The Foreign Correspondents Club (The FCC)

The most well-known bar in town, the FCC captures so much about what is great about Phnom Penh. A large, heavy bar with a view out over the river, fans hung from high-ceilings swirling overhead and a post-colonial vibe that allows the more romantic travellers to imagine themselves sitting here, 70 years ago.
The bar at the FCC overlooks the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers in the middle of the Phnom Penh riverside district, and is a short stroll from the Royal Palace. It feels like the kind of place Indiana Jones would drink at.

It is hard to visit Phnom Penh without having a beer or gin and tonic at the FCC. Wisened long-term expats might swear off the place (“it’s too commercial, too expensive, or not what it used to be”), but when those same expats have friends in town, there’s little doubt they’ll bring them here. And for good reason, it’s simply a beautiful place for an afternoon drink.
Things are a bit more expensive here, but it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s a happy hour that includes beer and cocktails, a daily lunch special, and a wood-fired pizza oven. Try a Cambodian-inspired cocktail like the Kampot Snapper (tanqueray gin, cherry tomatoes, tomato juice, Lea & Perrins, lemon and chilli & Kampot pepper infusion) or a Lime Leaf Mule (Stolichnaya vodka, lime leaves, fresh lime, Angostura bitters, ginger beer).

The original FCC was in fact located elsewhere in the town—but the popularity of the place saw the riverside hotel, restaurant and bar open, followed by a second hotel in Siem Reap and these days there is even a FCC bar in the Phnom Penh Airport.

Why go?
For sunsets drinks, with a stunning view of the river; to sit back in one of the big, leather chairs and feel like Indiana Jones.