Cambodia visit

I will be over for a 10 day stay in November. I was quoted ┬г750 for a flight from London to PP or S Reap. I managed to get a flight for under ┬г400 to BKK and will buy a ticket to Cambodia in Bkk for under a ┬г100. This will be my first visit to Cambodia and I always travel alone. I will spend a couple of days in BKK before and after the trip to Cambodia.

I have a number of questions I would like posters to answer, please.

a) What is better, Phnom Penh or Siam Reap?

b) Names of gay or gay friendly hotels where I can bring a boy back without any hassle.

c) Names of gay bars and/or cruising spots.

d) What is the going rate for short time and overnight.

No doubt I will have more questions as November approaches, but serious answers to the above for now, please.

Siem Reap and PP are totally different - one a busy city and the other a small (but busy) town with the fantastic temples of Angkor close by. For me seeing the temples is one of those things everyone should have on their list of "things to see before I die"!!

There is a gay life in both, but not as in-your-face as LOS and therefore not as easy to find.
If I had to choose just ONE destination it would be Siem Reap, without a doubt!
I'm not an expert on where to find the gay life in SR or PP (though i did bounce of it's fringes!) but maybe others can help.

There are a couple of Cambodia reports in the resource forum like this one from my own visit...
http://www.sawatdee-gay-thailand.com/fo ... t2240.html
and this one... http://www.sawatdee-gay-thailand.com/fo ... t2208.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ahobni

a) What is better, Phnom Penh or Siam Reap?

b) Names of gay or gay friendly hotels where I can bring a boy back without any hassle.

c) Names of gay bars and/or cruising spots.

d) What is the going rate for short time and overnight.

No doubt I will have more questions as November approaches, but serious answers to the above for now, please.

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Cambodia is very different than Thailand. Your questions seemed to be with the Thai "off" system in mind.
This does not exist in Cambodia. What you'll find is similar to many third world countries.
Cruise, engage in conversation, proposition followed by the formalities (hotel / room / ID etc).

There are a few gay lounges but its mainly farang, local gay and with a little commercialism mixed in (freelance).
There are regular discos in Phnom Phen where gaydar is required in lieu of a solid business proposal. (commercial) / freelance)
Heart of Darkness was the place to be when I was there last
This is a new lounge in Siem Reap
http://www.figobar.com/

The Golden Bannana in Siem Reap would probably let you bring someone home if you could find someone.
In Phnom Phen you might want to work the particulars out with that when you book in.
The hotel rates seem up for negotiation along Sasawath and you might be able to factor that in when booking.
That will allow you to relax while you are out, knowing that the particulars are looked after if you meet someone.
The chances are much more likely here in the Capital.

Can't help you with the prices (short time / overnight).
If its an organized thing the manager will tell you the price.
If its a freelance arrangement it's negotiable.

Good luck and be careful!

Surfcrest

Both cities are interesting for different reasons. Siem Reap has the great temples and PP has the National museum and history of Khmer Rouge. If you want to cruise only, I think PP is the better choice, otherwise SR is a more fascinating experience.
But do not expect the open activity as in BKK. I was only approached once in PP and it was a tour guide!
You may want to consult Utopia for contacts and bar recommendations.
But be extra security-conscious in PP and use common sense (jewelry, carrying money, etc). Do not resist if you are robbed.