If you’re in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you’re probably here visiting the famous Angkor Wat Temples. However, Siem Reap also has a very vibrant nightlife scene that caters to everyone! The Black Lotus Bar Siem Reap is one of the newer offerings around town, but it’s quickly become very popular amongst both expats and tourists.
The Black Lotus is located on Funky Lane, towards the intersection where it joins up with the infamous Sok San Road, a popular nightlife area in Siem Reap with late night bars and cheap drinks. Funky Lane, named after the large backpacker party hostel The Funky Village, is a bit more refined, with new businesses opening frequently including bars, restaurants and accomodation options. For a more precise look at the location of The Black Lotus, scroll to the bottom of the article for a map.
Open since November 2024, The Black Lotus is one of the new kids on the block, but they didn’t take long to make a name for themselves and become a favourite spot for many people in town. Zack, one of the owners and a well known and incredibly talented English tattoo artist, has also converted the back section of the building into a tattoo studio named “Darker Days Ahead”. He specialises in his own style of Japanese inspired artwork, some of which can also be seen lining the walls of the Black Lotus bar!
The bar itself has been excellently designed and decorated, something which many bars in Siem Reap often overlook when it comes to creating a unique customer experience. Along with Zack’s brilliant artwork you’ll also find traditional Japanese Samurai masks, Samurai swords and a warm lighting scheme that lends itself well to the oriental atmosphere in the bar. If you want to be in the action and have a conversation with some of the regular faces, make sure to sit at the bar, but there’s also plenty of other seating including a couple of tables outside where you can watch the world go by.
The Black Lotus has a very good selection of spirits behind the bar. They carry a full range of Plantation Rum (pictured below) and have a good whiskey selection, so there’s plenty of choice for your evening nightcap (or a heavy night out!) after exploring the Angkor Wat complex. The prices here are very good value, and slightly below the average for Siem Reap. They do of course also stock Cambodia Beer (both Premium and Lite) at just $1! A very good price, considering in recent years many bars in town have had to make the switch to $1.25.
The owners of Black Lotus have settled in well to Siem Reap, so in addition to the bar and tattoo studio, they’re also involved in other projects such as hotels, tuk tuk tours, and even a tuktuk bar! The town’s tuktuk bars can be found late night by the entrance to Alley West, a stone’s throw from Pub Street Siem Reap. So after a great night of drinking and socialising at the bar, you can head on down and continue the night into the early hours. (If you’ve still got it in you, of course!)
The atmosphere at The Black Lotus is great, with the music they play being focused on Rock, Punk and Northern Soul. Definitely a much needed relief from the loud electronic music you’ll usually encounter in Siem Reap! A lot of the regulars will have their motorbikes parked up outside so if you’re a motorbike fan, you’ll probably enjoy checking out the cool bikes while sipping on your drink.
The bar staff are fantastic, they’re very friendly and always got an eye out to make sure nobody goes without a drink! The owners, Serge and Zack, make everybody feel welcome and will always engage with you and make sure you have a great time here so even if you’re coming alone, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the fun.
Siem Reap nightlife can be difficult to navigate if it’s your first time here, with many online guides directing people straight to Pub Street. However, Pub Street is a very specific type of nightlife, with a focus on very loud music and late nights. If you’re more into having a drink in a decent bar where you can talk to other people and go at your own pace, The Black Lotus should definitely be on your list.
If you’re looking for other bars like The Black Lotus where you can enjoy an evening before heading into the chaos for a late night, we also recommend Spin Bar and Picasso Bar.
Check out the map below for the location of The Black Lotus bar in Siem Reap. If you head down Sok San Road away from Pub Street, and then turn right on the intersection that goes to Funky Lane, you’ll find The Black Lotus a few buildings down on your right. CLICK HERE to visit their Facebook page for updates, drink specials, and contact information.
If you’ve been to the Black Lotus, or have other bars in Siem Reap you want to recommend, feel free to leave a comment below!
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