Linga Bar On The Passage, parallel to Pub St, Utopia Map, 012-246-912, 012-755-311, email. Siem Reap's long-running gay bar is HQ for visiting GLBT, local gay expats, queer Khmer and friendly straights who appreciate the vibe. Funtastic cocktails, fine wine and good times in a rainbow-splashed, al fresco lounge setting. It's in the heart of Siem Reap's restaurant/shopping area and the absolutely best location to people watch. Fun music, flirty atmosphere. Cozy up on the outdoor couch seating or inside for a more discreet view of the action. Check out the Cambodian Cool design of the bar, a hyper-modern take on traditional Khmer fishing baskets! The excellent staff make you feel instantly at home. The American owner is very friendly and shares a wealth of info on the local scene. Linga Bar is the epicenter of Siem Reap's gay scene and a pleasant escape from the noisy straight bars on nearby Pub St. Linga Spa also beckons just opposite above their stylish Hotel Be.

Comments from Utopians:

"Linga Bar has a relaxed atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks (draft beer for US$2.50, cocktails for about US$4.50). Be aware that it tends to wind down early. When I got there just after 11pm on a Sat, there were still guys hanging around (mostly westerners), but I later confirmed with the locals that 8pm is usually the best time to go." -- cyrc_84, Feb 1, 2011

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar Utopia Map, 092-428-332, email. On The Lane, parallel to Pub St. Straight-friendly gay bar. If beer girls, big-screen TVs and pitchers on tap are not exactly your style, then head to Miss Wong for a taste of vintage Shanghai. The cherry-red lanterns that dangle from the doorway beckon passersby to this hidden gem. Inside, slip into one of the intimate leather booths for an exotic cocktail made with premium spirits and local fruits and spices. They serve a variety of handmade dimsum in bamboo steamer baskets. The fabulous interior is part Chinatown, part retro-kitch nod to the camp 50s art of Vladimir Tretchikoff, whose portrait of Miss Wong herself hangs in place of privilege (sorry Madame Mao!). The cute staff, thirst-quenching libations and conversation-friendly volume of the music make this arty bar wonderfully cozy and romantic. All of the town's hip, gay expats hang here at some point during the week. Owner and bon vivant, Dean, is one of Siem Reap's wonders. You will no doubt be drawn back again and again to the magic world of Miss Wong. Utopia Member Discount