Phnom Penh's gay and lesbian scene is easy to navigate using our Utopia Map:

• Blue Chilli Bar
  Street 178 (on the block behind the National Museum), Utopia Map, email. Gay and lesbian bar run by a Khmer/Thai couple. Popular, especially when they have their drag show on Fri and/or Sat night. Attracts a wide variety of locals and visitors because it's one of the best places to meet gay-identified local men who are looking for friends, not profit. Charming and flirty staff make you feel right at home. Easy listening music at a comfortable volume early in the evening. Dance with their DJ as the night runs on and into the early hours. Some lesbians, especially weekends. Drop by and tell them you are from Utopia. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Had a few drinks at the Blue Chilli Bar and found it to be good. The service was good and the staff where friendly. There was a good mix of locals and expats. If the local likes the look of you, he will come and say, "Hi." I have never met a shy Khmer yet." -- bigt, Nov 9, 2011

  "Sun night went to the Blue Chilli Bar, but was standing room only and we ended up outside. Show was OK. It was also very hot inside with all those sweaty bodies, ouch." -- tamquat, Oct 15, 2011

• The Empire: Bar & Restaurant
  #34 Street 130, Utopia Map, 089-383-817, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly, with a welcoming and open atmosphere. The menu focuses on Khmer food geared to foreigner tastes, along with wine pairings. Prices are reasonable. Conveniently located near the river side and close to other LGBT/friendly establishments. Ask the owners for recommendations. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "The Empire: Bar & Restaurant, while not officially a gay bar, is gay-owned and extremely gay friendly. Food available and the offerings change on a regular basis. Nice mix of Americans/Europeans/Khmer and very welcoming." -- top8guy, Nov 2, 2011

• Rainbow Bar Cambodia
  #73 Street 172 (near Wat Ounalom and the National Museum), Utopia Map, 097-741-4187, email. Gay bar with fresh, modern interior and a small stage hosting weekly drag shows. Nice and friendly place to chat, with soft music for pleasant conversation. Good mix of expats, visitors and local guys. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Rainbow Bar is a great addition to the Phnom Penh gay scene. Although there is some crossover with Blue Chili and it's not that far away, the Khmer guys are different and their shows involve groups and dance performances. The staff is really friendly as are the owners. They're making a conscious effort to be involved and support the gay community and not have their shows on at the same time as other gay bars. It's not a big place, and a lot of lime green, but on an up and coming street and lots of fun just to hang out." -- mowgli415, Jun 20, 2011

  "My visit was awesome. I loved the shows on the weekend - very funny and very entertaining. Love the drink prices and atmosphere. I really liked the fact that I could be myself there. The staff are so friendly and looked after me well. The place is very clean and modern." -- powerbottom, Apr 19, 2011

  "An up and coming new bar. Open now for nearly two months. I was here on Fri and again on Sat to see their shows which are absolutely engaging. Lots of audience pouring onto the street outside. The performers were gorgeous and the drag show was very entertaining as well! Kye and his friendly staff were always attentive." -- locknload200, Apr 1, 2011

• The Heart of Darkness (mixed)
  #26 Street 51 Pasteur, Utopia Map. Gay-owned and fun place that is popular with both local and expat gays. Recently renovated and, once again, extremely gay. Packed on weekends and always busy. Loud music. Young crowd.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Still excellent on weekends with big gay crowd and cruisey!" -- paradasian, Feb 24, 2011

• Pontoon
  #80 Street 172, Utopia Map, 099-212-533, 017-682-071, email. Formerly called The Gloryhole. Gay on Thu nights from 9pm until early morning hours. Expect a night of handsome men, rowdy lesbians, hysterical drag queens, live entertainment, great dance music and cheap drink deals.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Their Hoochie Mamma's gay night is every Thu. It attracts big crowds and their drag and muscle man show is beautifully done, professional and full of surprises. Their music is highly reminiscent of London's gay scene and so different to what else is on offer in Cambodia! A really entertaining night out. Beautiful men and cheap US$2 drink deals!" -- punkflameboy, Feb 15, 2011