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The Freedom Bar, Sihanoukville, Cambodia
By Casper | March 11, 2008
The Freedom Bar in Sihanoukville is one of the best known Bars & Guesthouses in town. Being centrally located and right opposite the Bus Station means that it’s probably one of the first establishments that visitors to Sihanoukville see. As such, it’s often used as a reference point to direct Tuk Tuks and Motorcycle Taxi’s. Basically everybody knows the Freedom Bar!
The bar itself consists of a pretty large central ‘island’ bar with plenty of seating around it, together with tables set to the outer reaches and in the outdoor area. Service is provided by the ’service’ staff / waitresses who’s attention can be called with the ring of a bell. Some waitresses are more friendly than others, but as this is a very busy bar, you can appreciate that it’s hard to be happy all of the time!
German owned by Stefan from Munich and his wife Joy from Thailand. The atmosphere is traditionally German (though without the Oumpah-pah!) with a mixture of music played from the mid 80’s together with, i’m sure, some very popular German ‘classics’.
The Freedom Bar is also home to the busiest Pool Tables in Sihanoukville, this is ‘The Place’ were Taxi Girls congregate, drawn here by the free pool, cheap draught beer and ample supply of male customers.
They aren’t pushy though and it’s possible to get through the evening with just a few friendly, inquisitive smiles. That said, I would dare to say that most of the guys there have more practical reasons for visiting than the cheap drinks and German music.
Food is available at the Freedom Bar, though the menu is pretty uninspiring with some of it actually inedible. I personally would not recommend anything that claims to reference Thai food. Believe me, unless you have already numbed your tastebuds with an excess of alcohol, it will not be a pleasureable experience.
They do offer a few passable options though, the German Sausages (obviously) are acceptable as is the Cordon Bleu (chicken or pork). Either of these will suffice as something to soak up the beer.
However, the purpose of the bar is not to offer Family Dining nor does it attempt to claim a ‘Gastronomic Experience’, it’s a place for simple food at relatively good prices. Which judged by the number of guys sitting around the tables eating, they seem to be doing pretty well at.
The Freedom Hotel also offers Low Cost accomodation, I would say Budget, but seeing as though their are many places in town that actually offer ‘free’ accomodation, those visitors on a genuine ‘budget’ will probably find themselves elsewhere. The rooms are basic and reasonably clean, with Fan and AirCon options. At between $8 and $15 US Dollars though, don’t set your standards too highly as you will be dissappointed.
In summary, the Freedom Bar & Hotel does what it does extremely well. It’s not for everyone, but they are well aware of who their customers are and they cater for them successfully.
With cheap draught beer at 75 cents per handled glass, free pool, economical rooms and simple food, they have set out there stall and have probably become the busiest bar in town. There are alternatives, but I believe that nobody does what they do, better than the Freedom Bar & Hotel.
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Topics: Places to Eat, Places to Stay, Sihanoukville Bars |
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