Our tour guide just told us we are headed to our last stop of the night. We have been to several places, and according to my watch, it is near the end of the tour, but it just seems time has gone by so quickly. Our last stop already?
Our group gets on our Vespas and leaves Independence Monument after a brief history lesson and a quick photo opportunity. We cruise for a bit and stop on the side of the street. At this time, although it is a sizable street, it is rather quiet and dimly lit. Spread out on the curb of the street is garbage piled in an organized circle. At first glance, I do not see anything that looks like a place of business. For this tour, this is unusual. Our prior stops included fancy rooftop bars and lively night markets, yet this location seemed different. Had we really exhausted the best of Phnom Penh nightlife?
A Hidden Surprise in Phnom Penh
We all hop off our Vespas and follow our tour guide, Rith, as he motions for us to walk past the garbage and into the light of the street ahead. As we step forward, we notice several small structures, resembling temples, varying in sizes from three to eight feet tall. Rith explains that these are "spirit houses," an essential part of Cambodian culture. Locals buy them and place them outside their homes or businesses to ward off bad spirits. It was fascinating to see this cultural tradition up close, an unexpected addition to our adventure through Phnom Penh nightlife.
After our "spirit house" lesson, Rith leads us through a narrow alley, away from the safety of the streetlights. The alley gets darker, and the sounds of the city begin to fade. As we continue walking, a few cats scurry past us, and a barking dog greets us from behind a fence. We turn left into an even narrower corridor, and then suddenly—lights, music, and conversation fill the air.
Discovering Bassac Lane
We had just entered Bassac Lane, a hidden gem within Phnom Penh. This trendy street is lined with boutique bars, each with a unique character. One bar boasts Japanese aesthetics, another has a motorcycle hanging from the ceiling, and The Library Bar is filled with shelves of books. It was a stark contrast from the quiet street we had just left. We grabbed a round of cocktails at The Library Bar, enjoying the ambiance and reflecting on the night’s adventure.
As we sat there, sipping our drinks and soaking in the energy, it dawned on me—this was exactly what Phnom Penh nightlife is all about. A mix of history, culture, and the unexpected. The perfect blend of hidden treasures and vibrant energy.
Wrapping Up the Night
Bassac Lane was the perfect and surprising last stop. After the tour, a few of us decided to stay and explore the surrounding bars. Although I was only in Phnom Penh for a day and a half, I felt like I had truly experienced the city. Thanks to Vespa Adventures, I had uncovered a side of Phnom Penh nightlife that I never would have found on my own.
Explore More Phnom Penh Nightlife with Vespa Adventures
Want to experience Phnom Penh nightlife for yourself? Check out the After Dark Vespa Tour and discover hidden gems, from bustling night markets to trendy bars. If you’re venturing beyond Phnom Penh, consider exploring Siem Reap’s nightlife with Siem Reap After Dark or get an immersive look at Cambodia’s countryside with the Countryside Life Tour Siem Reap.