On the whole, Cambodia is a relatively welcoming destination for gay travellers. Please note: public displays of affection in Cambodia are 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
LGBTQ+ 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.
Gay Villages in Cambodia
There are no gay villages in Cambodia. However, plenty of gay bars pepper Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and some smaller cities.
Pride Festivals & Events in Cambodia
Some LGBTQ+ events are planned in Phnom Penh around May 17, The International Day Against Homophobia.
Best Gay Bars in Cambodia
Phnom Penh: Toolbox Bar
Phnom Penh: Space Hair Salon and Bar
Siem Reap: Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
Siem Reap: Barcode
Siem Reap: Heaven & Dreamboys
Best Lesbian Bars in Cambodia
Phnom Peng: The L Bar
5. Siem Reap
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.
4. Kratie
Take the Mekong by riverboat and discover one of the region’s most beloved endemic freshwater mammals, the Irrawaddy River Dolphin. The central marketplace and French Colonial architecture are also impressive.
3. The Southern Islands
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.
2. Phnom Penh
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 at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
1. Angkor
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 Year’s.
Time Zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Electricity: A/C/G
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
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.
Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
