Phnom Penh trip report - Dec 2024

[AndyUK]

I spent a week in PP catching up with a Canadian friend and we visited a lot of the specified places together. I have tried to be as factual as possible and I’d like to thank FloridaRob, vinapu and Harrystiilees for the info they gave me before my trip.

A few general observations: Since my last visit 10 years ago, the traffic seems to have increased dramatically and certainly the car is king here. Be very careful crossing roads as some traffic do not adhere to traffic lights and pavements in many parts of the city are non existent. I felt safe wandering around the city but do ensure that you have enough lower denomination dollar notes as higher denominations can be difficult to spend. Tuk tuks plentiful and $2-3 dollars seemed to be the standard fare. 

Bars

I visited Space Bar which was next to my hotel (Sun and Moon) twice. I met the owners, one of whom is from Spain and their adorable dogs that are friendly and in the bar. The waiters/hosts are incredibly fit and hot and tend to be more muscular and they will sit with you if you buy them a drink. Some guys spoke reasonable English and got very playful as the evening progressed. Some guys took their shirts off after midnight and were quite touchy feely. Very flirtatious but it ended there. The drinks were of a very good quality and it was. Fun place to visit with an interesting mix of local boys and visiting tourists and expat locals. I visited again and the same host guys I talked to on the first visit tended to monopolise my table despite the fact I was interested in talking to some of the other guys. It is the luck of the draw if you choose guys to sit with you who can’t really communicate except by translation apps. Around 12 host guys there when I visited. I would certainly recommend this friendly and laid back bar as a fun start or end to your evening. Fantastic eye candy.

We spent a great evening at Toolbox bar. Doug the owner is a lovely, approachable guy and was happy to chat and give advice about PP. We went around 9pm on a Fri and there are about 20 host guys and 6 customers but the bar got busier with visitors from 10pm onwards. It was a great atmosphere especially as the boys did a number of interesting dance routines on the pool table! Very much a party atmosphere and the music was varied and fun. The boys are certainly of the twink variety and they were  friendly, good looking and tactile. Drinks of a great quality and the bar also serves a selection of hot food. This was the bar that we enjoyed ourselves the most in PP and we stayed around 4 hours. Well worth a visit if only to see the beautiful boys there.

We visited Blue Chili which seemed to be a large venue but didn’t stay as we were the only customers there. When passing again on a Friday evening, the place seemed completely packed and people were queuing to get in. It seemed to have a mixed crowd and we were told the busiest nights are Friday and Saturday.

Massage 

I had some variable experiences during my time in PP. I visited Paradise Massage which is above the POC bar. Only one guy available to give massage and he was a young twinky type. Massage ($15 for an hour oil massage) was quite poor with little technique and expertise. I ended the massage early as it was not enjoyable. The premises look quite run down and general cleanliness was an issue. I would not recommend this place.

I visited Hatha Khmer twice and I was delighted by the massages there. There were around 15 guys to choose from when I visited and you choose your guy from behind a window where they assemble, a bit like arena in BKK. A good range of guys that would satisfy most tastes. The first massage was an hour’s oil massage ($10) and the guy certainly was experienced and knew what he was doing. An excellent, firm massage and the $30 dollar tip was well deserved for the many extras he provided. The second massage was an hour and a half oil massage for $15 and the different masseur was good but not as firm or experienced as the first guy and this showed in his massage technique. The invariable fun that followed was prolonged and unrushed and a $30 tip was well earned. He even offered to bring another masseur into the massage room for fun if I wanted that. I was very happy with the venue which was clean and well decorated, the choice of hot guys as well as the quality of the massage and the extras. Well recommended. 

Saunas

I visited 2 saunas during my stay. Love Spa is just around the corner from Hatha Khmer massage. It was $3 entry and it was quite busy at 5pm mid week. As far as I could gather I was the only Western guy there and the guys were primarily Cambodian. When changing, it was a bit disconcerting to have around 5 massage guys watching me and asking constantly if I needed a massage. Certainly the most aggressive approach I came across in Cambodia. The thing about this spa is that the spa areas and corridors are completely dark and it is like walking in a darkroom. For me, this was quite dangerous as I tripped over as I couldn’t see where I was going. I decided to leave as for me, it was an accident waiting to happen.

My friend was staying at Arthur and Paul hotel. I visited on a Saturday night to go to the spa and it started to get busy after 9pm. $10 entry fee. The bar area is spacious and lovely and the pool area is a good place to relax, swim and talk to other guys. There seemed to be a lot of younger Cambodian guys in attendance. Again, the issue for me was the lack of light and the spa area and showers were too dark for me to walk around safely. Guys are friendly around the bar, pool area and changing room and this is a great place to link up with cute Cambodian guys. My friend, who was staying at the hotel enquired about the darkness level and one of the Cambodian guys stated that Cambodian guys are quite shy and don’t want to be seen having sex in a spa! As an addendum, my friend loved staying at A and P and raved about the breakfast, staff and massages which he deemed to be excellent ($20 for an hour plus tip). The staff here are good looking guys who will look after you if you decide to stay at the hotel. 

Apps

I got lots of messages from guys on the usual apps (Grindr, Hornet and Heesay) but did not manage to hook up with anyone due to time constraints.

I hope you find this info useful. I’m back to Thailand now for a Christmas and a break! Happy Christmas!

[colom-bien]

1 hour ago, AndyUK said:

Arthur and Paul hotel

Thank you for the trip report. VERY helpful. I will be staying here the next time I go.

I was in PP for the first time this year. Just two days in the city en route to Angkor Wat. I didn't expect to ever return, but I met a drop dead gorgeous college student on Grindr and we are talking every day. So I think I will mostly go back for him. I also met so many hot Cambodians in Bangkok and Pattaya...I think it would be worth a second visit to see what fun I can find.

So glad you had a great trip!

[FunFifties]

Thanks for a good report. Will be going to Cambodia next month so the info you provided is very usefull.

[AndyUK]

9 hours ago, colom-bien said:

Thank you for the trip report. VERY helpful. I will be staying here the next time I go.

I was in PP for the first time this year. Just two days in the city en route to Angkor Wat. I didn't expect to ever return, but I met a drop dead gorgeous college student on Grindr and we are talking every day. So I think I will mostly go back for him. I also met so many hot Cambodians in Bangkok and Pattaya...I think it would be worth a second visit to see what fun I can find.

So glad you had a great trip!

No problem. Glad you found the info useful. It is ironic that in little over a week here, I have met more hot ‘up for it’ Cambodian guys in Jomtien than I have in the bars here. A lot of the bar guys in Jomtien are Cambodian or Lao. A lot I have talked to are considering going to Thailand to work as tourist numbers are apparently really down here at the present time. That said, PP is a fun place to visit as long as expectations are lowered somewhat.

[vinapu]

30 minutes ago, AndyUK said:

 That said, PP is a fun place to visit as long as expectations are lowered somewhat.

+1

[a-447]

I've stayed at Arthur and Paul a number of times over the years and it's my favourite hotel in S.E. Asia.

The breakfast -eggs benefict- is awesome and the beds are supremely comfortable.

My last trip, earlier this year, was solely to visit Space bar every night so I chose a hotel close to the bar. I considered the Sun and Moon but the reviews on TripAdvisor were not very encouraging. Did you have any problems there?

I'm presuming the Hatha Khmer massage you refer to is the one around the corner from A&P. Is that correct? I thought it had closed down.

I have had wonderful times with a guy there who quickly became my regular over the years. I called him "Mr bubble butt" and wrote about him extensively on the boards. He would wait for me at the bar in the garden area. He spoke quite good English but when he got stuck we could communicate in Japanese! (He thought knowing Japanese could help him find a good job).

During our seasons we would fuck each other - 2 fucks for the price of one! (Not quite - I did pay him more). My tuk-tuk driver from A&P would be waiting outside when I'd finished and I would head off to dinner and then to Space Bar. 

When I was at A&P I was told the massage guys in the hotel were strictly massage only, with no extras. Has that now changed? 

One time I was sitting around the pool when a couple of hot guys started fucking on a sun bed. OMG!! The hotel staff were still talking about it when I returned a year later!

Your post has now gotten me interested in A&P and Hatha massage again! 

I'm of to Japan for Christmas /New Year but will look into a trip to PP early next year. The only problem is, A&P is often booked out.

 

[Raposa]

Thanks for the report. I’m intrigued and wish to explore PP in January.

[AndyUK]

A reply to some of your queries a-447.

I have been very happy with the Sun and Moon. Very comfortable, great security and good gym and pool so I’m a happy bunny. I would not stay here again but that is due to the very busy area it is in so next time, it will be A and P or Rambutan for me. 

The Hatha Khmer I went to is near A and P but not around the corner. It is on street 18Eo Street 300 and is around the corner from Love Spa. I recommend Hatha Khmer for the massages and quality of guys.

My friend has stayed at A and P and has had no problems hooking up with massage guys and staff  there. It is ironic that one of the hottest guys in the place who works behind the bar is decidedly straight

Hope this has answered your queries. Have a great Christmas in Japan.

[a-447]

Thanks, Andy.

[vinapu]

8 hours ago, AndyUK said:

 

I have been very happy with the Sun and Moon. Very comfortable, great security and good gym and pool so I’m a happy bunny. I would not stay here again but that is due to the very busy area it is in so next time, it will be A and P or Rambutan for me. 

The Hatha Khmer I went to is near A and P but not around the corner. It is on street 18Eo Street 300 and is around the corner from Love Spa. I recommend Hatha Khmer for the massages and quality of guys.

My friend has stayed at A and P and has had no problems hooking up with massage guys and staff  there. It is ironic that one of the hottest guys in the place who works behind the bar is decidedly straight

 

Are you sure it's street 300 ? I think you meant street 330, that's  short street facing Tuol Sleng Prison. Love Spa is on street 350 , two blocks south of 330.

I second your take on Hatha Khmer , great facilities , massages and crew

I wouldn't stay in neither Rambutan nor Arthur and Paul   next door for exactly opposite reason  you did not like Sun and Moon - too quiet and too far from the center although with transport easily available it's not big issue.

My massage at A and P was bit disappointing , shiny facilities but no soap in shower ? I agree that staying there could be exciting as stuff seem to be willing although when I was there nobody was THAT outstanding but I may be matter of taste. 

I'd never stay in Sun and Moon neither across the street in Queenwood  hotels ( or is it Woodqueen?) for simple reason . Both are right by Space Hair and  even if one finds  guy there interested in seeing stamp collection , he my not be interested at all in being seen to enter either hotel as they are very discreet about their outside of bar activities if any.

[AndyUK]

I concede to Vinapu who is correct. A typo. Hatha is indeed on street 330. Thank you for your eagle eye. A good point about guys at Space viewing your stamp collection!  I certainly got the feeling that the hunks at Space were drinking companions only and not particularly interested in other activities. Fun for watching, flirting and some discreet touching but nothing else. I was unable to practise my Vinapu tuck….

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, AndyUK said:

 A good point about guys at Space viewing your stamp collection!  I certainly got the feeling that the hunks at Space were drinking companions only and not particularly interested in other activities. Fun for watching, flirting and some discreet touching but nothing else. I was unable to practise my Vinapu tuck….

lets put it this way , if guy you are dinking with expresses desire to exchange WhatsApp or Line with you , utilize that opportunity and see where it may lead. Not sure it has to do anything with particular app but for me Line worked and Whatsapp did not but probably it was my fault.   

[a-447]

I did get some "offers" from a couple of the guys at Space bar, but when I was ready to take them up on them, they quickly backed down. 

Just teasing.

With the large number of customers in the bar every night, just imagine how much those hot, handsome hunks could make if they were willing to go with customers. I remember thinking about the absolute fortune the cute and very naughty guy who flirted with me every night could make if he worked at Moonlight. He would give Babe a run for his money.

But then again, prostitution isn't for everyone and I respect their choice.

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, a-447 said:

I did get some "offers" from a couple of the guys at Space bar, but when I was ready to take them up on them, they quickly backed down. 

With the large number of customers in the bar every night..........

But then again, prostitution isn't for everyone and I respect their choice.

I got such offer 'let go to the hotel across ' , I'm pretty sure it was teasing but did not have a chance to check it as it was guy I did not particularly like, lol so it was me who declined.

As for large number of customers it may be a case on weekends , last time there on Aug I was only customer 9-11 pm if not longer on both nights . But I strongly doubt this is guys there only job , I think it's rather moonlighting for some extra cash. they get 1 $ from drink (drink is 3-6 $ depending of what at what time, before 9 is cheaper )plus tip if any 

You right about prostitution not being for everyone but I'm glad they were few who were interested in perusing stamp collection so all I want to say is do not lose hope when there.

[a-447]

I think all of the guys there have day jobs.

Many of them are models and have shown me videos of themselves posing for magazines and walking on the catwalk.

I found I was usually the only customer when I turned up around 9 pm every night but it got very crowded from around 11 pm.

[Raposa]

On 12/14/2024 at 11:31 PM, colom-bien said:

Thank you for the trip report. VERY helpful. I will be staying here the next time I go.

Just an FYI, based on this report I have booked a trip to PP in February. It was not possible to book a room at A&P, so I suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. 

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, Raposa said:

Just an FYI, based on this report I have booked a trip to PP in February. It was not possible to book a room at A&P, so I suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. 

I'm already salivating waiting for your take on Space Hair bar and other venues. I wouldn't cry if A&P is booked up, which ,must happen often as they have only 5 room I was told. Rambutan resort next door is half price. 

I personally prefer staying closer to the center and the river(s)