Barcode
One of the best things about nightlife in Cambodia is how spontaneous it feels. You can skip the overly curated house-music parties, club entry fees, and endless queues you might find in Europe or America. Here, a night out can be vibrant, easygoing, and full of surprises.
For me, the best way to enjoy a night in Cambodia is with a good bar hop, and then a club hop, haha. Siem Reap has bars for every mood, from the backpacker chaos of the infamous X Bar to the polished cocktails at Calao. But one of the most intriguing, and fun, stops is Barcode.
Barcode is a drag cabaret bar known for its LGBTQ+ scene, but the crowd is wonderfully mixed: you’ll find friends, families, and people from the community all enjoying the show together. It’s part of a nightlife scene that has grown over the years; Siem Reap’s first gay bar, Linga, opened in 2004, followed by more LGBTQ+-oriented venues.
Settle in with a drink and some popcorn, then enjoy an immersive cabaret show featuring around four or five numbers. The performances are ridiculous, outrageous, and completely joyful, you’ll find yourself laughing and cheering along with your friends before heading to the next bar.
Barcode is a must-stop on any night out in Siem Reap.
