When I’m on holiday, I like to have a cocktail or two before my dinner. I think it’s a great way to relax before I wind down for the evening and enjoy the final meal of the day. If you’re like me, someone who prefers a cosy relaxing environment, then you will want to visit the Elephant Bar, The Living Room and FCC Angkor, which I think are all excellent bars for an evening cocktail.

THE ELEPHANT BAR, RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D’ANGKOR, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Located within the grand dame of Angkor, the Elephant Bar is the number one bar to visit if you want to be teleported back and immersed yourself in the colonial times. The dark wood furniture and leather sofas remind me of a hunter’s lodge in Southeast Asia back in the 1920s. It exudes so much charm, allure and glass.

The Elephant Bar is a place for you to relax and reflect upon the events that had happened earlier in the day. It’s not as crowded as the Celebrity Bar next door and hence, it’s the best place if you prefer to be left alone in solitude.

When you’re there, you have to try its signature cocktail, the Airavata, a delicious and unique blend of rum, crème de banana, Malibu, lime juice & coconut juice. This drink has a very aromatic coconut fragrance. And I love how it’s served in a three-elephant ceramic mug. The fried rice and banana chips are excellent sides with the delicious cocktail.

THE LIVING ROOM, PARK HYATT SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Unlike the Elephant Bar, The Living Room at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap radiates a younger but no less attractive confidence. To me, The Living Room is like a lady who is on her way to become more sophisticated and cultured. The splashes of pastel pink and light brown soft furnishings soften the hard dark wood interior. It’s very difficult to leave the bar once you’ve settled down because it is so intimate and comfy.

I love the herbs-infused peanuts. They are fantastic for any drink especially a jug of icy-cold beer. The Living Room also has a superb list of non-alcoholic drinks. If you prefer something refreshing and light, I would recommend the Ginger and Mint Ice Tea. It’s easy to drink and is great for anytime of the day.

FCC ANGKOR, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

If you prefer a more boisterous bar for cocktails, then FCC Angkor is the right place for you. This is the place where the expats, tourists and locals gather over drinks and dinner. Tourists, who have never met previously, can share their discoveries and adventures freely. As it’s not air-conditioned, this is not the place to glam up especially in the humid summer weather.

At FCC Angkor, they serve all the classic drinks, and they do it well. The crew is friendly and the service is attentive. Frankly, it’s more laid back as compared to the Elephant Bar and The Living Room. Hence, if you want to put up your feet and relax, head to FCC Angkor.

The Elephant Bar, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
‪1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle
Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia,
Tel: +855 63 963 888
www.raffles.com/siem-reap/dining/elephant-bar/

The Living Room, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sivutha Boulevard,
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia,
Tel: +855 6321 1234
www.siemreap.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/the-living-room.html

FCC Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Pokambor Ave., next to the Royal Residence,
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia,
Tel: +855 63 760 283
http://fcccambodia.com/fcc-hotel-angkor/dining-angkor/