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| Travel & Resources: CAMBODIA
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Today, having survived centuries of war and strife, the land and its people are once again at peace and no tourist to the region should miss a chance to explore its historic relics and lush green countryside, home to unspoiled nature and unforgettable encounters.
There's a vibrant emerging gay scene in the capital city, Phnom Penh, that should not be missed by travelers who are tired of the slick and predatory scenes that can be found elsewhere in the region. Cambodian gays are not opressed by colonial law or anti-gay religious traditions, although many are pressured to get married and they enjoy their gay nature after work and before going home to their families. Expats have also contributed creative rainbow ventures that are more colorfully visible than the discreet Khmer scene. The younger, "Freshie" generation do not seem inclined to hide themselves or to view homosexuality too seriously. Bisexuality is common place. AIDS/HIV education is openly addressing sexual topics, introducing knowledge about homosexuality in a practical, rational way.
Most young gays don't relate to the traditional slang term for transgender, tuey (from gateuy, the same term used in Thailand). Health educators prefer phatti bai (third sex), but drag queens have developed their own home-grown terms: bur (from the French beurre for butter) for "smooth as butter" feminine gays; mas for masculine gays; and buu (from table "pool") for bisexuals (who shoot their balls into all pockets).
Almost all monetary transactions are in US dollars or Cambodia riel (do not accept ripped money as change because you will not be able to spend it or trade it). Traditional markets will take Thai baht. Most hotels, and some guesthouses and restaurants, accept credit cards. Cash advances on credit cards are available at banks. Moneychangers, found around markets, can exchange other denominations into US dollars. It is a good idea to carry small riel notes for moto (motorcycle taxi), tuk-tuks, snacks and small purchases. Try to use transportation known to your hotel as they are the same price as other drivers, but safer and often have mobile phones so you can call when you need to be picked up. Those working with gay-friendly hotels know the gay venues well.
Cambodia's second largest town, Battambang, is a lovely heritage city on the Sangkar River. It's a town of Thai/Italian colonial architecture that sits in Cambodia's rice bowl. Not a gay mecca, yet many Khmer consider it a gay paradise in Cambodia because it is tolerant and easy-going. The countryside is astonishingly beautiful and rural areas around Battambang are home to photogenic traditional villages as well as some impressive Angkor-era ruins. It's a quick 3-hour ride from Siem Reap and a beautiful 5-8 hour boat ride across the Tonle Sap. Two hours east of Poi Pet at the Thai border. Most travelers miss it, but Utopians looking for peace, beauty and authenticity will want to pay a visit.
Advisory: Homosexuality is not illegal and substantial statements for tolerance have been noted from high and respected authorities. Culturally, Cambodia is still conservative, straight or gay. Prostitution is illegal. Sexual activity with minors is a foolish transgression of Cambodian and international laws.
PHNOM PENH | SIEM REAP / ANGKOR
Other cities and provinces are listed below...
Once the heart of a magnificent kingdom that stretched from Vietnam through Thailand, Cambodia is home to a true world wonder -- the jungle-tangled ruins of Angkor and its complex of Hindu and Buddhist temples, palaces, and sanctuaries that, in its day, dwarfed any city in western civilization.
Cambodia Gay & Lesbian News
Cambodia Gay Scene Updates message forum
Cambodia Lesbian Scene Updates message forum
Men in Cambodia message forum
Travel in Cambodia message forum
Women in Cambodia message forum
AIDS/HIV organizations and information
Email. Cambodia's peer-led, discrete and non-judgmental social and support network for Khmer-speaking MSM (men who love men).
578 Kampuchea Krom Blvd, +855 (0) 23 882 955, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly travel provider. Cycle the backroads of Cambodia plus Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Sample delicious foods. Volunteer for community based projects. Witness breathtaking historical sites. Cruise the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. They design tours to specification for individuals and groups, down to the smallest detail. Their carefully selected guides, drivers, facilities and services will assure you the adventure of a lifetime.
Utopia Member DiscountSt 240, Phnom Penh, (855-23) 986-086, FAX (855-23) 427-352, email. A gay-and-lesbian-friendly travel agency established in Cambodia in 1996. They provide all services expected from a tour operator, with packages including Phnom Penh, Sambor Prey Kuk, Siem Reap/Angkor Wat and Beng Mealea.
017-367-017, email. Gay-owned tour organizers within Cambodia. They aim to show Cambodia in a different light than other tourists usually see it.
Utopia Member Discount#6D, off Street 169, 7 Makara, +855-23-881-861, FAX +855-23-881-732, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly tours, guides and travel in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Preah Vihear and other historic sites. Create your own custom itinerary or select from a wide variety of packages.
Banlung (Ratanakiri)
Click here for Banlung hotels and accommodations.
Battambang
012-254-554, 015-254-554, email. Professional, licensed and openly gay guide to Battambang and vicinity. Explore the heritage town, nearby Angkor ruins as well as the charming country life. Find out what's new on the local scene and experience an insider's view of historic and contemporary Khmer life. Flexible hours and completely custom intineraries with your interests in mind. You'll steer clear of tourist traps and commission shopping. Honest, friendly and a good sense of humor about life. English and Mandarin spoken. Reasonable rates. Car and tuk-tuk arrangements.
Click here for Battambang hotels and accommodations.
Intense techno and R&B is interrupted every so often for 10 minutes of slow dancing (you can't be alone on the dance floor for this, even if it means grabbing a same sex partner, and many guys do). Busy from 10pm-1am.
Street 121, 9223-8935, email. A cool, laid back bar/restaurant in serving great western food cooked by a western chef. Ice cold beer with happy hour promos. Friendly staff and funky tunes. Gay owned and some gay staff. Reasonable prices.
Utopia Member Discount+85599699996, email. Gay-friendly Khmer-Thai restaurant in Battambang town. Romantic and comfortable. Fast service, cool beer, good eats at reasonable prices.
012-671-911. One block west of the main market, three blocks north of the river (a block towards the river from the Gecko Café). Super friendly, centrally located, and rainbow-managed.
Near Build Bright University. Note that there are two Khemara hotels in Battambang. Do not confuse this one for its branch near Battambang's black statue. This center is in a building in front of the hotel. Clean and classy fitness center with gym room, dry sauna, steam room, two jaccuzzis and a resting room. It also has a big room for relaxation and chat. The gracious male attendant is always ready to serve tea. Towels are clean. Not gay, but local guys come to the sauna at the end of afternoon. Not much play possible inside, but local contacts may be made.
Kep
Kep is located on the ocean at Cambodia's southern border with Vietnam. A former seaside playground for wealthy French and Cambodians, it is now returning to popularity with recent development and investment. There is a large national park here, bountiful seafood, and island of Koh Thonsay is a short boat ride away.
Click here for Kep hotels and accommodations.
PHNOM PENH -- area code (855-23)
Click here for Phnom Penh listings.
SIEM REAP / ANGKOR -- Area Code (855-63)
Click here for Siem Reap / Angkor listings.
Sihanoukville -- Area Code (855-34)
Population is over 60,000 (that's about 2,500 Utopians).
Click here for Sihanoukville hotels and accommodations.
129 Street Borey Kamakor, Sangkat 3, 034-934-585, 097-569-4813, email. Gay-owned, gay-staffed (but straight-friendly) resort welcoming GLBT to the first 100% gay bar in Sihanoukville. Drop by to drink, eat, and have fun in a friendly, private environment. Surrounded by palm trees and gardens, the bar is tastefully lit and they have a music collection of over 70,000 songs and music videos to suite every taste. Wide choice of drinks and freshly made coffee from their Italian coffee machine which makes each cup freshly from coffee beans. They also have a guesthouse (see listing under Accommodation) with large swimming pool/jacuzzi.
Utopia Member Discount
Gay friendly disco.
In Sihanoukville, you will easily meet new friends on the beaches and in cafés and restaurants in the town.
The Coolabah Resort, 14 Mithona St Ochheuteal Beach Rd , 017-678-218. Gay and lesbian-friendly fresh seafood restaurant. A wide selection for all tastes including delicious Aussie steaks and home made Aussie meat pies, plus a good wine selection.
Sisophon (Banteay Meanchey)
Click here for Sisophon hotels and accommodations.
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