Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness opened in 1993 and is one of Southeast Asia's most storied nightlife institutions. Originally a landmark of Phnom Penh's post-conflict reopening to the world, it has evolved significantly over three decades and now operates primarily as a gay club with drag shows on Friday and Saturday nights. The Khmer-inspired statues and murals throughout the space remain, giving it an artistic distinction no amount of renovation can erase. Two floors, two bars, a dance floor, and pool tables.
What to Expect
A two-floor venue with bar service on both levels, pool tables, a main dance floor, and artistic Khmer decor throughout. DJ music runs all night with drag performances on weekends.
Eclectic, inclusive, and historically significant. Still electric on the right nights.
Electronic, dance, pop, drag show performances on weekends.
Casual and inclusive.
LGBTQ+ travelers and anyone who wants to visit a genuine Phnom Penh institution with 30 years of history.
Cash (USD).
Price Range
Free entry; drinks from $2-$5 USD
Hours
Daily 9 PM to late.
Insider Tip
Friday and Saturday drag shows are the events to catch. The venue still attracts a mixed crowd of LGBTQ+ visitors, expats, and travelers alongside the local scene. No entry fee makes it easy to look in without committing to the night.
Full Review
Heart of Darkness opened in 1993, making it one of the oldest nightlife venues in post-conflict Southeast Asia. The building carries that history in its bones: Khmer-inspired statues and murals throughout, two floors connected by a narrow staircase, two bars, a dance floor, and pool tables scattered across the levels. The artistic detail in the decor sets it apart from every other venue on Street 104.
The venue has evolved significantly over three decades, now operating primarily as a gay club with drag shows on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd is inclusive and mixed: LGBTQ+ visitors, expats, backpackers, and anyone drawn by the venue's legendary name. Free entry makes it easy to walk in, check the atmosphere, and decide whether to stay. The drag performances are energetic and draw a dedicated audience.
Heart of Darkness occupies a unique position in Phnom Penh. It's not the biggest club (that's Pontoon), not the most polished (that's Epic), but it's the most historically significant. The 30-year survival story, from post-war frontier bar to LGBTQ+ venue, mirrors the city's own transformation. That context gives it weight that newer venues can't manufacture.
Friday and Saturday drag shows are the events to catch. The venue still attracts a mixed crowd beyond the LGBTQ+ core audience. No cover charge, which removes any barrier to looking in. The pool tables on the upper floor provide a quieter retreat from the dance floor energy below.
The Neighborhood
Heart of Darkness is a Street 104 original, predating the strip's current identity by decades. Its shift to an LGBTQ+-focused venue fills a gap in Phnom Penh's nightlife that no other establishment addresses with the same visibility.
Getting There
On Street 104 in Daun Penh, reachable by tuk-tuk from anywhere in central Phnom Penh for $2-3. Walking distance from the Riverside area.
Address
26 Street 51
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Street 104
Pontoon Club
Phnom Penh's most recognized electronic music venue, drawing expats, locals, and tourists. Resident and guest DJs play house and technic on weekends, with the dance floor filling up well after midnight.
Epic Club
Multi-level dance club on Street 104 popular with younger Cambodians and budget travelers. Hip-hop and EDM nights alternate through the week.
Darlin Darlin
Late-night hostess bar with a Khmer pop soundtrack and attentive service. Drinks are mid-range by local standards, and it caters mainly to a local male clientele.
Score Sports Bar
Expat-leaning sports bar with pool tables and screens showing live Premier League and UFC. Draft beer runs around $1.50 and the kitchen stays open late.