For an incredible view of still relatively low-rise Phnom Penh, head up 23 storeys to Eclipse Sky Bar, which as of end-2015 is the highest rooftop bar in the capital. The bar sits at the top of the Phnom Penh Tower, which is otherwise home to offices and embassies on Monivong Boulevard, and is found just a 10-minute ride from Independence Monument.
Vattanac Capital on the right of the road — Phnom Penh’s tallest building as of late 2015.
The entrance to Eclipse Sky Bar is a little confusing — catch the lift from the Phnom Penh Tower lobby to the 22nd floor, locate the staircase for the final storey and then head up one more open flight to bring you out to the panoramic bar. More signage wouldn’t go amiss, but you will find those steps, even if you make an impromptu inspection of the kitchen and the toilets first.
Ready for take-off.
The panoramic view from the top is more than worth the effort. Pollution permitting, you can spot the Independence Monument, the converging Tonle Bassac and Mekong rivers, Central Market and the Royal Palace. On a very clear day, you might be surprised to see the Cardamom mountains rising in the distance. The bar is fully open air, with a glass screen between you and the drop. Relax in the low comfy sofas, grab a VIP ‘booth’ in the funky metal sculpture, or settle in an armchair at a white linen clothed table. Table service is the norm, with waiters despatched from the central spaceship-style bar, complete with glowing blue lights.
White Sokha hotel to the left; you can just see the Independence Monument, bottom right.
Eclipse opens at 17:00, so there’s time to settle in before sunset. A lack of umbrellas or shade of any kind would make it uncomfortably sticky earlier in the day, and means this is definitely a dry season destination — though come after a downpour and the views through the clear skies will be stupendous.
Cardamom Mountains in the distance.
A 30% off happy hour on all drinks except bottles of wine and liquor runs between 17:00 and 19:00 serves to make the drinks almost affordable, although the 10% tax is not included. Standard prices are US$2.50 for a Coke, US$3.50 for a local beer and US$6 for a glass of house wine or cocktail. If you’re after some highrise dining, the three course set menus are between US$25 and $40, grilled salmon is $17 and a steak can be had for $20. If you’re making a night of it, a late happy hour runs Sundays to Thursdays from 23:00 till 02:00, with a 20% discount on all beverages including bottles.
That’s Phnom Penh’s next tallest building on the way.
Eclipse Sky Bar is popular with office workers from the 22 storeys below, expats and wealthy Khmers. There’s no need to dress up, although most clientele wear business attire or the designer jeans-designer shirt combo.
Sad, ugly development to the right of the iconic Olympic Stadium.
Looking for a different perspective? Try crossing the river to Mekong View Tower, find a riverside rooftop for a cocktail or three, or get a look at the whole of the Phnom Penh skyline from a distance by taking a sunset cruise or going for a cycle.
By Abigail Gilbert .
Location map for Eclipse Sky Bar
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