Latest travel updates on Coronavirus (COVID19) here
Cambodia boasts a fascinating history, impressive sights, and some of the friendliest locals we’ve encountered. Bustling Phnom Penh is home to the spectacular Royal Palace. The quiet countryside is peppered with rice fields. And the ancient city of Angkor is both mighty, and a mighty fave of most Out Adventurers. Throw in some of the world’s most pristine beaches, and luxurious properties that offer incredible value, and it all adds up to a sweet taste of paradise.
On the whole Cambodia is a relatively welcoming destination for gay travellers. Please note: public displays of affection in Cambodia are a taboo no matter your sexual orientation.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized – Some provinces have begun recognizing lesbian partnerships as marriage.
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: No Protections
Equal Age of Consent: Equal
While Cambodia isn’t a gay hotspot per se, there’s an impressive amount of nightlife in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. From hole-in-the-wall drag bars, to cafes, to some of the best cabarets we’ve seen, you certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do after a day of temple hopping.
There are no gay villages in Cambodia. However, plenty of gay bars pepper Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and some smaller cities as well.
Some LGBT events are planned in Phnom Penh around May 17, The International Day Against Homophobia
Phnom Penh: Toolbox Bar
Phnom Penh: Space Hair Salon and Bar
Siem Reap: Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
Siem Reap: Barcode
Siem Reap: Heaven & Dreamboys
Phnom Peng: The L Bar
This chic Cambodian city is the gateway to Angkor Park. When you’re all templed out, Siem Reap offers a wealth of wining and dining options, exceptional shopping and some great gay hangouts.
Take to the Mekong by river boat and discover one of the region’s most beloved endemic fresh water mammals, the Irrawaddy River Dolphin. The central market place and French Colonial architecture is also impressive.
For a boutique escape in Cambodia, spend a few nights luxuriating among the Southern Islands. The glorious islands are – strangely – untouched by large resorts, allowing boutique accommodations to flourish.
Pagodas, temples and the Royal Palace await travellers in Phnom Penh. And for a taste of the country’s more recent history, spend a few sobering hours in Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
There are few travel experiences on Earth as powerful as watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat. But this iconic experience is only the tip of the iceberg as you navigate the ancient hallways of lesser known temples, photographing immaculate statues and parasitic vines.
Best Time to Visit: November through February are the best months to visit Cambodia as the weather is balmy without being too rainy. Unfortunately, it tends to be quite busy during this period, especially over Christmas and New Years.
Time Zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Electricity: A/C/G
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Cambodia, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Most passports require a visa. Apply for a Cambodian eVisa here.
LGBT Rights in Cambodia
On the whole Cambodia is a relatively welcoming destination for gay travellers. Please note: public displays of affection in Cambodia are a taboo no matter your sexual orientation.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized – Some provinces have begun recognizing lesbian partnerships as marriage.
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: No Protections
Equal Age of Consent: Equal
Gay Cambodia Travel
While Cambodia isn’t a gay hotspot per se, there’s an impressive amount of nightlife in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. From hole-in-the-wall drag bars, to cafes, to some of the best cabarets we’ve seen, you certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do after a day of temple hopping.
There are no gay villages in Cambodia. However, plenty of gay bars pepper Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and some smaller cities as well.
Some LGBT events are planned in Phnom Penh around May 17, The International Day Against Homophobia
Phnom Penh: Toolbox Bar
Phnom Penh: Space Hair Salon and Bar
Siem Reap: Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
Siem Reap: Barcode
Siem Reap: Heaven & Dreamboys
Phnom Peng: The L Bar
Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
This chic Cambodian city is the gateway to Angkor Park. When you’re all templed out, Siem Reap offers a wealth of wining and dining options, exceptional shopping and some great gay hangouts.
Take to the Mekong by river boat and discover one of the region’s most beloved endemic fresh water mammals, the Irrawaddy River Dolphin. The central market place and French Colonial architecture is also impressive.
For a boutique escape in Cambodia, spend a few nights luxuriating among the Southern Islands. The glorious islands are – strangely – untouched by large resorts, allowing boutique accommodations to flourish.
Pagodas, temples and the Royal Palace await travellers in Phnom Penh. And for a taste of the country’s more recent history, spend a few sobering hours in Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
There are few travel experiences on Earth as powerful as watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat. But this iconic experience is only the tip of the iceberg as you navigate the ancient hallways of lesser known temples, photographing immaculate statues and parasitic vines.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: November through February are the best months to visit Cambodia as the weather is balmy without being too rainy. Unfortunately, it tends to be quite busy during this period, especially over Christmas and New Years.
Time Zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Electricity: A/C/G
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Cambodia, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Most passports require a visa. Apply for a Cambodian eVisa here.
Known as The Gateway to Angkor, Siem Reap is an exciting destination in itself. Here’s 7 other experiences Gay Travellers should have in Siem Reap.
Read MoreLearn about Angkor Archeological Park and its beautiful Lost Jungle Temples. We list the 7 Angkor temples all gay travellers should visit.
Read MoreAngkor Wat is the primary reason most people visit Cambodia. It sees over 2 million people per year, and was even named *THE* best attraction on Earth by Lonely Planet a few years ago. Here’s a few things you might like to know.
Read MoreLino DiNallo dishes about Out Adventures’ gay cruise along the Mekong River.
Read MoreSnapshots of the the cozy quarters featured on our Cambodia & Laos: Buddhist Sites & City Nights gay tour.
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