PHNOM PENH -- area code (855-23)

Phnom Penh's gay and lesbian scene is easy to navigate using our Utopia Map:

• Blue Chilli Pub
  Street 178 (on the block behind the National Museum), Utopia Map, email. Gay and lesbian bar run by a Khmer/Thai couple. Popular, especially when they have their drag show on Fri and Sat nights at 11pm. Attracts a wide variety of locals and visitors because it's one of the best places to meet gay-identified local men who are looking for friends, not profit. Charming and flirty staff make you feel right at home. Easy listening music at a comfortable volum eearly in the evening. Dance with their DJ as the night runs on and into the early hours. Side nook behind curtains. Some lesbians, especially weekends. Drop by and tell them you are from Utopia. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "I live in BKK, but go to PP often - the main gay scene is at Blue Chilli Pub, behind the museum." -- jonathai, Oct 3, 2009

  "Blue Chilli Pub is a nice bar." -- ice_fire, Mar 19, 2009

  "I enjoyed my evenings here, talking to quite a few guys (all Cambodian - some from PP, and others from Siem Reap). Some beautiful. Some students, others with jobs. But once I said I wasn't interested in MBs, every single one wandered away from my company. Very disappointing. Even one student who said his long term goal was to find a husband and have a secure life relationship, was unable to decouple that aim and see beyond this one night and short term advantage. Nevertheless, great bar with quiet outdoor seating and really good relaxing place for gays to make contact, enjoy some meeting, teasing, fun and good times." -- KenW, Jan 31, 2009

  "Many hot guys to meet." -- light9944, Dec 18, 2008

  "I've really enjoyed the Blue Chilli Pub which opens around 5pm. People are very friendly there." -- tycorey, Dec 15, 2008

• Classic Entertainment
  Utopia Map. Bigger and gayer than ever, this second branch of Phnom Penh's popular cabaret show pub, Classic (see under Cabarets), is equal parts bar, disco, cabaret and live entertainment venue. The space is cavernous, with modern design, laser effects and dance floor surrounded by tables and couch seating. An army of overdressed staff are on hand to serve guests including celebrities, the rich and the powerful. The large stage showcases an equal mix of handsome male dancer/performers and transgender showgirls. A bonus show takes place every time the men's room door, just to the side of the stage, swings open. The main show starts after 10:30pm and includes Khmer traditional songs acted out in period costume; drag anthems; ugly drag comedy numbers; Angkor/Vegas spectacle pageants; sexy underwear shows by the guys; and smells-like-teen-spirit lipsync pop numbers by shirtless "Freshies" and their ladyboy backup dancers. Choreography is mostly aerobic exercise routines done in an earnest, if slightly mechanical, manner. The mix of MTV bling dazzle, anime helmet haircuts, and off-key Khmer pop hits is charming and high camp. Shout-outs from the audience cheer the stars on and flowers made from folded paper napkins, presumably containing tips (or phone numbers) are passed forward by the staff. The stars mingle with the VIPs afterwards and if you ask the staff to invite your favorite to sit and chat with you, expect to buck-up for the privilege by buying your superstar a round or two.
• Fly Lounge (mixed)
  #21AEo Street 148, Utopia Map. Gay-owned mixed bar with swimming pool inside! Attracts Khmer scenesters and hip visitors.
• Salt Lounge
  No. 217, Street 136 (15m from river), Utopia Map, 012-289-905, email. Gay bar located near the river in the heart of the tourist area. Fabulous cocktails and contemporary design. Reasonably priced. Couches and lounge chairs for maximum comfort. Friendly local gay guys and cute Khmer staff. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "The staff are friendly." -- jonathai, Oct 3, 2009

  "Salt Lounge is run as a gay pub is meant to be run -- filled with warm service and a chatty gay owner. Expect to meet the ubiquitous MBs here, however. It seems that the non-MB locals these days shun pubs in favour of the more hip clubs that are up and coming." -- ShawnPyfrom, Aug 2, 2009

  "Salt Lounge is a nice bar with nice cocktails and the staff is friendly." -- ice_fire, Jun 20, 2009

  "The Salt Lounge has to be one of the friendliest bars I've been to. Where else in the world do you get a cute companion with each drink? Dont get me wrong, there's no hassle, just sweet, young guys looking after you. Great cocktails and cheap prices - try their "Orgasm"!" -- saskia, Apr 10, 2009

  "The Salt Lounge is close to Sisowath, so if you get out of that corner and Street 136, you will find it. Sometimes the sign is covered by a tree." -- tycorey, Dec 15, 2008

• Touk (mixed)
  1/F corner of 178 St and Sisowath Quay (opposite FCC), Utopia Map, 012-248-694. Lesbian-managed bar with gay night on Fri. Female staff and gay bartender. Full bar and good eats.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Club @ The Place is THE happening hot spot right now! Pair of DJs hail from Russia. Nice grouping of gay guys and hip drag queens who hang out. Mixed crowd. Gay corner seems to be right of the DJ/dance floor area (facing the DJ)." -- ShawnPyfrom, Aug 2, 2009

• Classic
  Behind the Royal Palace, Utopia Map. Original branch of Phnom Penh's popular transgender cabaret club.

• The Gay Love Boat
  Utopia Map, 099-212-533, 017-682-071, email. The Gay Love Boat parties every 1st and 3rd Sat of each month (perhaps operating weekly in the future). Free taxi-boats to transport party-goers to/from The Gay Love Boat from the riverside, opposite La Croisette at Street 136. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Nice show, nice beer." -- ice_fire, Jun 20, 2009

• The Heart of Darkness (mixed)
  26 Street 51 Pasteur, Utopia Map. Gay-owned and fun place that is popular with both local and expat gays. Beware of hustlers (in the minority). Packed on weekends and always busy.