Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the country’s capital, commercial, economic and political hub. It is situated at the confluence of three great rivers, Mekong, Tonle Sap, Bassac rivers. Getting to Phnom Penh is relatively easy, as they have a nice International Airport that services most major international carriers. Plan on at least 3 nights there to get around and explore. There are several gay owned hotels and guest houses to choose from. There is a lot to see and do there. Many of the restaurants serve some great gourmet experiences, for a very good value. The Royal Palace and National Museum are next to each other and will take almost a day to see both. If you have not visited yet, a day trip to the Toul Sleng Genocide (S21) and Cheoung Ek (Killing Fields) is a very moving experience. Most places are walking distance from the river and hotel areas, a pleasant afternoon is a trip to Wat Phnom, to feed the monkeys and watch the local Khmer relax and socialize. The night life is fantastic with a wide variety of clubs, disco’s pubs, saunas, and spas. Many are open late and some 24/7. The gay scene is very open and many of the pubs and clubs have cabaret shows. A night stroll along the Sisowath Quay, can possibly lead to a meeting of some of the local Khmer community. For a romantic evening try a Dinner River Cruise at sunset. There are several NGO’s that work with the MSM (men sex men), providing medical assistance, counseling, and social networking.
WHERE TO STAY
Blue Lime #42, Street 19z Gay friendly The Blue Lime is a 14-room urban accommodation, with a lush exotic garden and a swimming pool, centrally located, between National Museum and Royal Palace. The rooms, garden and pool are modern minimalist, with concrete furniture, all covered by a free 1Mb/s wi-fi. The bar/restaurant serves food in the garden lounge and one can enjoy its cocktails in the pool. CHECK WITH THE DESK ABOUT BRINING IN GUESTS.
Bougainvillier Hotel 2776 Sisowath Quay Gay owned and managed, located on the river, walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum, Night Market, and the gay venues. Right on the Quay Sisowath walking street, all suites have a beautiful sight of the Mekong River. An excellent French restaurant is located on premise along with a cute Art Shop.
Cozyna Hotel #1A, Sisowath Quay Gay friendly hotel, on the river, and surrounded by pubs and restaurants, the Cozyna has bright, spotless rooms with some fine river views. Large wooden furniture, including a bureau, TV stand and a vanity with a large mirror make the rooms feel cozy and full.
Manor House #21, Street 262 Gay owned and managed. Great central location with swimming pool. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, very near The Independence Monument. Only a short distance to the pubs, Royal Palace, National Museum, and river front. The staff are very friendly and Greg and his Khmer partner Kim can help you with anything you may need. Our favorite guesthouse in P.P.
Mysteres & Mekong #70, Street 244 Gay owned and managed, located near the Royal Palace and walking distance to the gay nightlife. All 18 rooms have private terraces Nice swimming pool to relax before a night out. Khmer style decorating, make for a wonderful experience. When you are in Siem Reap be sure to stay at their other guesthouse (Mysteres d’Angkor).
VIP Guesthouse #25, Street 27 Small and inexpensive guesthouse, located near the river front.
WHERE TO PARTY
Blue Cat Bar #34, Street 110 From the owners of “The Glory Hole” and The Gay Love Boat, now every Sunday night Daddy Bong’s. Where the gays gather on the second floor of The Blue Cat. Gay night is packed out. Marcus has specially priced drinks at only $1.25, so that everyone can enjoy a drink.
Blue Chilli Bar # 36, Street 178 Probably the most popular gay owned pub in Phnom Penh. Cute and friendly staff. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Popular with the expats and Khmer young men. Friendly and polite freelancers. Be sure to have a nice chat with Oak the Thai owner and get the lowdown on where to go, and what is happening. Thursday is Pride Night with drink specials.
Classic Entertainment Monivong & Street 114 A great new entertainment center, same owners as Classic Pub. A combination of bar, disco, cabaret and live entertainment. Very large and nicely decorated in a very modern atmosphere. Many of Cambodia’s elite and celebrities go there.
Classic Pub #42, Street 19 A very popular mixed pub, where many of the local Khmers go to party. Nightly drag shows. An alternative to the gay pubs.
Fly Lounge #21, Street 48 Gay owned with a cool mixed crowd, but very fun. A fun indoor swimming pool, during Gay Pride was full of local gays and expats. An alternative to the wild Heart Of Darkness.
Heart Of Darkness #26 Street 51 Gay owned, mixed crowd, favorite hangout for the gay crowd after hours. Packed on weekends, and very popular with the freelancers. This is the place everyone goes to after Blue Chilli. A word of caution, hold onto your valuables.
M Zone Bar #200, Street 19 Gay owned bar, located behind the Royal Palace. Cute guys to serve you, Cabaret Show every Thursday and Saturday. M Zone Bar now offers you a great promotion, Buy Three Angkor Beers, Receive One Free. This special offer is provided only by CambodiaOut, show your member card when ordering.
Monsoon Wine Bar #17, Street 104 Popular gay-friendly (mixed) bar, featuring some great wines. Fully air conditioned and snack bar for some nice snacks
River House Sisowath Quay & Street 110 A mixed disco, like all the others, but this one seems to attract the Khmer gays, that don’t go anywhere else. Right on the river.
SOHO Bar #3, Street 18 Very close to Heart Of Darkness, a popular alternative Good music, and many Khmer young men.
Studio 182 #182 Norodom New upscale club, featuring a gay Fanny’s Cabaret show every month. Brought to you by the producers of “The Glory Hole”.
Talkin To A Stranger #21B, Street 294 Gay friendly garden style bar. Very good western food. Nice music and interesting DJ, with musical events.
The Glory Hole (Pontoon) Across the bridge on Diamond Island, floating on the river next to Naga World. Every Thursday is GLBT night, with great drink prices, live DJ’s, fantastic music and awesome entertainment.
Tonle Sap Sisowath Quay & Street 107 Many of the local Khmer gays hang out and cruise here. Good Khmer music, many of the transgenders go there.
Touk Bar Sisowath Quay & Street 178 Lesbian managed, with a gay bartender the new in place for the Khmer crowd. Wednesday is Lesbian Night, and Friday they have a nice drag show.
SPAS
Hatha Khmer House #32, Street 368 Massage for men by men. A nice home that has been converted into a great place to relax and enjoy a good massage. There is a cool garden coffee bar in the front of the house where you can go to meet other gays discreetly. Many handsome masseurs available, out services are available. Hatha Khmer Massage now offers you a great promotion, Buy One Cocktail, Receive One Free. This special offer is provided only by CambodiaOut, show your member card when registering.
Men 4 Men Massage Street 53 Small but very nice massage shop. Cute masseurs, offer variety of services. Outcall service is available. Around the corner from Aqua Guesthouse, very convenient.
Men Show Massage #11, Street 59 Something new, a combination massage, show bar and cruising. Open 24 hours and after 10 PM it features a gay bar concept with show. You can pick your own masseur. Outcall service at your hotel is available. Membership cards are available.
O’Spa #4B, Street 75 Gay owned beautiful garden setting, very handsome masseurs. Very clean and professional. Many massage and spa packages for you to choose from.
Om Spa #E31, Street 238 A great massage located in a cozy neighborhood with very cute, friendly and accommodating staff. Traditional Khmer style massages and treatments, you can pick your own masseur. Open early afternoons, for a great way to start your day.
SAUNAS
Amam Café & Spa #20A, Street 360 Very popular sauna within the gay Khmer community. Jacuzzi. steam room, private rooms. Cute and friendly staff, small café, video room, go there for a great afternoon. Nice reception area with a snack bar, to mingle with the locals. Four floors to explore, cruise or workout.
Galaxy Sauna #17, Street 236 New sauna featuring dry and wet sauna. Massage for men by men. A great place to relax and enjoy a good massage. Cruise around; there are plenty of cute Khmer guys. Very good massage.
Happy Spa Sauna #195A, Street105 New sauna featuring dry and wet sauna. Massage for men by men. A great place to relax and enjoy a good massage. Cruise around; there are plenty of cute Khmer guys. Very good massage.
Romantic Sauna #59, Street 350 The biggest gay sauna in Cambodia. Massage, gym, Jacuzzi, steam room, video rooms, and private rooms, Very popular with the locals. Ladyboy dance show every 15th & 30th of the Month. Every Saturday there is a “special program”. Three floor to cruise, relax, enjoy a massage, or eat in their nice restaurant. Can sit on the upstairs balcony and enjoy a view of the area. Sister sauna in Siem Reap.
GALLERIES & BOUTIQUES
Chath pierSath Gallery Phnom Penh A community social psychologist who started painting less than two years ago, art is a way to reflect the inner turmoil of Cambodians, he said. In his portraits, faces are devoid of expression, as if numb with the pain accumulated over decades of fear and poverty. Out of thick layers of colors, they emerge in stillness, showing neither anger nor despair.
Chinese House Sisowath Quay & Street 84 Gallery and cinema, featuring exhibits and film showings.
Equinox Bar & Gallery #3A, Street 278 Gay managed with a mixed crowd. Live music, great food, good drinks & pool tables. Very popular with the local crowd. Monthly art exhibitions.
La Galerie X-Em Design #13, Street 178 Em Reim is becoming one of Cambodia’s most famous artists. A great contemporary painter, artist and designer. His works are a must see.
Meta House #6, Street 264 A gallery / cinema. Featuring many artists, nicely remodeled home with 3 floors. A small room for showing Khmer and International films, many with a GLBT theme.
The Flicks #39B, Street 95 Small cinema house that shows up to date western films.
Two Fish Gallery Café #2D, Street 302 Gay owned and managed, art exhibits, art and cooking classes. Coffee and juices, lunch and dinner parties.
TRAVEL SERVICES
Khmer Rainbow Tours Your “One Stop” tour service. Professionally designed and customized private excursions to The Kingdom of Cambodia. Air and ground transportation, licensed guides and fully insured drivers, hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, spas and saunas. A great selection of historical and cultural tours. Gay owned and managed for over 10 years. Contact: khmerrainbowtours@gmail.com
Heritic Asia Travel #6D, Street 169 Gay owned and managed, providing gay and lesbian friendly guides throughout Cambodia. Customized tours or packaged tours are available. BE SURE TO MENTION CAMBODIAOUT.COM FOR SOME GREAT PACKAGES.
HEALTH SERVICES
Marie Stopes Int’l #9, Street 476 MSI is dedicated to helping the LGBT Cambodia community, HIV testing, STD testing and treatment, and counseling.