Phnom Penh

[Betong]

Trip Advisor has a post in its "Bars and Clubs" section that Darlin Darlin at Nagaworld 1 will not re-open until March 25,2021.

I haven't been to Darlin' Darlin' in years but that's discouraging news, if only because it suggests the kind of time scale we might be looking at.

It is indeed strange to see that gigantic Nagaworld complex dark. One hears tales that the casino is in fact still quietly open. Urban myth maybe, but then with that kind of money (they report annual profits of $400-500 million) they could certainly find a way to do so if they wanted. Gambling is one of the few vices of no interest to me so I haven't bothered to go look.

[Betong]

Things are changing by the day, with no obvious coordination among the authorities. Four days ago the 136/130 bars were told by the Sangkat police that they could reopen legally, and many did. Then last night there was a citywide crackdown, apparently because the higher-ups were concerned about crowds of people around Pontoon. Tonight the bar owners are being required to sign statements that they won't open, with or without lights, under threat of permanent closure. So things are likely to get worse before they get better.

[AussieGuy100]

Basically all bars (except the ones that went broke in the meantime) are now back in business, legally and openly. Quite a number of girls back too. But still relatively few punters, and they tend to congregate in just a few of the better bars. Truly a buyer's market.

The bars are open illegally. Cambodian pragmatism. Have to be seen to be doing the right thing (being closed) but economic realities (need money to eat) prevail. There are virtually no lights outside the bars. You have to check out the girls in the gloom.

There is still the threat of police conducting raids though they seem to have stood back for the last couple of weeks.

I certainly agree with you about it being a buyers' market. Lots of girls available and prices distinctly lower.

It's a strange but enjoyable time to be going round the bars as a customer.

[Red Kilt]

Basically all bars (except the ones that went broke in the meantime) are now back in business, legally and openly. Quite a number of girls back too. But still relatively few punters, and they tend to congregate in just a few of the better bars. Truly a buyer's market.

Yes that's how it is. But a lot of bars are still shuttered up which probably means they are Betong's "broke bars".

There are a lot of Chinese punters who have materialised from somewhere and they are filling up the bars with cigarette smoke too. We noticed many Chinese guys bar-hopping on Saturday last wearing masks LOL. Very wishful thinking.

Trip Advisor has a post in its "Bars and Clubs" section that Darlin Darlin at Nagaworld 1 will not re-open until March 25,2021. The whole Naga complex is dark and empty.

[Betong]

Basically all bars (except the ones that went broke in the meantime) are now back in business, legally and openly. Quite a number of girls back too. But still relatively few punters, and they tend to congregate in just a few of the better bars. Truly a buyer's market.

[AussieGuy100]

Been around Riverside a couple of nights now. There are bars that are open and there are girls for takeout as well. I was in one place with about 10 girls and with this market you'll get a lot of attention. As you said they kind of looks closed but they're still open. It seems like most of the bars that are open are not on 130 or 136, but on the streets further north, including the streets perpendicular to those.

About two-thirds of all the hostess bars are now quietly open, so that's about 90 bars to choose from! Some bars have lots of girls, almost back to their full strength. As a previous poster pointed out, it's currently a buyers market so you can negotiate some good prices. Also some girls that wouldn't normally go out with guys are now offering to barfine.There seems to be more ladyboys than normal wandering the streets, especially around the main street 136 junction with street 5.

I have four bars on street 130, and we have two of them discreetly open. Its generally been quite busy and we’ve had some fun nights. Most of our girls are now back from their province. The customers are almost all expats, plus a few tourists stuck here because of lack of flights and closed land borders.

[JimBocohones]

And yes, more than a few bars are quietly open behind closed shutters. But basically just a drinking scene -- little if any staff catering to our hobby.

Been around Riverside a couple of nights now. There are bars that are open and there are girls for takeout as well. I was in one place with about 10 girls and with this market you'll get a lot of attention. As you said they kind of looks closed but they're still open. It seems like most of the bars that are open are not on 130 or 136, but on the streets further north, including the streets perpendicular to those. I got one girl with me and gave her $35 for LT. Second night I found another girl but she quoted $50 for ST and $100 for LT which is ridiculous. Could definitely have bargained but she seemed like trouble anyways.

[Betong]

Any update Betong from your sources?

Still in limbo. The bar owners I know have both been talking to fairly senior policemen, who clearly want their share before there will be any openings. But the decision will be made at a higher level.

And yes, more than a few bars are quietly open behind closed shutters. But basically just a drinking scene -- little if any staff catering to our hobby.

One quote I did like: I asked one of the mama-sans how long it would take to get back her couple dozen girls once they get the green light. One post on Facebook Messenger, she said, and they'll all be back from upcountry within 24 hours. You've got to love it!

[Sam Sanuk]

Not true Sam.

Very dead last night. Those that are "open" are doing so behind locked doors with no music and very low light.

Sad to hear.

I've lost my two reliable wingmen who live in PP, due to an affliction called "marriage". It might take a couple of more years before they are cured. In the meantime, I can only pass on info from cyber sources of unknown reliability. I hope I can make it over there in a few months and see for myself. I'm quite sure there will be plenty of options by then.

Sam.

[Blanquiceleste]

Thansk buddy. I have a very nice girl to keep me company. We have been traveling around: Koh Rung, Koh Rung Sanolem (sp? Kampot, Kep. Its been a blast and she is great company. But variety is the spice of life. Need somehign fresh in my bed soon. Hahaha. I hope you are surviving and in good spirits wherever you are. Stay horny my friend!
You. V.

UncleV you could possibly not imagine how fortunate you are. While the world we knew before COVID continues to crumble around us and incompetent Governments refuse to take responsibility for the mess we are in, you seem to be thriving in Cambodia; most importantly safe and healthy. I would give both my kidneys to be where you are right now. 40 days and counting at home now.

When you have a good lady with you, difficult times don't seem that hard. Keep the good times rolling'.

[Uncle Volodya]

Hey Uncle V, I heard you were stuck in PP. I hope everything is ok. Too bad about the present day quality of Phnom girls. Stay safe.

N.B.

Thansk buddy. I have a very nice girl to keep me company. We have been traveling around: Koh Rung, Koh Rung Sanolem (sp? Kampot, Kep. Its been a blast and she is great company.

But variety is the spice of life. Need somehign fresh in my bed soon. Hahaha.

I hope you are surviving and in good spirits wherever you are.

Stay horny my friend!

You. V.

[Member #4698]

RK is right. A few are open secretly. Fornt light are off, but they will let you in if you ask. RT 136 is an example. Alaska too. I also heard Intoxica btu haven't' verifies. But the selection of girls out there is just awful.

Hey Uncle V, I heard you were stuck in PP. I hope everything is ok. Too bad about the present day quality of Phnom girls. Stay safe.

N.B.

[Uncle Volodya]

Not true Sam.

Very dead last night. Those that are "open" are doing so behind locked doors with no music and very low light.

RK is right. A few are open secretly. Fornt light are off, but they will let you in if you ask. RT 136 is an example. Alaska too. I also heard Intoxica btu haven't' verifies. But the selection of girls out there is just awful.

[Red Kilt]

Reports of bars on 136 have opened. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1062...?ref=bookmarks.

Sam.

Not true Sam.

Very dead last night. Those that are "open" are doing so behind locked doors with no music and very low light.

[Blanquiceleste]

It is said a man is but a sum total of all the decisions he makes in life. And I am so glad I made a decision that ended up as yet another fantastic trip to PP. Circa early March, when administrations around the world were still kicking tires about the course of action to be taken to stop the spread, I had a tiny window of opportunity to fly to PP for a short holiday. The risk was ominous, but we know risk and reward are directly proportionate. So I took my chances and flew to PP on 13 Mar. And I now know not when I will hear those six sweet words "Sir, your passport and boarding pass?" This is a long report because I really don't think I will write another report this year with all that is happening around us.

And before I begin, spare a thought for the impermanence of life with these lines from one of Kansas' most well-known songs.

Now, don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky.

It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy.

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind.

13 Mar.

Changi was a breeze as usual, with the reduced air traffic and I got to PP ahead of scheduled landing time. There was hardly any passengers on the flight and the airport was desolate. I was in my hotel in a bit over an hour from landing. The usual Passapp ride for $7.

It was 8 pm, and I had arranged to meet up another BM who I have known for a while. We met around 9 pm cruised around St136 St130 St5 mostly. Visited several bars, bought drinks for girls I have known over the years but stayed non-committal. And by around 10.30 pm I found my quarry for the night. I believe it was Dragonfly. But I wasn't ready to go back to the room yet, so I told her I will come back for her and handed her $5. After that the other BM and I spent another 2 hours bar-hopping. A particularly crazy time was had by all at Crazy Dog, where the bras came off and there was mayhem all around. Around 2 am I went back to Dragonfly to pick up my cutie. No trouble at all. $15 barfine, but what the hell. Back in the room for a great night. No, I am not going to get descriptive.

14 Mar.

Lyda left around 1 pm the next day after a couple of more rounds of boom boom. I have her $80 and she was very happy. I went out to get some grub. Walked over to the Bright Lotus to get some Pho. They make a real mean bowl, so next time in town, do try. Walked back, stocked up on supplies of water, snacks, beer, etc. Napped for a couple of hours and then called over a girl I had met at Pontoon during my previous trip. Thea came over by 5 pm and stayed till 8 pm. I gave her $50.

Again, I met up with the BM around 8. 30 pm. This time first for a cocktail at his place, and man! Does he make a mean cocktail! Thanks mate, absolutely delicious stuff. This time we kicked off at St104, a quick walk up and down the street. Not much happening around 9. 30 pm. Somehow we landed up at OneZeroFour, and that was a great decision. The BM found a girl and so did I (after a patient 20 min wait over a slow beer). It was too early to go back, and it was the birthday of the girl the BM had picked. So we decided to get out and celebrate her birthday. I know some of you must be shaking your heads. And I ask you, now what are you all doing with all that money? Well, we bar hopped a bit, went to a bar on St136 where the girl had a sister (yeah, sure!) and really had a good time. Cut a cake and all that. Finally back in the room for the ditty. And I had some of the best, wildest, unbridled sex with this LBFM, that started in the shower and made its way to the kitchen table, the couch and finally the bed.

15 Mar.

Things then took a turn, as the girl wanted to leave. It was 3. 00 am and I wasn't ready to sleep. So I gave Phea $40 and took a tuk tuk to Pontoon. No cover fee, waved in after the obligatory pat-down. Not much happening inside, and I know I was kinda drunk. So I walked around looking at the talent closely, and then finally went over to the smaller room. Hung out by the bar and now I could really feel the buzz. Around 4. 30 am a girl (well, mature girl) grabbed my hand and said let us go. I wasn't sure but I did not resist much and within the next 10 min we were on our way back to my hotel. Back in the room, after the usual routine, I crashed out. Next morning when I woke around 10 am the girl was gone. I scrambled to my feet and checked all my belongings. There was nothing missing, not even a bottle of water. I will never be able to explain this, I don't even know her name.

16 Mar.

I looked at my phone and realized that the COVID shit was escalating and SG had announced a mandatory 14 day Stay Home Notice to all residents returning from a long list of countries. Cambodia was one of them. Fuck me!! Took a while to fathom the shit was in. 14 days inside the house, not able to even step outside for a swim or a run or even a smoke. This is going to be hard.

Anyway, I went back to sleep and woke by 3 pm. Called over another girl from my phonebook for a couple of hours. $40. Later in the evening we met up with yet another BM who has contributed immensely over the years to these SEA threads. We met at La Croisette for a couple of drinks and some quick bites. The pizza is stunning by the way. After that we bar hopped a bit. Then we decided to take a peek at Naga around 10 pm. Bad timing. The place was dead. Stayed at Darlin Darlin for a drink and then left. Back to the bars. Had some great fun at a Bar on St5, but did not find anyone that I wanted to shag yet. So by around midnight I went over to Pontoon again. This time, after an hour of hanging around I made a connection with a girl. Definitely in her late 20's, perhaps early 30's but very pretty, great body and sharp as tack. We hit it off well, and I was sure this would be a good decision. So off we went without discussing money.

17 Mar.

And I was right. I had a great time and so did she. We fucked like teens all night, hardly ever taking a break. I remember around 4 am I had stepped into the balcony for a smoke and she came up from behind and started getting down and dirty. Finally slept around 5. 30 am as the sun began to come up. She left at around 2 pm and I gave her $80. I told her I wanted to see her again tonight, to which she gleamed and said "OK honey, I dress up special for you".

After she left I got down to making a few calls to inquire on stuff back home, business etc. Worked for a few hours before my last night in town, which wasn't going to be too wild. I had set it up more like a date with Dee Dee (name changed). Around 6 pm she messaged to ask when she could come. We agreed she could come by 8 pm, while I finished some more work. She arrived at 7. 30 pm and she was really dressed well. Very fetching green blouse and beige trousers that accentuated her long legs. And I was in my shorts and a tee-shirt with bathroom slippers on. She had brought some food along. Wow, this girl is good. Well, not much to describe after that as we fucked each other senseless for the next 3 hours. She was even wearing some steamy lingerie!!

But my joy was short lived, as she got a phone call from someone. She sounded concerned, and told me that she had to go urgently. I gave her $60 and let her go without asking another question, as it would be pointless to reason with her. But that decision turned out to be a great one. After she left around 10.30 pm I stepped out and walked around St136 and St130. Went into a bar at St130 and instantly found a really pretty girl with a stunning body. I got her a drink and chatted with her a while. Very sweet girl, very little English but eager to please. She was trying to tell me that there is chatter about bars closing down in PP because of COVID. I told her she could be safe with me if that happened and she giggled and then kissed me deeply on the lips. This one was a winner all the way. And then the inevitable happened. Some guy rushed in and frantically asked the staff to close the bar. My girl said the cops were on the street shutting down the bars. I told her to get my tab along with her bar fine to which she quickly agreed. And as I stepped out of the bar I saw a sight I will never forget. Cops out in full force, shutting down every bar on the street, all the girls on the street in swarms. Fuck! What a sight.

18 Mar.

Anyway, I walked back to my hotel and had a great last night as usual. The girl left in the morning at around 10 am and I gave her $80 as well. My flight back to SG was at 6:50 pm so I had the entire day to kill. I asked my hotel reception for a late checkout. Promptly agreed. No extra fee. Good. I then met the first BM for lunch and we went to Pacow that was recommended by another BM here. A bit pricey by PP standards, but outstanding food. A real steakhouse. The roasted bone marrow was astounding. After the meal I went back relaxed for a while and then went off to the airport for my flight back to SG.

And upon arrival I had to spend 14 days at home, which overlapped with the circuit breaker that was announced on 03 Apr, due to end on 04 May. And that is now extended to 01 Jun. I am finding out that I can survive without sex for several weeks, hard as that may be.

Hang in there folks, this too shall pass. Memories is all we will have to regale us in the near future. And a huge shout out to the two BMs I met on this trip. A real pleasure, gentlemen. Thank you, stay safe and may our paths cross again.