SIEM REAP -- Area Code (855-63)

Siem Reap (literally "Siam Vanquished") is the bustling trading post sprung up at the gates to Angkor's magnificent world wonders and the majestic wildlife haven of the Tonle Sap lake. Home to the revival of Cambodia's arts and culture, it also bares the scars of repeated wars and attempts at genocide. Thus Siem Reap is at the crossroads (and in the crosshairs) of the extremes of human aspirations and human failures. Is there anywhere else on Earth as emotionally vivid?

The population is about 100,000 (that's about 4,000 Utopians).

• Men in Siem Reap message forum

The Utopia Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam offers a remarkable insider's glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 14 cities in four emerging Southeast Asian countries, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Yangon/Rangoon, Phnom Penh, and Angkor Wat/Siem Reap. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians, as well as gay travelers. Click here to order the collector's First Edition

Comments from Utopians:

"Siem Reap is a great place to visit. You will find very friendly and humble people. The city has a very quiet atmosphere which will allow anyone to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The best time to visit the bars is after 9pm, as no one shows before that time." -- aventura, Feb 21, 2008

Warnings from Utopians:

"The old market is OK for shopping, but beware of buying gold there. Their prices appear to be very cheap, but I am not sure that their 18k gold is real - better go to a reputable shop. There is a driver by the name of Tueng Sophoan who looks like a Caribbean chap, speaks good English (American accent) and offers his services as a driver and a guide. Just beware that he does not know much about the temples and the ruins, he will quote you one price but then demand double the amount he quoted (saying that he was taking you in a van, not just an oridary car). So for two days he charged me US$100 instead of the going rate of US$50." -- chompi27, Aug 26, 2008

Purple Dragon (66-2) 634-0273, FAX (66-2) 267-2150, email. Asia's oldest and largest gay travel company. Purple Dragon offers hundreds of options using local English-speaking guides throughout Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India and China. Offices in Bangkok, Phuket and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat). Utopia Member Discount

Click here for Siem Reap hotels and accommodations.

Linga Bar Directly behind the bar street (opposite The Balcony), 012-246-912, 012-540-548, email. Gay bar and restaurant serving fantastic cocktails, fine wine and delicious tapas. Fun music, great atmosphere, the place to be! Close to the action, here in the home of Angkor Wat. Utopia Member Discount

Comments from Utopians:

"The Linga Bar is a large bar with a dance floor at the back and plenty of space to sit and have a nice chat with the locals and the tourists. The staff are really handsome and work hard to satisfy your needs." -- aventura, Feb 21, 2008

"Check out the Linga Bar The owner, an American, is very friendly. They have a wonderful section of chairs and tables set up outside along a side street which is great for people watching." -- gringo_nb, Oct 4, 2007

Comments from Utopians:

"Miss Wong is a new bar in Siem Reap in the lane parallel to Pub St (other side of Pub St to the passage where Linga is situated). Nice decor, good staff, great selection of wine. The owner loudly proclaims it is not a gay bar as he swishes around." -- muliama, Sep 8, 2008

Linga Spa On The Passage (Old Market area), 012-246-912, 012-540-548, email. From the owners of the first gay bar in Siem Reap comes this spa for gay men. Located opposite Linga Bar in the heart of the Old Market area. Just go to Linga Bar (open from 11am) where their staff will show you to the spa. Linga Spa offers a full range of spa treatments. Utopia Member Discount

• Shinta Mani
  Oum Khum St, at 14th St (behind Post Office), 063-964-998, FAX 063-761-999, email. A gay-friendly luxury, boutique hotel with spa located in the heart of Siem Reap's Old French Quarter featuring beautifully appointed rooms, relaxing spa and pool. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Bodia Spa near the Old Market is a spa where gay expats go for male massage. This place is absolutly magic!" -- Greg, Aug 9, 2008

• Around the old market along the river.

• Les Orientalistes (Khmer, French and Moroccan cuisine)
  613 Rue Wat Bo, 012-833-543, 012-440-627, email. Gay-run restaurant in a beautifully decorated villa.

• Liquid Pub and Restaurant (Asian and Western)
  E-mail. A very modern pub with an art deco design. Air-conditioned with outdoor café seating in addition. They serve Japanese, Malaysian and Western cuisine at reasonable prices.
• Shinta Mani (modern Asian cuisine)
  Oum Khum St, at 14th St (behind Post Office), 063-964-998, FAX 063-761-999, email. Located in a gay-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Siem Reap's Old French Quarter. Their restaurant serves fine food, specializing in organic products and innovative menu.

  Restaurant L'Escale des Arts & des Sens Oum Khum St (in back of the Post Office), 761-442, email. Charming, gay-friendly restaurant and bar. A celebration of the five senses and the awakening of new flavors are the goal of this creative menu of new Asian cuisine with a French touch. Utopia Member Discount

  Viroth's Restaurant (Cambodian) 242 Wat Bo St, 016-951-800, FAX 760-774, email. Gay-owned restaurant serving refined Cambodian cuisine in a contemporary ambiance. Moderately priced food and drinks, good selection of cocktails and wines. Specialities include chicken satay, green bean salad, yahorn, and roast chicken.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Viroth's Restaurant is very nice, with spectacular design. Fabien and Viroth run a nice place and are extremely welcoming (and cute, too)." -- top8guy, Mar 13, 2007

  "Viroth's Restaurant is the place for Khmer food and atmosphere. The all male service staff are gorgeous and friendly, the food is great, and the atmosphere relaxed. A definite MUST for all Siem Reap Visitors." -- happybkk, Jan 20, 2007

  Comments from Utopians:

  "le Bistrot de Paris is a restaurant and bar just near Pub St. Old French style, good decoration, French food and wines." -- bruno, Nov 8, 2008

  "The food served in stalls along the roads is good and tasty. You can have a lovely meal for US$1! These stalls are open until the early hours of the morning." -- chompi27, Aug 26, 2008

• Wellness and Wear
  Sivatha Boulevard No. 003, Mondul II Village, Svaydongkum Village, 012-189-1655, email. Gay-owned wellness and gift shop, offering high quality clothes and wellness crystals. Utopia Member Discount