Phnom Penh

[GooberMonger]

There's some member up here Goobermonger who keeps mentioning that he speaks K'mai. I've always heard it called Khmer, which I've heard used to refer to the people (so a synonym of Cambodian) whether there in Cambodia or outside Cambodia (there's Khmer minorites in Vietnam for example) , or the language. This is the first time I've seen it called K'mai. You keep using that term repeatedly, so I guess it's intentional. Then again the spell checker on this forum is pretty aggressive, so it could be that too.

Hi Wendella, I use K'mai all the time, because I can speak Cambodian. Khmer is not a Cambodian word. It's English or French most likely to describe Cambodians and the language. It can be used when speaking Cambodian, but Cambodians say,"K'mai" to describe the people and language.

The other thing I wanted to address was you had some question about Cambodian men's behaviour, personally I have never seen anything that is that much out of the ordanary for Asia culture in general towards women and their behaviour towards tourist is different, they are very polite, friendly and respectful.

There is a gap in all Asian countries or most between men and women, I think India has shown lately a lot lower classed culture than Cambodia. I can name some other cultures in Asia that are worse where beating women and other terrible things are acceptable in their cultures, but I'm not going to through stones, because I live in a glass house and I just in general think it's wrong to say someones culture is so bad, when my own culture went through a time that things they did I'm not so proud of.

In my past 8 years living in Cambodia I have almost always had a good time when at a wedding, KTV, bar, etc. Only exception might have been an overly friendly really drunk person spilling their drink on me while trying to hug me and tell me how much he likes me and other Barangs.

I can agree with Phil, because I've been here long enough to see some of the other side. I doubt very much any tourist will ever see it and I've seen worse in other countries.

If the culture was that bad I'd be living in Thailand or the Philippines, not to say their cultures are any better or worse, but Cambodia is safer statistically speaking.

Don't hate the players and if you hate the game don't play.

Hope that helps, if not PM me, with anything I might not have explained clearly. Thank you.

Cheers.

Here's a little Cambodian Culture for you all to get into.

[AussieDoug]

Hi all,

A couple of questions which I couldn't find on the forum, or maybe missed them;

- Is Cambodia cheaper than Thailand for buying Anti-Biotics, Viagra, Cialis and all that stuff? Easy to get?

Wookie.

Most drugs are cheaper in Cambodia, they have to be, the locals have less money, so if the price is lower they sell more. Copy Viagra made in India is $4. 30 for 10 X 50mg, cheaper than anywhere else and it works. Name is VeeTab, a pharmacy (a real one with a pharmacist) is U Care Pharmacy, their main shop is Sihanouk Branch. 39 Sihanouk Blvd, phone is 23 224 099, if you stay a while they will give you a a little card and then 5% discount.

[ArisCasa]

3 of us are planning a trip across Siem reap, PP and HCMC and back to BKK. Fellow Forumers could you advvise if July / August is a good time to travel weatherwide? Is it rainy season in these months?

Thanks

[The Wookie]

Hi all,

I'm planning my virgin trip to Cambodia. I have about 4 days there before going back to Thailand so I and plan to do PP one day, (taking Air Asia from DM) , then SR for 2 days to see Angkor what and then the last day / night back in PP.

A couple of questions which I couldn't find on the forum, or maybe missed them;

- Is the road between PP to SR really that bad or is it smooth freeway. In other words, would I get there much faster if I hired a car instead of a public bus?

- Or is it better to fly from PP to SR and how much would that cost?

- Is Cambodia cheaper than Thailand for buying Anti-Biotics, Viagra, Cialis and all that stuff? Easy to get?

- Any recommendations for good places to stay with indoor safe and wifi in PP and SR?

- Where are the latest P4P hotspots? Any recommendations?

Thank you and hope to do a nice TR once back.

Wookie.

[Wendella]

There's some member up here Goobermonger who keeps mentioning that he speaks K'mai. I've always heard it called Khmer, which I've heard used to refer to the people (so a synonym of Cambodian) whether there in Cambodia or outside Cambodia (there's Khmer minorites in Vietnam for example) , or the language. This is the first time I've seen it called K'mai. You keep using that term repeatedly, so I guess it's intentional. Then again the spell checker on this forum is pretty aggressive, so it could be that too.

[Wendella]

Maybe some of you guys who have spent time there can let us know how some of the Khmer guys are so bad with the girls, like what are some examples of their typically bad behavior. It seems like you're alluding to it in a way where you guys both have some idea of what you're talking about but those of us here who don't have connections to the local scene (we're tourists, basically, don't know locals who would take us out to places) are in the dark about that side of things. The scenes there kind of funnel us tourists toward the foreiger-oriented places (streets 104, 136, Martini, etc.) , so it's rare we would see the for-locals places or how the Khmer guys behave there or afterward when with the girl alone.

[GooberMonger]

Crikey goober. The KTVs sound like fun but too expensive, surely. Plenty of nice girls to be had at cheaper venues. Khmer men like to show off by throwing their ill gotten gains around, I don't like their arrogance. I much prefer the honest barang punter who usually has much more respect for the women as well. Khmer culture is pretty, bloody awful.

For rich Khmers their own family are sacred andthe children deserve the best of everything but those poor people deserve no respect and we will gladly fuck their daughters.

I agree Phil about the Khmer elite, my Khmer friends are more like western middle class and don't have those types of treats. They're family men and for being Khmer they are pretty respectful of women.

But yes women are not seen as equals to men for the most part in Khmer Culture, their dogs get more respect. It's also why I said maybe I should start a business to show Westerners another part of PP that they don't see.

Yes there are cheaper venues, Beer Gardens are much cheaper, but again you need to be able to speak K'mai.

I have been out with my friend and his boss, who the girls were all over him and then when he left he threw a $50 bill to each one of the girls sitting with him, that type of arrogance turns me off too and other behaviour that you know.

On my street I know all my neighbours and in most of their homes the wives rule the roost, but also just about everyone of the men have mistresses.

I know it's hard to believe, but there are a few Khmer men out there that are decent guys.

I'm hoping too that on here I can meet some local punters to hang out with. My best friend that taught me a lot and lived in SEA passed away a few years back. He died from mesothelioma, which was a real shock to me, because he was a fitness nut and was a really well built guy. He sure didn't look like a man in his 60s. Doesn't really matter how fit you are cancer can still take you. RIP Bob gone but never forgotten.

Cheers

[Phil Istine]

Crikey goober. The KTVs sound like fun but too expensive, surely. Plenty of nice girls to be had at cheaper venues. Khmer men like to show off by throwing their ill gotten gains around, I don't like their arrogance. I much prefer the honest barang punter who usually has much more respect for the women as well. Khmer culture is pretty, bloody awful.

For rich Khmers their own family are sacred andthe children deserve the best of everything but those poor people deserve no respect and we will gladly fuck their daughters.

[GooberMonger]

You do realize this is standard practice at any KTV right? They keep filling your beer so that you will buy more or run out because once you are out they will ask you to leave

The girls job is to keep your beer full and I have seen your point in some low class places that never want return business, but I put in my report that we bought 24 cans of beer up front and the room was free for 2 hours. It's a special package that most KTVs have. The room is $6 an hour after that. Sorry if I didn't make things more clear and yes there are some places that practice what you said, but it's up to you how fast you drink your beer.

I've lived in PP for 8 years and yes seen most of the scams, but if the place would not be wise to scam my friends or me if they wish to stay in business. That or they would be serving up more tea than all the other KTVs in the area.

Thanks for your in put PFG always good to let other that are new to town on the scams that some places are running.

Cheers

[PussyFeelsGood]

. The girls keep your beer glass full and will feed you too, along with fixing that kink in your neck. You'll feel like a King and if not you need to get some new girls and mamason will help you out.

You do realize this is standard practice at any KTV right? They keep filling your beer so that you will buy more or run out because once you are out they will ask you to leave.

[Cowboy Brew]

II. On Site Facilities

NayNay Star – This is a large guest house with a big bar, pool table and food. Open 24 hours. Pool table and food are okay. There are many Khmer girls working here, but you won't usually see a lot together in the bar at once. They go out, go upstairs with customers and sleep. Depending on when you enter, you may see up to 10. The girls range a great deal, from 20 years old to approaching 40, dark skin to light skin, from slim and pretty to old and fat. You should be able to find something you like. Buy the one you like a drink or two then ask if you can go upstairs. Be careful with a few of the girls who push aggressively for drinks. Cost for the room and to pay the house fee is $12 if I remember correctly. Negotiate directly with the girl for her end privately. It should be no more than $30 short time, usually less. Long time is available. Motodops and tuk tuks pronounce the place 'nie nie' (rhymes with 'eye, eye') if they know it. If they don't know it, tell them to take you to street 102. It's in the middle of the street. You can't miss it. (2. 5/5)

A fantastic write-up indeed. I used to work there for over a year and explored the nightlife scene after twice or thrice every week. For your descriptions of the place that has been around during my time, you are virtually spot-on. Your observation is direct, frank and cut through the bullshit, especially about CATHOUSE and SHANGHAI. Keep on writing and contributing. Cheers.

[GooberMonger]

Went out Thursday night not too far from my place along 2004 ST. Where it runs along the East end of the airport. There has to be 30+ KTVs and Beer Gardens, excellent selection of girls. Got myself a real cutie $30 ST, but before that got a room with special buy a case of beer $50 and the room was free.

The three of us had 6 girls (hostesses) with us singing, then after several beers took the girl I liked the best ST back to drink some more beers and some food, great area tons of fresh meat, one of the girls that was partying with us was still cherry, never even kissed a guy before, (got her number) working on it.

Anyway had lots of really fun girls all over me, because it's not a Barang area, all K'mai, and Asian customers. I really feel bad for a lot of guys that come to PP and just do the regular circuit around the Central Market, Street 51 and East of there.

I have a couple advantages, I can speak K'mai (Cambodian) and have some upper class Khmer friends.

Anyway what you can do is hire a driver (translator) and hook up with another guy or two, then go check it out, because right now you really are missing out. These girls don't go with a lot of guys. Most of the time they just get tips for singing with customers, oh they have English songs too. The girls keep your beer glass full and will feed you too, along with fixing that kink in your neck. You'll feel like a King and if not you need to get some new girls and mamason will help you out.

The girls really do make a big fuss over Barangs, it might be a little expensive our bill with ST, KTV room. 24 beer, food and tips was $150, which I didn't think was too bad, but my friends thought it was expensive, that's because they got a case of ABC beer and it was $70. I was drinking Angkor, but if you don't drink all the beer you take what you don't drink with you.

So for something completely different giver a go. Maybe I should start a business taking mongers out for a different experience?

Cheers

[AskeAske]

Aske, sorry about your mishap. Your lucky you got your stuff back. A little advice when your out mongering; don't carry your passport, get photocopies made of it and your Visa and carry them as you will need them to rent a room in most cases. Don't carry your wallet and other I'd I. E. DL, birth certificate, SIN card. Don't wear any jewelry that you care about. Only carry enough cash that you can afford to lose or spend that day / night.

This doesn't just apply to Cambodia; it's a good rule of thumb for most countries. Even countries in Europe.

Happy mongering,

Cheers.

Thank you for advice. On my second and third attempt I only had cash money with me. I also had a business card from my hotel.

Rest off money, credit card, passport was I the safe in my room.

Next time I will take a copy of my passport with me.

[Ruban]

Hey,

First message for me I think. Thanks Sir Lancelot for your reports, as well as John for your complete list. Am in Phnom Penh right now, here's a little feedback on what happened to me, while following your advice.

Problem with the Paris is it's under new management as local mongers know and they weren't paying for their tea. So as any bar owner knows in this town you don't pay you don't play.

Cheers

Just went to Paris Hotel yesterday for a noon massage. Took a tuk tuk (pronounce Pari Hotel with no "s" as that's the way French guys name their city) , walked up the reception. Said I was recommended massages from this hotel. Receptionist's face becomes dark : no, no massage. I kindly ask if it's for hotel residents only, and she asnwered me "we don't do massage anymore, closed". Bad call. My tuktuk had asked me if I wanted him to stay. Next time I say yes. Why? Because in June, when it rains, it rains. Got soaked catching a new one. Did the classic (but voluntary) mistake to ask a Phnom Penh tuktuk driver to find me a massage place.

He took me to Hotel Luxury (near the Norodom / street 200) crossing. Big hotel. Room is 10$. You walk up the stairs to the left, one floor, two floors. Reach an old grumpy mamasan who shows you the girls in some kind of a sauna box. I understood the concept of fishbowl at that moment. Took and°64, paid for the room, and massage started. She asked me to keep my underwear. Massage starts. Ok. 25y ol blond vietnamese called "niay". Very smiling. No english but "hello" and "good?".

After 45 minutes, she starts to insists where it feels good. She takes off my shorts. I ask her to wait a minute. I don't like having to negociate before, as it usually turns me down, though I will never ask for the price after. Good thing, as she started at 70. You start high? I start low. I'm not a big negociator, though I managed to reach the 30$ rate. And it's still kind of expensive, as she was cute, but nothing more.

I have to admit this girl knew what she was doing. She didn't kiss, but it was a good thing as I would kiss where she put her tongue in.

Classic tourist afternoon, and after a long walk, need to rest a bit. Wanted to meet a western friend in his HQ bar, though Sunday was the only day it was closed. Headed to 136, where it took me about 5 minutes to choose between Oasis and Lemon. I was just standing between both bars, and as the rain season (on a rainy night) doesn't bring many customers, I assisted to some kind of contest to bring me in. It was kind of fun to watch actually. It looks basically like "which bargirls will shout the loudest with I love you's and I'm good girl). While encouraging them, I was checking girls one by one, and my eyes stopped on Bania (Banya?) from Lemon. Walked on the Lemon. Got friendly bood by Oasis girl, to which I said "maybe tomorrow" and the boos turned into a yeaaah. Bania was really beautiful. I'm not really familiar with grades out of 10, but for me, she was one. Typical dark skinned Cambodian face, soft skin, cute face, big hair. Hadn't seen her chest. Oh my. Had a couple of drinks, for me and for her.

As I had been reading a lot here, I remembered girls didn't go with any guys, so I decided to be nice. And that was another mistake. I'm not a big chatter. I had been through a couple of bars before, but for some reason, I don't feel that comfortable, especially when there are 6 girls around me, and the least attractive talk to me. I hate pressure drink things too, it inhibits me. With Bania, it was nicer, though I don't know how to be nice to a girl except by showing her how much I like her. You do that, they know they can get more out of you. After the second drink, I ask her if she wants to go with me. She wanted a third drink. Said no twice, and when I went to the restroom, I saw 2 glasses on the counter. Dammit. Took them anyway.

Barfine was 10$.3 gin & tonic with 3 lady drinks 28. Took the girl home, I couldn't have less than 50. Under was like an insult. Good business woman. I wanted her. Took her home. She was really beautiful, but once inside the room, she started to say she was shy. I took the lead, took care of her, she was playing the submissive thing. 20 minutes after foreplay finished, she said I was hurting her and that she would finish me with the hand. I didn't like that. Though I was still so hot, I accepted with a non-smile. When she left, I gave her only 40. She asked me why. I explained kindly. She was not happy about it, but as she promised good service, she left, obviously not-so-happy but it looks like she understood. When I see prices you talk about, I think she knew she made nice money on me.

Going to 104 tonight. Thanks again for the advices.

[GooberMonger]

I am a newbie in mongering. I had a fantastic trip to Cambodia in March / April this year.

First attempt: asked a tuktuk driver for a place with massage and bumbum. He drove me to a fishbowl with very young Vietnamese girls. I chose the one that seemed to be 18 years. Paid $ 25 upfront (stupid me).

She started the massage. It seemed a little strange and noisy lot. It was to her pimp could open the door and list in and steal my bag with money, passports etc. (stupid me). Fortunately I discovered him and got out of bed and after him and my bag. He dropped the bag and ran away. I went back to the room. Shortly after we started bombom. Very bad experience. She only wanted the missionaries, no BJ, etc. The $ 25 was lost and I went of without shoot. She was maybe trafficing girls. I will never go to a similar place.

Aske, sorry about your mishap. Your lucky you got your stuff back. A little advice when your out mongering; don't carry your passport, get photocopies made of it and your Visa and carry them as you will need them to rent a room in most cases. Don't carry your wallet and other I'd I. E. DL, birth certificate, SIN card. Don't wear any jewelry that you care about. Only carry enough cash that you can afford to lose or spend that day / night.

This doesn't just apply to Cambodia; it's a good rule of thumb for most countries. Even countries in Europe.

Happy mongering,

Cheers