Phnom Penh

[Paolo99]

Extraordinary generalizations here Paolo, and you haven't even been scammed yourself (just repeating stories about "loads of news about customers being scammed or robbed while they were being serviced".

What part of Phnom Penh are you talking about? The middle of the entertainment area or some other more sophisticated parts? Where are the "loads of news stories?

If you have been scammed personally, let's have some details as that is what this board is for rather than some broad generalizations that don't mean anything.

I've not been looking the Khmer news for a long time so I don't know if these stories appear as often as a few months back.

The stories I'm talking about are in the news sites or Khmers forums, and I'm not repeating any stories, I'm just saying that this happens a lot more than in BKK for example.

After one minute of googling I already found two:

https://cne.wtf/2020/02/28/happy-end...it-at-massage/

https://cambodiaexpatsonline.com/gen...ng-t29794.html

I've not been scammed myself because I'm aware of the situation and I'm not one that like to play with fire when I'm abroad.

Have a good read.

[JimBocohones]

Extraordinary generalizations here Paolo, and you haven't even been scammed yourself (just repeating stories about "loads of news about customers being scammed or robbed while they were being serviced".

What part of Phnom Penh are you talking about? The middle of the entertainment area or some other more sophisticated parts? Where are the "loads of news stories?

If you have been scammed personally, let's have some details as that is what this board is for rather than some broad generalizations that don't mean anything.

He is most likely talking about the scams that happen in the 10 000 riel massage parlours. It is actually very common and you can find plenty of stories about this online. News stories are a few every month, so the real number is probably way higher. They switch your bills while your pants are hanging somewhere else in the room. You are lying on your stomach and the massage lady makes a few loud taps on your back and meanwhile someone sneaks in to take some money out of your wallet or switch to fake bills. This is however only the cheap dodgy massage places that barely gives you a massage.

[Red Kilt]

I've never wanted to try one in PP because the places never look very inviting and more importantly there are loads of news about customers being scammed or robbed while they were being serviced.

Even if I took my precautions as to not being scammed, I don't see the point of giving my hard earned money to people that like to scam others. Cambodia is full of nice people that try to make a honest living and deserves a lot more my money than these scammers.

At the very least, if anyone still decide to go there, you shouldn't hold any valuables if you enter one of these places and try to have only the required amount for the service.

Extraordinary generalizations here Paolo, and you haven't even been scammed yourself (just repeating stories about "loads of news about customers being scammed or robbed while they were being serviced".

What part of Phnom Penh are you talking about? The middle of the entertainment area or some other more sophisticated parts? Where are the "loads of news stories?

If you have been scammed personally, let's have some details as that is what this board is for rather than some broad generalizations that don't mean anything.

[Paolo99]

I am thinking of PP for my next trip and what I love in Asia is good healthy non sexual massage and reflexology.

Of course this is everywhere in BKK but BKK is becoming rather pricey.

I love the non sensual massage also and frankly I doubt you'll find a better place than Bkk for that considering the cheap price and the very good service you can find it in Bkk.

I've never wanted to try one in PP because the places never look very inviting and more importantly there are loads of news about customers being scammed or robbed while they were being serviced.

Even if I took my precautions as to not being scammed, I don't see the point of giving my hard earned money to people that like to scam others. Cambodia is full of nice people that try to make a honest living and deserves a lot more my money than these scammers.

At the very least, if anyone still decide to go there, you shouldn't hold any valuables if you enter one of these places and try to have only the required amount for the service.

[Red Kilt]

I am thinking of PP for my next trip and what I love in Asia is good healthy non sexual massage and reflexology.

Massage shops (large and small) are everywhere in Phnom Penh too (as you noted for Bkk).

They can be found on virtually EVERY street in PNH. However, I personally am unable to answer you question as to whether they are good, healthy and non-sexual.

A good starting point to seek out a good massage might be to go to the area called Boeung Keng Kang (coincidentally it's known as BKK and not to be confused with the Thai city) . It's an upmarket part of PNH and it probably has more parlours that are essentially non-sexual in nature. Start on St 51 (pasteur) and wander the block bordered by St 278,57 and 282. Many stylish looking spas there that I have seen and I am sure will provide exactly what you want.

I have only ever sampled the in-room massages in a couple of hotels. Nothing special.

[Franga]

Can this massage be found here?

Yes there are a lot of massage places around. There is a group of places on the northeast side of the circular road around what phnom. No extras offered to me on my visit there. Also a lot on Sothearos Blvd leading to Aeon Mall. And along the Riverside as well. Whether the massage is any good is another story.

[Banana Boi]

I am thinking of PP for my next trip and what I love in Asia is good healthy non sexual massage and reflexology.

Of course this is everywhere in BKK but BKK is becoming rather pricey.

Can this massage be found here?

Unless you're talking about going to a place like Health Land, a non-sexual massage in BKK is around $6.30 USD. That is expensive? I only went to 1 non-sexual massage in PP and IIRC correctly it was $8.00 USD. This was 2-3 years ago so prices may have increased for a khmer massage.

[Pinaypounder]

I am thinking of PP for my next trip and what I love in Asia is good healthy non sexual massage and reflexology.

Of course this is everywhere in BKK but BKK is becoming rather pricey.

Can this massage be found here?

Thanks.

PP headed for PP.

[Red Kilt]

Might sound like I am bragging but do give my posts in this thread a read. I have done both detailed reports and summaries of the mongering scene in PP. Quite a few have found it helpful.

My apologies Blanqui for not giving you due credit for your past posts.
I have actually made great use and followed up all of your tips and strategies regarding Sts 136 - 130 as well as restaurants and they have all been useful.

Most bars seemed sparsely populated. I stayed at Hotel Cambodiana down near Nagaworld and for 3 days I was the only person at breakfast and in the 17 days I stayed there I never shared my elevator with anyone. The maitre D' said they have very few customers ever since coronavirus flared.

Sad note. Many of the old traditional buildings that give PNH its character are being bought left, right and center by the Chinese developers and knocked down in favour of 30-40-storey glass monstrosities. My go-to place for lunch on St 51 called Herb Cafe will be closing in late March and a new building will rise on the whole block back to Sihanouk corner.

[DingoD]

First week of 2 in Phnom Penh, quick report, been doing standard bar trawling, things are as per the norm, hit / miss / fun / dud! A little WeChat surfing has yielded rewards as well.

To summarise, my preferred play time due to circumstances is late afternoon to early evening when wife and friends / family duties have to kick in, as such I have found the offering of the blow and go services at both Mr Butterfly and Pussycat Bar on 136 to be perfect. Obviously bar fines are available for these same girls however a lady drink here or there, a nod and a wink and a move to the rear booth in the bar has ended in a nice BJ for 20 bucks in both bars, 2 x Mr Butterfly, one times Pussycat. Can't complain for the price given that's half a round of beers back at home with mates!!

Also hooked up with a lovely Khmer girl from WeChat, claims to be a good office girl and not a working girl but more than happy to slip away in the middle of the day for a quick guest house session at a very modest fee. Her good English skills have me thinking that her story of not exclusively being a good office working girl and she does this rarely on the side might be a stretch, but, she is rather lovely, early 20's, superb tight little Khmer figure, who am I to question or complain!!

All in all a fun first week, another week ahead, should anything special occur I will be sure to report.

Stay safe gents and enjoy the punt.

DingoD.

[Blanquiceleste]

The area know as BKK around the National Monument (where I stayed) has a wide array of specialty restaurants, many on or near St 51 (Pasteur).

Terrazzo was especially memorable (st 282 off St 51) for authentic Italian. Another great Italian is Il Forno on St 302 (betw St 51 and Norodom). Neither are cheap but good value compared to Philippines prices.

There's a new Aussie-run steak house called Pacow opened up on St 294 (see attached). Angus beef direct from Roma, Queensland. Very friendly Aussie owner Kim. Very hands-on and training his staff very effectively. Great wines too.

Excellent intel. I might be there end of next week if things go my way. I will definitely try Pacow.

[Blanquiceleste]

I will have several trips to Phnom Penh this year and I am interested in learning more about experiences of mongers in Sts 136,130, Nagaworld (Darlin Darlin) and other points of interest. At least PFI made general reference to PP in his post.

Might sound like I am bragging but do give my posts in this thread a read. I have done both detailed reports and summaries of the mongering scene in PP. Quite a few have found it helpful.

[Red Kilt]

I just wanted to add that my friends took me to a bunch of small bars on Str 104 near the river and it was in these small bars that the girls would be all over you. I don't know if the govt has cleaned up the riverfront area, but if they had, the action would have been moved somewhere else. Hopefuly, another member can give more up to date information.

It wasn't the American style pizza, but Italian pizza like what you would find in Rome. They also had great salads. Oh well.

Street 104 is next to the Night Market. I haven't seen much activity around there because it's just 2 streets away from the full-on entertainment areas of St 130 to St 136 where most of the action takes place.

I spent a short time in "Xanadu bar" (good line -up) and had some fun in "Why Not" bar too with some very friendly hostesses. I had a lot of work commitments so my time was restricted but next visit in late-March I will have more time.

The area know as BKK around the National Monument (where I stayed) has a wide array of specialty restaurants, many on or near St 51 (Pasteur).

Terrazzo was especially memorable (st 282 off St 51) for authentic Italian. Another great Italian is Il Forno on St 302 (betw St 51 and Norodom). Neither are cheap but good value compared to Philippines prices.

There's a new Aussie-run steak house called Pacow opened up on St 294 (see attached). Angus beef direct from Roma, Queensland. Very friendly Aussie owner Kim. Very hands-on and training his staff very effectively. Great wines too.

More updates to follow.

[JimBocohones]

I just wanted to add that my friends took me to a bunch of small bars on Str 104 near the river and it was in these small bars that the girls would be all over you. I don't know if the govt has cleaned up the riverfront area, but if they had, the action would have been moved somewhere else. Hopefuly, another member can give more up to date information.

I learned one of the best Italian restaurants in S. E. Asia is no longer open. In Phenon Penh, across the street from the Stone Grill by the river was the KFC. Next door to the KFC was a small restaurant called Limon Cello, opened by an Italian chef and his Cambodian wife. They had the best pizza in S. E. Asia. It wasn't the American style pizza, but Italian pizza like what you would find in Rome. They also had great salads. Oh well.

Limoncello is still open and they do indeed have very good pizzas. It's on Street 264 at the moment. Regarding action along riverfront, do you mean SW's and stuff?

[ShiftTab]

I just wanted to add that my friends took me to a bunch of small bars on Str 104 near the river and it was in these small bars that the girls would be all over you. I don't know if the govt has cleaned up the riverfront area, but if they had, the action would have been moved somewhere else. Hopefuly, another member can give more up to date information.

I learned one of the best Italian restaurants in S. E. Asia is no longer open. In Phenon Penh, across the street from the Stone Grill by the river was the KFC. Next door to the KFC was a small restaurant called Limon Cello, opened by an Italian chef and his Cambodian wife. They had the best pizza in S. E. Asia. It wasn't the American style pizza, but Italian pizza like what you would find in Rome. They also had great salads. Oh well.