There’s a party practically every night in Siem Reap these days, but no party and no night are like New Year’s Eve.
On Pub Street, they’re expecting a cast of thousands for the celebrations being co-ordinated by Angkor What? Bar and Temple Bar.
“It was solid from end to end last year, and every bar on the street was packed inside as well. It was amazing,” said Paul Harris, the manager of Angkor What? Bar.
Meanwhile, Asana Old Wooden House is offering a barbecue and free-flow for $50, while nearby Charlie’s are going for glamour with a black and gold theme, with DJ Sakura Bloom spinning the tunes from 9pm.
Belmiro’s and The Station are offering free bubbly as midnight approaches, and both should have a view of the fireworks sponsored by Raffles Le Grand Hotel d’Angkor as well.
However, X Bar – three storeys up – is the best place on Pub Street to watch the fireworks. They have the X-Rays starting at 8:30pm, followed by DJ Island and DJ Deano until the early hours.
Of course, some celebrations are best done with just a really good meal.
At Abacus, you can tuck into fresh French oysters, at $24 for six pieces or $40 for 12, and a beef rossini with black truffle. Sky River are offering a special set menu featuring foie gras, pan fried scallops, sautéed Mekong lobster, honeyed duck breast topped off with a passion fruit and chocolate mousse – an extraordinary feast for only $35.
Il Forno’s set menu features a delicious duck confit with spinach mush and roasted pear, as well as starter, pasta and dessert courses, two glasses of wine and coffee, for just $50.
Kicking things up a level, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Le Meridien, Victoria Angkor Resort and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor are all hosting sumptuous gala dinners for the evening with special entertainments, magnificent feasts and gorgeous settings.
And if you’re still not done with all of that, you can settle your hangovers with a special New Year’s Day brunch at Raffles or Victoria. Details in this week’s What’s On.
