La Quenta wrote: ↑Mon Jun 12, 2023 8:20 pm Hi,

I am considering moving to Cambodia to open and run a bar.

It would not be a 'girl bar/hostess bar'. It would be a bar/pub targeted towards foreigners, but with locals also more than welcome.

I have a good amount in savings and investments back in my home country, a slice of which i'd put into this venture.

Although I haven't lived in Cambodia for any length of time, I have lived in South East Asia for over a decade and have visited Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Kampot on multiple occasions. So i'm not what you'd call new to the country, or the culture.

I am currently a professional earning a good salary in another SE-Asian country, but i'm looking for a change of pace.

The question is, is it worth it? I do not want to enter a venture like this if it will be stressful. I want to create, essentially, a pub with a great laid back friendly vibe, cute girls pulling the beers who are versed in exceptional customer service, a menu of food that is small and easily manageable from a catering perspective - maybe just 10-12 items - but really really good quality. The kind of place people want to come along to and have a chat for hours and want to keep coming back.

Key questions:

1. What are the main pitfalls and risks, from those who have done it before or who know people who have done it before?
2. How 'enthusiastic' are local authorities in wanting their cut and how much do they typically seek?
3. Where is a better location - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Kampot?
4. What do people want? What kind of watering hole would you like to see that isn't already available?
5. Whats makes a 'good vibe' for you in a watering hole in SE Asia?

Thank you in advance.