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Travel & Resources: CAMBODIA

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Please help us keep these listings current and correct. Special thanks to mowgli415, Vandy, muliama, francois1, Alan, Dave M., Jan A., Ubish, Jeff, Robert, Chath, Eric & Jo, Andrew, Stephen, Dave, Douglas and Mr. Tom for updates!

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.


Cambodia Listings by City:

PHNOM PENH | SIEM REAP / ANGKOR

Other cities and provinces are listed below...


General Information

    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.

    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.

  • Cambodians celebrate at their 2nd Annual GLBT Pride Party!

  • 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

click for MEN's


Organizations


Travel Services

  • Bons Voyages
      St 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.
  • Cambodia Inside Travel
      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

    Gay Travel OUT Adventures
      Email. Award-winning Gay Travel OUT Adventures specializes in gay and lesbian tours in Cambodia and around the world. Unlike many gay operators, they use local group leaders, stay in small locally-owned hotels and dine at small local restaurants, ensuring you have a truly authentic travel experience. Choose from active, mid-range, luxury or independent trips.

  • Heritic Asia Travel Co, Ltd
      #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)

Popular Spots

Accommodations

      Click here for Banlung hotels and accommodations.



Battambang

General Information

    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.

    Comments from Utopians:

    "So many friends told me that Battambang guys are cute which intriqued me to pay a visit for a few days and, as a matter of fact, they are... I will come back for sure. :P" -- b1shonen, Apr 6, 2011


Travel Services

  • Affinity 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.


Popular Spots

Accommodations

      Click here for Battambang hotels and accommodations.


Discos

    • Sky (mixed)
        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.

      Comments from Utopians:

      "Sky club is the place if you want to meet Battambang gay's community and gay-wannabes." -- b1shonen, Apr 6, 2011


Massage & Spas for Men

      Comments from Utopians:

      "Comfort Inn Male Massage has closed. I went there tonight for a massage but the signboard is not there anymore; the waiter told me that the massage service had closed down (probably for lack of a sustaining customer base)." -- Traveller123, Sep 6, 2011


Meeting Places

      Comments from Utopians:

      "The park along the river between the old bridge and new bridge is the place for cruising where you can find a lot of ladyboys who, in my opinion, are prettier than other places in Cambodia." -- b1shonen, Apr 6, 2011


Restaurants and Cafes

    • Champey Garden Restaurant
        +85599699996, email. Gay-friendly Khmer-Thai restaurant in Battambang town. Romantic and comfortable. Fast service, cool beer, good eats at reasonable prices.
    • Khmer Delight Restaurant (Asian and European)
        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.


Saunas and Fitness for Men

    • Khemara Battambang I Hotel (mixed)
        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. Clean and classy. It has a sauna, steam room, and hot and cold pools. It also has a big room for relaxation and chat. The gracious male attendant is always ready to serve tea. Towels are clean.



Kep

General Information

    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.


Popular Spots

Accommodations



PHNOM PENH -- area code (855-23)




SIEM REAP / ANGKOR -- Area Code (855-63)




Sihanoukville -- Area Code (855-34)

General Information

    Population is over 60,000 (that's about 2,500 Utopians).


Popular Spots

Accommodations

      Click here for Sihanoukville hotels and accommodations.


Bars and Clubs

    • B-Zone
        23 Tola St (also known as BBQ Rd). Two minutes walk from Ochheuteal Beach and opposite Koh Meas guesthouse (almost opposite Golden Sands hotel).
    • Cheers Cambodia
        129 Street Borey Kamakor, Sangkat 3, 034-934-585, 097-569-4813, email. Gay-owned, gay-staffed (but straight-friendly) venue 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 under Accommodation). Utopia Member Discount

        Comments from Utopians:

        "We were in Sihanoukville and stayed in the Serendipity beach area. We took a tuk-tuk to Cheers Cambodia for a drink. The bar area is quite large with nice sound system and lighting. We had a great time at the bar with Les and his friendly staff! Andrew." -- flipviet, Sep 23, 2011

    • Rainbow Pride
        Golden Lion Plaza Kanda St, Ochheuteal, 8155-1901, email. 50m away from Ochheuteal beach in a bar complex. A friendly, informal gay bar where traveling lesbians and gays can meet up, relax, have drinks, and swap travel stories in a fun and safe environment. Lesbian-owned, with gay and transgender staff. A great place to meet people. Cheap drinks and good atmosphere.


Discos

    • LV (mixed)
        Gay friendly disco.


Meeting Places

      In Sihanoukville, you will easily meet new friends on the beaches and in cafés and restaurants in the town.

    • Otress Beach. Go to the far left end (as you face the sea) and you may find some nice cruising.


Restaurants and Cafes

    • Seafood Terrace
        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.



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