Phnom Penh gay nights

Enticed by all the sweet faces I had seen in the streets, I was fancying numbers of bars with gorgeous boys ready to know me better ... Phnom Penh nights are not really like that, but there is enough to keep you busy for some time.

We visited only the places located close to the hotel, as both of us had been quite impressed by the traffic conditions. There were two bars within walking distance : Two Colours Bar just around the corner, and Blue Chilli Bar within five minutes. Both would compare with the host bars in Sunee Plaza with outdoor sitting and reasonable prices. I found there were not a lot of available boys, but we were on a weeknight. As I was not alone, eye contact was probably more difficult too.

Pub in Phnom Penh

I had a blast at the Heart of Darkness disco, about 15 minutes on foot from the hotel. We treated ourselves to a Mouton-Cadet red wine bottle (quickly followed by a second one) for only 30 USD each. I really loved the music there : only good international disco music without the local songs that too often spoil the atmosphere in thai pubs.For that exact reason, my boyfriend did not like the evening as much as me - despite the red wine he is very fond of too.

Although not strictly gay, the place was mostly patronized by boys but not much flirtation as most seemed to be there for pleasure and not for finding customers. Some farangs were to be seen alone, including elder ones - like me. 

I will leave for a next trip the massage places and the other local boys bars, which anyway do not seem to be numerous for the time being. The scene could however expand very quickly ...

Sweet and wild Cambodia

Arriving in Phnom Penh through the airport is not exactly a breeze, but it could be worse. Not having opted for the e-visa, I had to make my visa at the airport but as I was one of the first passengers and everything was ready, I managed to get out quite quickly. Thank Goodness my boyfriend never misses what is REALLY important, so he immediately saw the booths where khmer SIM cards were on sale for a very cheap price.

Out of the airport, finding a taxi was easy but I did not wanted to haggle over the ridiculous price he was asking, so here we go into the awful traffic … complete disrespect of the most basic rules of traffic rules, undersized road network, billions of two-wheels appearing out of the blue … compared to Pnom Penh, Bangkok looks like Zurich ! However we finally arrived safe and sound to our hotel : the Silver River Hotel stands close to the Royal Palace, the Tonlesap Quai and some boys bars : our deluxe room with a nice balcony over the street was booked through Agoda.

Sitting in the taxi for 25 minutes to the hotel just when Universities and schools were out was more than enough to be striken by the cuteness of cambodian lads : no fat boy or girl in sight, only smiling and good-looking faces all over the street … promising sight.

Sweet khmer boy

We spent our two days in Pnom Penh shopping, visiting the most touristy places and strolling along the Sisawat Quai - despite having to confront the unendless and lawless traffic. Other trips included a visit to the Soraya commercial center, interrupted by frequent power cuts (never use a lift in Cambodia !), and to the Psar Tuol Tom Pong market - also known as Russian Market - where you can buy bargain clothes and souvenirs.

A tuk-tuk driver brought us to the Killing Fields, after a long trip among populous areas in the suburbs. Despite having read a lot about the Khmer Rouge exactions, we felt really moved when confronted with the reality of the awful crimes that were commited by Pol Pot and his henchmen. In fact no visitor can leave unaffected after visiting the exact location where the genocide took place. How a nation which has so nice-looking and smiling boys (and girls) can produce such awful crimes stands beyond reason.

But I had come in Phnom Penh not only for the tourist attractions and place of memories …