.

Tips for Visiting Atlantis Metal Bar Siem Reap

If you’ve never been to a heavy metal bar before, don’t worry – Atlantis has a friendly, welcoming vibe. Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get there if you’re as lazy as we are, and if you’re staying near Pub Street or Sok San Road (which most people do – Siem Reap is quite small!), it’s just a quick and inexpensive ride.

For the best experience, try to visit on a live music night. The energy of the crowd, the volume of the music, and the overall atmosphere reach another level when a band is on stage. Arriving a little early also gives you a chance to grab a good spot, order a drink, and settle in before the show starts. However, if there’s no live music on when you’re in town, we still highly recommend heading to Atlantis and rocking out to their great playlists.

Atlantis Metal Bar is a small venue, so seats at the bar are limited! However, if you’re there for a live music event, you won’t be wanting to sit at the bar, you’ll be wanting to get in the action!

Siem Reap isn’t just about the Angkor Wat temples and tourist bars – it has a thriving nightlife and music scene for those who know where to look. Atlantis Metal Bar Siem Reap is the beating heart of that scene, offering incredible live music, affordable drinks, and a welcoming space for anyone who loves heavy sounds. Whether you’re a dedicated metalhead or just looking for a unique night out during your Cambodian adventure, Atlantis is a must visit stop!

Atlantis is ready to turn up the volume. Don’t forget your band tees!

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