Although laneways in the Kingdom have been a feature over the past decade, they have evolved, popped up in new locations, and in some instances transformed the residential area into a sprawl of nightlife, bars, eateries and social hangouts, as well as hub for arts and culture.
This also means from a property perspective, Bassac Lane for example, which for the last few years has morphed into the liveliest and biggest laneway in Phnom Penh, has also boosted F&B, retail, and residential property prices, although its popularity means there comes additional bustle and noise, especially over the weekends.
With the property market in the Kingdom seeing falling and more realistic prices, it also means there are more opportunities for potential repurposing of existing retail and residential properties, with many on the laneways listed in the article below a good indicator of how homes, villas and business units can be adapted - not only for F&B - but co-living spaces, or even budget hotels. It also spurs an entrepreneurial spirit and allows for more creative small businesses to have a platform and a base in the various Cambodian cities.
The "laneways" in Cambodia are similar to those popularised in cities like Melbourne or Tokyo, with their narrow streets and alleys offering a plethora of trendy and unique outlets creating a unique atmosphere and experience for residents and multinational visitors alike.
Pub Street - Siem Reap
Maybe we are cheating or bending the rules to include the most busy and popular “walking street” in Temple Town, but Pub Street with its location in the heart of Siem Reap, is a bustling pedestrian avenue which is most well known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, and bars.
Purists will say it's not a traditional laneway, but there is undoubtedly a vibrant atmosphere and it remains the main destination for tourists visiting the nearby Angkor Wat temples who want to unwind and take in some beverages and sample the local and international cuisine.
In addition to its diverse culinary options, Pub Street attracts revellers due to its vibrant nightlife, from live music to bars showing sports broadcasting live events, and laid-back lounges where you can relax and enjoy locally concocted cocktails.
Pub Street is especially popular and crowded for holidays such as Khmer New Year and International New Year as well as other local cultural holidays.
Bassac Lane - BKK, Phnom Penh
It's been fascinating to see the growth and popularity of Bassac Lane - especially post-pandemic - as it's not even arguably the go-to destination for nightlife in the Cambodian capital - it's where all visitors and most expats and locals head to on the weekends.
What started as a small selection of carefully designed and themed bars and dining outlets on Street 308 between Norodom and Sothearos Boulevards a decade ago, has seen the small laneway grow into multiple laneways and dozens of cocktail bars, eating complexes, clubs, hidden bars and so much more in the trendy Bassac area of BKK1.
With its central location near the Independence Monument and the famous Wat Botum Park, Bassac Lane has become a trendy and hip area with a variety of bars, restaurants, music venues, and boutique shops, which has seen local Khmer shophouses and renovated colonial-era buildings transformed.
A popular hub for locals, expatriates, and tourists - it's difficult to keep up with the new outlets and offerings although there are some long-standing classics such as Mama Wongs or Red Bar still remain, but it's never dull if you are seeking to sample a wide selection of food or drink, especially over the weekend.
Bassac Lane also hosts exhibitions, pop-up markets, and street festivals.
Langka Lane - Independence Monument Phnom Penh
Langka Lane is an alleyway and laneway on St 51 and the corner of St 288 which offers several new and trendy restaurants, bars and other boutique businesses.
One of the newer gems in central Phnom Penh situated close to the Wat Langka and Independence Monument in Boeung Keng Kang 1, there is a great selection of cocktail and craft beer bars - and all on the doorstep of several hotels for the convenience of visitors.
Some highlights include Embargo which has one of the best selections of regional and local craft beers and an upstairs area for board games and retro games, the locally run SAK Pub Craft Beer & Bites, the ever-popular Katansashi fusion Japanese restaurant as well as half a dozen other Japanese and Asian eateries, Garage Sale with its fantastically decorated interior and smash burgers as well as its retro arcade games, long-standing burger outlet Burgershack, and one of the best French restaurants in the city - Le Langka. Recently joining the eclectic selection of options has been Boma - which serves Mediterranean cuisine.
The small laneway in Kampot has sprung up and features a small selection of outlets such as a cafe, craft bar and even a tattoo parlour. Located not far from the river and from the downtown Old Market, the small Kampot Lane is dubbed as the “Little Alley Of Fun”.
Kampot remains a popular getaway destination from the busier Phnom Penh and has always had a thriving foodie scene, and the laneway is a nice relaxing escape which offers visitors and tourists an opportunity to unwind in the riverside town.
Palace Lane - Royal Palace Area Phnom Penh
The launch of the Palace Lane concept laneway in Phnom Penh just after the pandemic subsided could have been seen as a risky move at the start of 2022.
The intention was to offer the best of local and international food, drink, and music in a safe environment for its customers, and the range of outlets such as Fernando’s Piri Piri Chicken, Craft, Planta, Pizza Factory, Cambodia Bagels, down the actual laneway but flanked by equally popular Box Office, Villa Grange, and The Vine, means there is plenty of dining, drinking and social option within a small area closely located to the riverside and the Royal Palace.
Cambodia Bagels and Pizza Factory (branched out also as Burger Factory) now has other delivery outlets in the city due to the popular demand.
The location of Palace Lane, situated between St.240 and St.244 (also known as 240 and a half) used to be a popular hangout with venues such as Bar Sito and Artillery but both had closed but have been revitalised over recent years.
A small investment group rented the properties, added the new outlets next to French-Khmer cocktail bar Bong Bong Bong, added new street art and a regular lineup of music and now Palace Lane is a regular laneway destination in the capital.
On January 27th, 2024 near the laneway on St 244, there will be a Beer Festival promoting local and regional craft beers and food with a kids and family-friendly atmosphere.
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