A group pub crawl can turn Phnom Penh nightlife from random to fun fast, and this one gives you free shots plus a ready-made route through the evening. I like two things a lot: the Mad Monkey vibe at the start (you can actually find your people quickly) and the simple drink plan that feels good for a budget—singlet included, plus one free beer or house mixer and shots along the way. My main caution is also the most important: the alcohol and freebies can be hit-or-miss, so if you’re picky about drink quality, pace yourself and eat first.

You’ll meet up in the Mad Monkey bar area and roll out to a sequence of popular spots. Expect a lively crowd and a real “let’s go” energy, but also be ready for a bigger group than you might want—one participant described it as packed and mostly hostel guests.

Quick snapshot: what stands out on this crawl

• Mad Monkey singlet included so you can spot the group and lean into the theme
• Free shots and one free drink reduce your spending right from the start
• Bar-hopping route with set arrival times (though the exact minutes can shift)
• Stops geared to nightlife rather than sightseeing-by-day
• Group size can be large, so you’ll need a little patience and flexibility

Phnom Penh Pub Crawl With Mad Monkey: value and vibe for your night

At $12 for a one-day (evening) crawl, you’re not paying for museums or history. You’re paying for structure: someone to point you toward the next place, a social group to hang with, and enough freebies to keep your night moving. That’s the core value here.

This is the kind of plan that works best when you land in a new city and don’t want to waste your first night figuring out which bars are actually open, popular, and close enough together. Phnom Penh is easy to explore, but nightlife is a different game. A guided hotspot crawl takes that friction out of the equation.

That said, this is still a bar crawl. You’re trading control (your exact pace and drink preferences) for convenience (someone else builds the route). If you want a quiet drink, a slow stroll, or a polished cocktail experience, this probably won’t feel like your style.

Meet at Mad Monkey Phnom Penh: how the singlet helps

The night starts at Mad Monkey Phnom Penh, and you’ll want to arrive on time because the schedule is built around evening flow. A key detail: you’re given a complimentary singlet, and the experience encourages you to wear it. Practical? Yes. It also makes you part of the group so you’re not wandering around looking for your tour crew.

You’ll also get welcome refreshments for about two hours as the crowd gathers. This matters more than it sounds. Those first moments help you settle into the social rhythm—especially in a larger group—before the route starts hopping between venues.

One more practical point: the experience asks you to bring cash. Even with freebies, you’ll likely want to buy extra drinks once you’re out in nightlife mode.

The night’s timing: 7:00 PM start to Club Love

This crawl runs in a tight evening window. The plan goes like this:

• 7:00 PM meet at Mad Monkey Phnom Penh, with free shots starting on the hour
• 10:30 PM head to the first main stop: a roof-top bar
• 11:15 PM go to the second stop: Duplex Belgian Tavern
• 12:00 AM finish at LOVE – Phnom Penh (the main club scene)

Times can shift, so treat these as targets, not a promise down to the minute. That flexibility is normal for nightlife—venues fill up, crowds move, and guides keep the group together.

In real life, the pacing matters. Later starts like this often feel better if you’ve already had dinner. If you show up hungry, you’ll burn through your energy and make the free drinks feel like more work than fun.

Stop 1 at the roof-top bar: city views and group momentum

Around 10:30 PM, you’ll head to the roof-top bar. The big idea here isn’t just the drinks—it’s the moment where the group levels up from pre-game to full-on nightlife.

This stop usually works well for three reasons:

• You get a break in the action before the club portion.
• Views help you orient mentally, even at night.
• The group is still together, which keeps the energy social.

One caution to keep in mind: the “roof-top” wording can be a bit looser than you’d expect. In one case, someone described it more like a higher-level spot with a view blocked by another building’s wall. In other words, don’t plan this stop like it’s guaranteed skyline perfection. Plan it as a transition point and a fun hang.

Stop 2 at Duplex Belgian Tavern: a change of scene

At about 11:15 PM, you’ll move to Duplex Belgian Tavern. This is one of the stops built to keep the night varied rather than just moving from one drink to the next.

What you’re looking for here is the “second venue boost”:

• a fresh room vibe (and usually different music/lighting),
• a chance to meet new people in the group,
• another round of included drinks/party momentum.

A practical downside: this is where some people can lose patience if they want pure club music right away. One person felt they stayed longer than expected at a karaoke-style stop when they were ready for the club scene. So if you know you prefer dancing over sing-alongs, don’t assume every minute will match your taste. Go with the flow, and use the included drinks wisely to stay comfortable.

Finish at LOVE – Phnom Penh: where the night turns into the club

The final stop is LOVE – Phnom Penh around midnight. This is the payoff segment where the crawl ends and the club energy takes over.

Nightclubs like this tend to work best when you’re already feeling warmed up. By midnight, you’ll have:

• met people during the early Mad Monkey portion,
• had a couple included drink moments,
• done at least one intermediate bar stop.

If you’re the kind of person who needs a calm taper-off at the end of an evening, this ending might feel a bit abrupt. But if you want your night to land at a proper dance/club-style venue, finishing here makes sense.

Drinks, freebies, and the real meaning of that $12 price

Let’s talk money in plain terms. This crawl includes:

• a tour guide
• a complimentary singlet
• one free beer or house mixer
• free shots at Mad Monkey
• discounted drinks throughout the tour

What you’re paying for isn’t just the exact quantity of alcohol. It’s convenience plus partial cost coverage. The free singlet is also a practical tool—like a wearable flag for where the group is heading.

Now the honest part: alcohol quality can be inconsistent. One person complained that the free alcohol was rough and made them feel sick, ruining their night. Another described the free shots as diluted. So don’t assume every included drink will be top-shelf.

My advice: treat included drinks like the bonus they are, not the foundation of your entire night. Eat something before you meet. Alternate with water. If you can taste something that feels off, stop trying to power through.

If you’re okay with party drinks that are more about social fun than craft cocktails, the freebies can make this one of the better cheap nightlife options in town.

Group size and the social trade-off: fun, but you’ll be packed

This isn’t a quiet, small-group crawl. One participant described it as packed—around 50 people—and mostly hostel guests. That tells you what the vibe is: loud enough to feel like a party, structured enough that you don’t get left behind.

Pros of that setup:

• you’ll meet people quickly,
• the tour keeps moving,
• it’s easy to join conversations without awkward silence.

Cons:

• crowds slow down the flow,
• you’ll have less freedom to pick your own pace,
• if you’re older or prefer a calmer scene, you may feel outnumbered.

For me, the key takeaway is simple: go in expecting a lively group night, not a personal, tailored outing.

What to wear and bring for a night that runs late

This experience is nightlife-focused, so pack like it’s a long evening, not a day tour. Based on what’s specifically required:

• bring cash (you’ll want to buy extra drinks)
• wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be moving between venues)
• bring a bit of patience for crowd dynamics
• plan to follow the singlet theme, since it helps you find the group

Also, keep your priorities straight. This is not a “dress up for photos” event. It’s a “wear something comfy, look for your group, and keep the night fun” kind of outing.

Who should book this crawl (and who should skip it)

You’ll probably love this if:

• you want a guided nightlife route without planning every bar yourself,
• you’re traveling solo and want built-in social time,
• you’re budget-minded and happy to lean on the included drinks.

You should think twice if:

• you’re picky about alcohol quality,
• you want a super-small group experience,
• you prefer a club scene immediately and don’t like longer hangs at karaoke-style spots.

One important fit note: it’s not suitable for children under 18 and not for pregnant women. If that applies, look for a different kind of evening activity.

Should you book the Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Mad Monkey?

If you want an affordable, structured night out that saves you planning time, I’d say it’s worth considering—especially because the included singlet and free drinks reduce your upfront risk. The route also makes it easy to experience multiple nightlife stops in one go.

Just go in with the right expectations. The “included” alcohol may not be top quality, and the schedule can feel longer at certain moments depending on the venue vibe. If you treat the freebies as a bonus, pace yourself, and eat before you start, this crawl can be a fun way to get your bearings in Phnom Penh after dark.

FAQ

Where does the Phnom Penh pub crawl start?

It starts at the Mad Monkey Phnom Penh bar area.

What time does the tour start and when does it end?

You meet around 7:00 PM and the night ends around midnight at LOVE – Phnom Penh.

Is there a rooftop bar stop?

Yes. The schedule includes a roof-top bar stop at about 10:30 PM.

Where do you go second?

After the roof-top bar, you’ll head to Duplex Belgian Tavern around 11:15 PM.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The tour includes a tour guide, a complimentary singlet, one free beer or house mixer, free shots at Mad Monkey, and discounted drinks throughout the tour.

What drinks are provided for free?

You get one free beer or house mixer, plus free shots at Mad Monkey. Additional drinks may be available through the discounted drinks plan.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes, the experience asks you to bring cash.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour guide is English-speaking.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for children under 18 or for pregnant women.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.