of Service to Asia's Gay & Lesbian Community!
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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 oppressed 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 peer-led, discrete and non-judgmental social and support network for Khmer-speaking MSM (men who love men).
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.
Gay-friendly, responsible adventure tourism. If you are a fan of nature, meaningful cultural encounters, or exploring beyond the tourist surfice of things, this company offers consistantly remarkable insider access to Cambodia's wonders.
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 friendly 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 3-hour ride from Siem Reap and a beautiful 5-8 hour boat ride across the Tonle Sap when the seasonal water level is high enough. 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.
Gay-owned nighttime lounge bar in a lovely traditional wood house with a huge balcony and a beautiful view of the jungle garden and Sangker River. They offer a large selection of spirits, cocktails, mixed drinks, beer and wine along with a selection of snacks. They welcome a gay-friendly customer base who can have a drink, play pool, and enjoy organized events like karaoke, "fear pong", poker night, and 80's music night. Open nightly 5pm until late.
Sister cocktail bar of the popular gay-owned Miss Wong in Siem Reap. This branch was established in 2018 in the charming Sino-French heritage quarter. A sophisticated cocktail habitat serving premium sprits, with professional service, with elegantly designed Chinoiserie décor featuring colonial handcrafted floor tiles, rattan furniture, and a lushly planted internal courtyard. Superior homemade dim sum served to accompany your favorite beverage. Open daily, 4pm-midnight.
Gay-friendly Khmer-Thai restaurant in Battambang town. Romantic and comfortable. Fast service, cool beer, good eats at reasonable prices.
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. Being quite secluded from the immediate center of Battambang, it is a nice place for men who want to go to sauna alone, engage in pleasant chat with whoever is there, and create manly connections. It is not a gay sauna, but the atmosphere of the place is good and comfortable for those who are discreet. Guys start arriving at the end of afternoon. Not much play possible inside, but local contacts may be made.
Mixed visitors, but on weekends there are many local gays who go here to make friends.
Gay bar which is a modern version of an ancient Greek temple. Sip a coctail at the bar, snack on tapas, or lay back in the comfortable sofas all around the room. Themed events (Disco Night, Electro DJs Parties, etc) and mini undergear shop. Khmer, English, French, Chinese, Thai and Portuguese spoken! Open daily 6pm-2am.
Gay friendly disco.
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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