The expanded and updated 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam offers a remarkable insider's glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 18 cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Yangon/Rangoon, Phnom Penh, and Angkor Wat/Siem Reap. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians, as well as gay travelers. Click here to order

Once the heart of a magnificent kingdom that stretched from Vietnam through Thailand, Cambodia is home to a true world wonder -- the jungle-tangled ruins of Angkor and its complex of Hindu and Buddhist temples, palaces, and sanctuaries – that, in its day, dwarfed any city in western civilization.

Today, having survived centuries of war and strife, the land and its people are once again at peace and no tourist to the region should miss a chance to explore its historic relics and its lush green countryside, home to unspoiled nature and unforgettable encounters.

Almost all transactions are in US dollars or Cambodia riel. Traditional markets will take Thai baht. Most hotels, and some guesthouses and restaurants, accept credit cards. Cash advances on credit cards are available at banks. Moneychangers, found around markets, can change other denominations into US dollars. It is a good idea to carry small riel notes for moto (motorcycle taxi), cyclos, snacks and small purchases. Moto drivers who speak English are a good source of information.

• Cambodians celebrate at their 2nd Annual GLBT Pride Party!
  
• Cambodia Gay & Lesbian News
• Cambodia Gay Scene Updates message forum
• Cambodia Lesbian Scene Updates message forum
• Men in Cambodia message forum
• Travel in Cambodia message forum
• Women in Cambodia message forum

• AIDS/HIV organizations and information
• Sotachet
  Cambodia's first GLBT organization. The name means "same orientation, same desire".

• Bons Voyages
  St 240, Phnom Penh, (855-23) 986-086, FAX (855-23) 427-352, email. A gay-and-lesbian-friendly travel agency established in Cambodia in 1996. They provide all services expected from a tour operator, with packages including Phnom Penh, Sambor Prey Kuk, Siem Reap/Angkor Wat and Beng Mealea.
• 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

Battambang

Cambodia's second largest town, Battambang is a lovely place on the Sangkar River. It's a town of colonial architecture that sits in Cambodia's rice bowl. It's not a gay mecca, but the countryside is beautiful and rural areas around Battambang are home to some impressive ruins. It's a beautiful 4-8 hour boat ride from Siem Reap and is located on one of Cambodia's national highways, two hours east of Poi Pet. Most travelers miss it, but Utopians looking for peace and authenticity may want to visit.

• Champey Garden Restaurant
  +85599699996, email. Gay-friendly Khmer-Thai restaurant in Battambang town. Romantic and comfortable. Fast service, cool beer, good eats at reasonable prices.

Kep

Kep is located on the ocean at Cambodia's southern border with Vietnam. A former seaside playground for wealthy French and Cambodians, it is now returning to popularity with recent development and investment. There is a large national park here, bountiful seafood, and island of Koh Thonsay is a short boat ride away.

Click here for Kep hotels and accommodations.

PHNOM PENH -- area code (855-23)

Click here for Phnom Penh listings.

SIEM REAP / ANGKOR -- Area Code (855-63)

Click here for Siem Reap / Angkor listings.

Sihanoukville -- Area Code (855-34)

Population is over 60,000 (that's about 2,500 Utopians).

• Sihanoukville Gay Guide
  14 Mikthona St, Sankat 4 DevaRaja Villa Hotel, 016-314-522, email. Expert gay guide to the sights of Sihanoukville and the surrounding area. One-on-one personalized trips to Ream National Park, the islands, Kbal Chay waterfall, Otres Beach and Prek Tek Sap River. For a fun and interesting day exploring the natural beauty of Cambodia, rely on your Sihanoukville Gay Guide. Utopia Member Discount

Click here for Sihanoukville hotels and accommodations.

• Blue Storm (mixed)
  Space-age decor with blacklight (hey, its Cambodia). Dance mix after 10:30pm. Handsome waiters and transgender guests add gay spice to the happy crowd. Friendly management is in the know about the local scene.

In Sihanoukville, you will easily meet new friends on the beaches and in cafes and restaurants in the town.