If you are a gay couple or single gay, you must put Cambodia in your travel diary!
The Angkor temples in Siem Reap are the main purpose of most travelers when visiting Cambodia. But Angkor is not the only thing that Cambodia has. Surely there are other attractions in Cambodia with interesting places to relax or party: the nature of the National Parks of Virachay or BotumSakor (Koh Kong) with relatively unspoiled beaches, Sihanoukville islands and the lively streets of Phnom Penh - the capital which still has the echoes of its epic precedent. If you are a gay couple or single gay, you must put Cambodia in your travel diary!
1. The LGBT situation in Cambodia
In Cambodia homosexuality is not prohibited, it has now established itself as an ideal destination for gay people, especially the capital, Phnom Penh. Thanks to the predominantly Buddhist culture and tolerance; therefore, homosexuality in Cambodia is quite accepted. In February 2004, the former King Norodom Sihanouk announced on his website that he was “impressed by the fact that same-sex couples in California had the opportunity to get married, adding that if his people wanted to, they would be willing to accept a similar situation since God loves diversity”.
Although not as openly liberal as the Thais, the Khmer are very welcoming and tolerant people. Cambodian culture is very conservative so public displays of affection, whether gay or straight, are unusual. Apart from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, traditional Khmers tend to be more conservative - but it is extremely unlikely that they will bother you. But the situation is different in large cities, where western culture and the presence of tourists makes gay people become open. Gay tourism is also one of Cambodia’s priorities, similar to neighboring Thailand. While Thailand is too popular a destination, Cambodia is becoming a smart and gay-friendly choice. Cambodia has already filmed several local television films with the theme of gay, which have had moderate success.
Since 2004, the gay community has been celebrating Gay Pride Week, which is held every year in May in Phnom Penh. In recent years, the gay scene in Cambodia has evolved rapidly. On the roads of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap it is no longer rare to see the so-called Kteuy (or ladyboys). Similar to the SilomSoi area in Bangkok, many saunas and gay hotels grow year by year.
2. The recommended places
Siem Reap offers a range of services for a gay clientele: hotels, clubs, bars and gay wellness centers for both tourists and locals.
Battambang is a lesser-known cosmopolitan from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh but has a tolerant reputation and locals are very approachable. Tour operators are always ready to create a personalized, tailored and certainly private itinerary.
The beautiful southern beaches are the ideal places to spend some private moments with your partner under the tropical sun.
Phnom Penh, the current capital of Cambodia, is struggling to find a normalized life dimension. Here we visit the Royal Palace, a complex of pagodas, each with its own specific function. Among the most beautiful and evocative are the “Silver Pagoda”, so-called because the floor is all covered with silver plates and furthermore, it houses the famous emerald statue of the Buddha, after the “Throne Room” surmounted by a spire over 60 meters high. You can also visit the “National Museum of Phnom Penh”, where you can admire many Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts in the various rooms. Do not miss the sunset on the mythical Mekong river that touches the city.
3. Gay-friendly services in Cambodia
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MEN’s Resort & Spa - Siem Reap
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Rambutan Resort Siem Reap
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Arthur&Paul - Phnom Penh
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Villa WatDamnak -Siem Reap
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Manor House - Phnom Penh
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Space Hair Salon and Bar - Phnom Penh
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Cosyoga bar - Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia
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Blue Chilli - Phnom Penh (Near National Museum of Cambodia)
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Man Spa No.106A, Street 1011 corner 1974 +855 71 388 3388
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Ratanak Spa 68 St, #89A St 204 12157 +855 12 868 316
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Love Spa 103 OknhaNouKan Street (St. 105) Near Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum +855 12 788 324