Phnom Penh

[Zeta0]

I don't drink, and as crazy as it may sound, I've never been to a bar before. Well, let me take a step back. I have been to bars with restaurants for dinner with friends, but I have never been to a bar just to drink. Also, I have no clue about the names and differences among numerous drinks, I. E, Wine, Tequila, Gin, Rum, etc. Even worse, I don't even know what the different beers are. Yes, I have had beer before with my friends, but I don't know what a Draft (or is it Craft?) beer is. I guess the only beer name I know is Duff beer from The Simpsons!

Well, that was me in Phnom Penh. Unlike Bangkok, where it seems every corner has a massage shop offering 'extracurricular activities,' Phnom Penh has nothing like that, and it instantly put me in a difficult spot. I was aware of this beforehand, having read numerous posts here (thank you, everyone, for the valuable information! And I was determined to finally break through the Bar Exam!

I had booked the Lux Riverside hotel on Street 136. On my way there in the Grab Taxi, I saw lots of bars lining both sides of the road, brightly lit with colorful, flashy neon signs and blasting high-beat music. It was around 11 PM. I got out of the taxi right in front of my hotel, and directly across the street was The Pussy Cat bar. Among the ladies sitting outside, one woman in her mid-twenties jumped off her chair and began waving her hands at me with obvious enthusiasm. I took this as a good sign, smiled, and nodded back. Then, I grabbed my suitcase and headed inside the hotel to check in.

I checked in, got to my room, freshened up, and quickly came back down to scout the area, but not before grabbing a bite to eat. I saw the lady still sitting in her spot, and without making eye contact, I went out. I picked up some street food, then walked along Street 136,130, 118,110, 108, Street 5, and the rest. Every bar had lots of women sitting out front, mostly glued to their phones. Some of them were quite stunning, most were young, and some perhaps too young.

In my mind, I had the exact instructions I'd memorized from the forum: find a lady you like, ask if she goes out with customers, and if so, make sure she has her ID. Then, buy her a lady drink and pay the barfine. But in the actual moment, I felt totally lost and couldn't figure out what to do. I didn't have the confidence to walk up to someone and ask those questions, nor did I even have the know-how to walk into a bar and order a simple drink! I figured I'd better head back toward my hotel and see if that overly enthusiastic lady was still interested in me.

The next few minutes moved faster than my brain could even process. I think I walked into the shop and she followed me. I believe I asked her something along the lines of whether I could barfine her directly. Initially, she asked me to buy her a lady drink, but I think I replied that I wanted to skip that and go straight to the barfine. She then pointed me toward the older lady working the counter.

The woman at the counter tried to persuade me to buy a drink first, claiming it would somehow make the overall barfine cost less. In the heat of the moment, the math was definitely not mathing in my head, and I repeated that I wanted to barfine directly without any drink. It must have been a slow night, because she agreed and let me take the girl. Let's call her Pho. The bar fine was 30 USD (or was it 20? I forgot already! And I agreed to give Pho 50 USD.

Pho is in her mid-twenties, looked good to me (maybe a 6 or 7 out of 10), and was thin (but not a spinner). She constantly had a smile on her face and was kind of funny. I had her drop her ID at the hotel counter, and then we took the elevator up to my room.

Pho knew a little English, which allowed us to strike up a bit of a conversation. I took her Facebook ID and added her right away. I learned a little about her family and her life. She was even making silly paw gestures at me and growling like a lion or a pussy cat! I was totally elated. I really thought we were bonding!

Now it was time for action. I wanted both of us to take a quick shower to clean up, but she insisted she would do it herself. I found that a bit odd, but I let her freshen up. She came back, and then I did the same.

At this point, she insisted the lights must be turned off, which I didn't want, but she was insistent. So we turned off the main lights, leaving only partial light coming from the bathroom. We were both undressed, and she immediately started saying I was too big.

Well, I have watched things where footlong Subway sandwiches are served, while mine could only be considered a 6-inch sandwich (not inflation adjusted). There was no way it was "too big," but she seemed panicked. She wanted me to only serve her half of the 6-inch sandwich, which seemed odd and impractical to me. Anyway, I assured her that everything would be slow and easy, and I wanted her to be at ease.

I offered her a taste of the sandwich directly with her mouth, knowing beforehand that Cambodian women generally aren't into that. Pho was no exception. After trying to persuade her for a minute or two, I gave up and moved to the next thing.

From what I had read in this forum regarding the use of wrappers, apparently Cambodian ladies don't care about them. But Pho was different; not only did she make sure that I put a wrapper on the sandwich, but she emphasized how important it was to use one and gave me a short lecture on the risks involved in not using any in her broken English! Since I am in favor of the wrapper as well, I complied.

Then came the action, and Pho kept interrupting and whining about the size of the sandwich; she genuinely wanted only half of it, and I did not know how to entertain that request. I was trying hard to match the pace of a snail, which completely killed my mood, but she still wasn't happy. With much difficulty, I somehow came to an end! I truly wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.

I quickly turned on the lights and grabbed some tissue. To my horror, the bedsheet was totally stained. Pho was on her period and did not tell me this beforehand. She blamed the sandwich size for the mishap, which was totally false. Anyway, I cleared the bill and sent her on her way. I then spent the next twenty minutes trying to remove the stain from the bedsheet to save myself from embarrassment with the hotel cleaners.

Well, that's the end of my story about my first night in Phnom Penh. Question for the readers: Did I pass the Bar Exam?

Note: I published this report in another forum as well.

[Axiata]

On my previous visits had no problem with ID's, I'd just tell the front desk guy "it's not required / it's ok" and he'd let the girl pass. Only did this for repeat ladies, so the front desk guy recognized them from a previous visit (always seems to be the same semi-chunky guy working reception nightshift).

Don't mind the ID check / hold for 1st encounter ladies, better safe then sorry.

Already planning in trip in Feb 2026. Haven't had this problem at the Harmony before as I normally get a 2 person Suite with Balcony, but this time only a Deluxe Single with Balcony was available for my dates. And they change 12.00 USD for over-night guests for single occupancy rooms (at least that's their policy, will have to wait and see). Like having a balcony, as it's nice having a morning coffee / cig outdoors.

Have stayed many times at Harmony and it is in a great location, has a good breakfast and rooms are fine for our hobby. They ask for the ID and I prefer that they do. My wingman did have a girl with him on our last trip who had no ID but he eventually convinced the night staff to let her in. It is a risk because getting caught with under age girls is always a chance in Asia. I do not have a concern with them stealing things as I always lock my stuff up in the safe. But being caught with an under age girl in PP is not something to even think about. Better to be safe than sorry. Happy Hunting.

[Frenchieboy]

Earlier information suggested that one of the advantages of staying at Tao was they are not concerned about whether the ladies have their ID available or not. That is the main reason I won't stay at Sun and Moon again. If Tao is enforcing this policy then I may need to reconsider my hotel choice. I am very aware that the policy is for my (and their) protection and I appreciate the concern. The issue for me is the percentage of desirable ladies that do not carry their IDs for whatever reason. Thanks for the information.

It depends who are at the reception desk in Tao, one time when the girl left me the man at the reception called me and asked me if everything was ok before to give back the ID at the girl, another time the woman at the Tao's desk just took pictures of the ID.

[Mosquito2002]

I agree that the new airport is expansive and a least at this point, very underused. It reminds me of a multitude of the Chinese mainland airport is the lower tiered cities.

I am curious about the Harmony Hotel policy concerning the ladies needing to produce their ID cards for retention by the front desk for the duration of their visit to your room. Thanks for the report, the amount of information about PP on this forum does not equal its fun as a destination, but that is just one opinion. I look forward to my next visit.

On my previous visits had no problem with ID's, I'd just tell the front desk guy "it's not required / it's ok" and he'd let the girl pass. Only did this for repeat ladies, so the front desk guy recognized them from a previous visit (always seems to be the same semi-chunky guy working reception nightshift).

Don't mind the ID check / hold for 1st encounter ladies, better safe then sorry.

Already planning in trip in Feb 2026. Haven't had this problem at the Harmony before as I normally get a 2 person Suite with Balcony, but this time only a Deluxe Single with Balcony was available for my dates. And they change 12.00 USD for over-night guests for single occupancy rooms (at least that's their policy, will have to wait and see). Like having a balcony, as it's nice having a morning coffee / cig outdoors.

[Sky Ryder]

This is my second attempt at posting this, so cut me a little slack if it seems like I'm rambling.




Stayed at the Harmony Hotel, just like the location and it's breakfast. Staff friendly and speaking English isn't a problem.

Food, besides eating at the hotel I hit Metro riverside (just down the street from the Metro, good steak and seafood), Compas Mexican about 20 yard from Metro, think this is a new place as don't remember it being there in June (decent Mexican food, salsa on point. A bit expensive for Mexican food), Mealea for fine dining (atmosphere was nice, but menu and a bit lacking. Service was a bit slow). Now for the gem, got introduces to a pizza truck / stall across from Shanghai and Pontoon (operates in the evenings) very very good thin crust pizza with a selection of the usual toppings.

Bars:

Visited Darling Darling, places sucked. Only 7-9 average looking ladies, no customers and a grey goose and soda was 9. 00 USD.

Hit 10-12 bars on the riverside streets, here's just a general lay of the land. Most bars had 10-15 girls with only 2-3 young slim and hot girls, 2-3 MILF types and the rest either extra heavy or pass their expiration date. Of the 2-3 hotties, expect 2 or more likely all 3 won't go with customers. If they do go with customers it'll cost you (only my experience) 80-100 USD ST and closer to 150 USD LT (maybe a little cheaper, if it's 1 or 2 am). For the girls 22-26 years old, it's 60-80 USD ST and 100.00 LT. Liked Random (or something like that), good selection of girls and back tables with curtains for some fun.

Ending here. Might post more when I have the time.

I agree that the new airport is expansive and a least at this point, very underused. It reminds me of a multitude of the Chinese mainland airport is the lower tiered cities.

I am curious about the Harmony Hotel policy concerning the ladies needing to produce their ID cards for retention by the front desk for the duration of their visit to your room. Thanks for the report, the amount of information about PP on this forum does not equal its fun as a destination, but that is just one opinion. I look forward to my next visit.

[Sky Ryder]

Was in PP last week, many girls as usual on street 130 and 136, pick up one to my hotel but before you can ask with the mamasan, she said 100 usd! But ok for 1 hour 50 usd + 15 usd barfine; next day I picked up 1 from the riverside 30 usd better no barfine and no drinks to buy, be careful girls ask for tips if you want CIM or OWO.

My hotel was TAO Riverside very girlsfriendly, they just need an ID from the girls that a security for you.

Enjoy PP and be careful with de Ladyboys.

Earlier information suggested that one of the advantages of staying at Tao was they are not concerned about whether the ladies have their ID available or not. That is the main reason I won't stay at Sun and Moon again. If Tao is enforcing this policy then I may need to reconsider my hotel choice. I am very aware that the policy is for my (and their) protection and I appreciate the concern. The issue for me is the percentage of desirable ladies that do not carry their IDs for whatever reason. Thanks for the information.

[TJLoverBoy]

I've been to PP four times this year. I've walked by the Factory a few times. The tout outside was actually a nice guy and not very pushy. I still don't understand their system. Is there a cover charge, minimum drink, etc. ? In other words is it scammy?

Theres no cover charge and if you take a tuktuk then the club will pay for your ride when you get there. If you don't take a tuktuk, I think the guy outside will offer your first drink for free, just to get you in. There's a bar that you can sit at and some of the girls will dance on the bar so you can preview there bodies without their long dresses on. We sat in a booth and I think there's a minimum spend, but it was dead so I don't think they enforced it and we bought each girl four or five drinks anyway. I also think there's a minimum number of drinks you need to buy a girl before you can barfine her (3 or 5) and the servers are pushy about getting drinks too, they will sit with you even when you already have picked a girl. Just be firm and shoo her away. The girls also ask for two drinks at a time, so you just have to say no. I think the only somewhat scammy thing is that they push you to buy a private VIP room that's upstairs- you buy 10 drinks for the girl and I think there's a jacuzzi in one of the rooms that you can also pay extra for. But no sex, so its more of a party room, definitely not worth it if your intention is to barfine and boom boom, but maybe a fun option if you only want to hang with the guys and some girls and drink. But we got lapdances and lots of touching in the booths so no reason to go upstairs except maybe for privacy. There's also a weird dance floor area that was empty where the dj plays, but we went straight to the booth area. Do guys want to dance with bargirls? I think your drinks and the girls drinks are also more expensive than average, but again, your talking about $2 or $3 a drink so its not what I would call scammy. I would give it a try, just for the experience. Whoever is doing the hiring there knows what I like- not a single chubby girl. When I go to an average bar on 130, I usually can say I would barfine maybe 10% of the girls there- at factory, I would truthfully barfine 75% of them, quality is that good, and about ten girls working each night to choose from. I also pulled a girl from the bar across the street from factory too, and she was a winner, but can't remember her name. Also went to air force, I think that's the one that has a pool table, but the girl I liked didn't barfine so I left. Post a review if you go and let us know if you agree.

[Vendelo]

…I would suggest the factory on 103, the girls dress in nice dresses and the quality is top notch, but ST was 150- if you don't mind paying above the going rate for higher quality, then that is your spot. I think you also have to buy the girls five shots before they can leave with you.

I've been to PP four times this year. I've walked by the Factory a few times. The tout outside was actually a nice guy and not very pushy. I still don't understand their system. Is there a cover charge, minimum drink, etc. ? In other words is it scammy?

[TJLoverBoy]

Thank you for sharing.

Darling Darling Bars It doesn't sound worth going anymore.

Maybe I can check out some of the bars along the river sometime.

My observations from going twice are that the quality of the freelancers who crowd the bar is generally slightly higher than the river bars, and the girls dress much nicer, but they ask you for $30-$50 just for sitting with you, in addition to you buying their regular cocktails (also much higher compared to the river bars). I did not partake but I was offered short time for $200, which is twice as high as river bars but the quality of girls was definitely not twice as good. If you are staying at naga, there's the convenience factor of being able to head right upstairs, and there's no barfine to pay or mamasan to deal with, but the ST cost and the drinks you buy for yourself and the girl are basically double the going rate. The servers who work there are also pretty and will sit and drink with you, but I was told that they do not go with customers. You might be able to negotiate something lowkey after work, I think the club closes at 3. If you are looking for a classy environment, I would suggest the factory on 103, the girls dress in nice dresses and the quality is top notch, but ST was 150- if you don't mind paying above the going rate for higher quality, then that is your spot. I think you also have to buy the girls five shots before they can leave with you.

[UP3T86]

Thank you for sharing.

Darling Darling Bars It doesn't sound worth going anymore.

Maybe I can check out some of the bars along the river sometime.

[FlagRunner77]

Hi all.

I'll be in PP for the next three nights. On my way from SR to PP right now. If anyone happens to be in town and would like to meet for a drink or two, let me know.

Thanks.

[Mosquito2002]

This is my second attempt at posting this, so cut me a little slack if it seems like I'm rambling.

1st arrival to the new Techo Airport. Place is big and it can be quite a walk from gates to immigration, but as with most airports direction signs are plentiful. First Safety Tip: If you need to use the bathroom upon arrival don't hit the first restroom, pick the the 2nd or 3rd. Restrooms are small and you might find a line for the facilities.

Immigration was a breeze (printed copy of e-visa, e-arrival card and passport).

Starbucks in the main lobby of the airport, just tossing that in.

I used the Express Bus to PP, . 37 cents or something like that. Bus runs every 15-25 minutes from early morning to late evening, during peak hours (5-7 pm) buses may run hourly. Don't waste your time with the on-line schedule, it's not that organized. Paid with a 1. 00 dollar bill, no change of course. At 6 pm, it took about an hour to get into town. Bus has a red stop button, so if you want you can get off almost anywhere along the route.

Grab taxi from drop-off point. I always us Grab when in PP, easily 1-2 USD will get you to most places. Prices vary depending on time of day and traffic conditions.

Stayed at the Harmony Hotel, just like the location and it's breakfast. Staff friendly and speaking English isn't a problem.

Food, besides eating at the hotel I hit Metro riverside (just down the street from the Metro, good steak and seafood), Compas Mexican about 20 yard from Metro, think this is a new place as don't remember it being there in June (decent Mexican food, salsa on point. A bit expensive for Mexican food), Mealea for fine dining (atmosphere was nice, but menu and a bit lacking. Service was a bit slow). Now for the gem, got introduces to a pizza truck / stall across from Shanghai and Pontoon (operates in the evenings) very very good thin crust pizza with a selection of the usual toppings.

Bars:

Visited Darling Darling, places sucked. Only 7-9 average looking ladies, no customers and a grey goose and soda was 9. 00 USD.

Hit 10-12 bars on the riverside streets, here's just a general lay of the land. Most bars had 10-15 girls with only 2-3 young slim and hot girls, 2-3 MILF types and the rest either extra heavy or pass their expiration date. Of the 2-3 hotties, expect 2 or more likely all 3 won't go with customers. If they do go with customers it'll cost you (only my experience) 80-100 USD ST and closer to 150 USD LT (maybe a little cheaper, if it's 1 or 2 am). For the girls 22-26 years old, it's 60-80 USD ST and 100.00 LT. Liked Random (or something like that), good selection of girls and back tables with curtains for some fun.

Ending here. Might post more when I have the time.

[Frenchieboy]

Was in PP last week, many girls as usual on street 130 and 136, pick up one to my hotel but before you can ask with the mamasan, she said 100 usd! But ok for 1 hour 50 usd + 15 usd barfine; next day I picked up 1 from the riverside 30 usd better no barfine and no drinks to buy, be careful girls ask for tips if you want CIM or OWO.

My hotel was TAO Riverside very girlsfriendly, they just need an ID from the girls that a security for you.

Enjoy PP and be careful with de Ladyboys.

[Mosquito2002]

Already have notes on massage places and 2-3 girlie bars that are open 24/7 (expect selection during the day would be awful).

Any recommendations?

Is asking a tuk tuk driver a good option?? I'm talking about 11 am-3 pm time period (I normally try to get a 2-3 hour nap before heading out in the evening. Old and need to recharge).

Will be in Phnom Penh tomorrow for 4 days / 3 nights on a quick break.

[Sky Ryder]

Thanks for a fun report. Agree that playing golf helps the day go faster than normal in PP. I have played a few of the courses there and got the rounds in the morning until midday and then had time to get back to the hotel, swim, rest and be ready for the night activities. There were a lot of girls and not that many punters on the last trip and I will be back there in March. Have not been to Hollywood yet or the Dubliner so will look them up. I usually go to Xanadu and NaNa bars although we had fun in Wild Orchid and I think it was Intoxia which was across from Wild Orchid. I will write up reports as per usual but thank you for a good field report.

Happy Hunting.

When you go to Hollywood, make sure to ask if the owner is in the bar. He treated me very well and was open when asked about the ladies. I would return to that bar without a doubt. I am also most likely going back in March for a few days and will visit the places you mentioned. I am still hoping to find a nice looking massage lady to visit the hotel and take care of all of my needs and desires. LOL. Happy Hunting.