Intoxica Bar

Bar Intoxica is one of the many hostess bars that dot the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. It's tucked away on Street 130, right next to the well-known Angry Birds Bar, placing it squarely in the heart of the city’s lively nightlife scene. A few years ago, this area wasn’t nearly as active, but as the hostess bar industry spread beyond traditional spots like Street 136, new establishments began popping up on surrounding streets.

This expansion seemed to coincide with the growing number of expats and tourists flocking to Cambodia. Some bar owners were quick to capitalize on the boom, with a noticeable shift as bars began catering more to Chinese visitors by adding signs in Chinese. However, even as the pandemic wreaked havoc on nightlife venues worldwide, many Phnom Penh bars managed to stay open. This was partly due to Cambodia’s low infection rates and a large expat community that kept local businesses afloat, even in the absence of tourism. That being said, not all bars have continued offering top-tier experiences.

Bar Intoxica on Street 130 Bar Intoxica shares a space alongside several other bars on Street 130, just a short stroll from the riverside. It doesn’t particularly stand out at first glance. The bar’s sign is obscured by a tangle of electrical wires, blending into the street’s dense concentration of similar-looking venues. Yet, despite its understated appearance, the bar’s large and color-coordinated staff sets it apart. The sight of twenty hostesses in matching outfits can be striking, even on a street packed with competitors.

Unfortunately, this initial impression may not fully reflect the reality inside. Before even entering, the cold reception begins with a security guard stationed out front who seems less interested in being inviting and more inclined to glare at passersby. Once inside, you’ll find the bar is typical of many in the city: a simple shop house setup with standard seating and unremarkable décor. Drink prices are comparable to other nearby bars, and while barfines are available, they may not be as tempting after experiencing the place.

Staff and Overview Cambodia is known for its friendly and hospitable people, and in recent years, some even argue that locals here are more welcoming than in Thailand, the so-called Land of Smiles. But as with anything, there are exceptions, and Bar Intoxica appears to be one of them.

Though the bar is well-staffed, the atmosphere inside is surprisingly frosty. It feels less like a venue for entertainment and more like you’ve interrupted a private gathering. The hostesses, rather than being welcoming, seem disinterested, and the overall vibe is far from the lively, engaging experience one might expect in a hostess bar.

Back when I started this website nearly a decade ago, there were limited resources for honest reviews of bars like these. Nowadays, even mainstream platforms feature feedback on such venues, and a quick glance at reviews for Bar Intoxica confirms that others have noticed the same issues.

There are many hostess bars in Phnom Penh, and while many are similar, some manage to stand out for good or bad reasons. Unfortunately, what sets Bar Intoxica apart is the indifference of its staff. The hostesses come across as some of the least friendly and most entitled in the city’s hostess bar scene, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those looking for warmth and good company.