I have spent a considerable amount of time in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Among these countries, Cambodia stands out as a unique and intriguing destination for Western men seeking love abroad. With its burgeoning economy and exposure to Western culture, Cambodia presents excellent prospects to meet stunning and family-oriented women who are open to dating foreign men.
In Cambodia, traditional values and family approval play a significant role in dating. However, Western men are very appealing to Cambodian women because of their perceived financial status. Common dating apps in the country include Tinder, Badoo, and AsianDating, while areas like Riverside in Phnom Penh are great for meeting single Cambodian women in public. Remember to respect the cultural values of Cambodian women and avoid public displays of affection.
Cambodia’s dating culture mixes traditional values with modern customs. Many Cambodian women want long-term relationships that lead to marriage. While casual dating happens, especially in red-light districts, it’s less common than in Western cultures. Family approval of any relationship is critical in Cambodia when seeking a long-term relationship.
5 Reasons Western Men Should Consider Dating in Cambodia
While some men are deeply curious about dating women in Cambodia, beyond dating, the country offers some amazing bucket list type activities like visiting the temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. And it has a sad history from a regime not long ago in its recent history – the genocidal regime of Pol Pot in the 1970s. Although optimism exists and attitudes seem cheerful, Pol Pot’s regime was only one or two generations ago.
1) Fewer Foreigners Than Thailand and the Philippines
Compared to neighboring Thailand, Cambodia has retained a more traditional culture and has fewer foreigners. I noticed that I got a lot of friendly looks and waves from the local women, more so than I do in the Thailand cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which have been frequently visited by tourists.
This means you’ll stand out and attract more curiosity from local women seeking an international partner because there isn’t an over-saturated dating scene of foreigners.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Dating Women in the Philippines
2) Cambodian “Supermodels”
The first thing I noticed in Cambodia was how beautiful some of the women were. They have an exotic, natural beauty that seems as if they should be on a runway working as supermodels. Additionally, due to a diet consisting of more fruits, vegetables, and grilled meats, the women are naturally thinner than those in Western countries.
One major difference you’ll notice compared to Western women, specifically those from my home country of the United States, is how Cambodian women can be beautiful without wearing much makeup, cosmetics, or lipstick. It is just a natural, unassisted beauty.
3) Traditional Gender Roles Are Still Intact in Cambodia
While Cambodia has rapidly modernized in recent decades, thanks to internet and cellphones, Cambodian culture remains more traditional compared to Western norms. Many Cambodian women still prioritize getting married and having a family. They tend to embrace more traditional gender roles and want a man who will be a strong provider and protector.
For Western men tired of the fiercely independent feminism found in their home countries, a Cambodian woman’s more demure and feminine nature can be a breath of fresh air. Cambodian women tend to be devoted partners willing to put their man first, both in public and private. They take pride in taking care of their men and keeping them satisfied.
4) Cambodian Women Are Interested in Foreigners
Many Cambodian women are curious about and interested in exploring new cultures, which can spark their attraction and intrigue when meeting foreign men. After decades of relative isolation from the West, Cambodians have an eagerness to connect with and learn about the outside world.
For younger Cambodian women in particular, interacting with Westerners represents a chance to practice English and gain insights into different ways of life. While English is not widely spoken, I met quite a few women in the city of Phnom Penh that spoke good enough English to carry on conversations.
Cambodian women view Westerners as worldly and exotic. This cross-cultural interest goes both ways, as foreign men are also fascinated by Cambodia’s complex history and Buddhist-influenced culture. When you visit, I highly recommend touring the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Dating Beautiful Women In Vietnam
5) Age Gap Relationships
Anecdotally, I noticed quite a few age-gap relationships between Western men and younger Cambodian women. It reminded me of the Philippines in that regard. This presents a nice opportunity for Western men to date beautiful women who are much younger than them. Of course, always remember to only date women 18 and older and follow all local laws and regulations.
Best Dating Apps in Cambodia
With the emergence of cell phones, dating apps have become popular ways to meet women when visiting Cambodia. Here are some of the top dating apps used in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap:
- Tinder – the most widely used dating app in Cambodia. It has a large user base of Cambodian women as well as a decent number of expats and tourists. Always watch out for ladyboys on Tinder, although there seemed to be less in Cambodia than in Thailand and the Philippines. Setting your location to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap will connect you with local singles in those cities.
- Bumble – is not widely popular in Cambodia but there are still plenty of women on the app, especially in Phnom Penh. Compared to Tinder, the women tend to be more serious about finding long-term relationships. And the best feature, it requires women to send the first message.
- Badoo – is another popular dating app in Cambodia. It has similar features to Tinder but a slightly different user base and is free to use for basic features. It is used for both casual dating and serious relationships.
- AsianDating – is an international dating site created by the Cupid dating brand (FilipinoCupid, ColombianCupid, etc.) with a large Cambodian membership base. My favorite aspect of AsianDating is that it is specifically designed to connect men from Western countries with Asian women. Compared to Tinder and Badoo, the women on AsianDating are typically more interested in serious relationships. Though you can still find women open to casual dating as well. Creating a profile and browsing the site is free. But you’ll need a paid subscription to use the full messaging capabilities and arrange dates with women.
- Facebook and Instagram – Don’t neglect meeting beautiful women on Facebook Dating and Instagram. Although Instagram isn’t technically a dating platform, it is on the rise as a great way to meet women. I asked a date in Cambodia which are the most popular dating apps in Cambodia and she responded that she actually prefers Facebook over Tinder.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Dating In Thailand For Foreigners
Where to Meet Women in Cambodia
The cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions where you can easily meet local women. English ability is rapidly improving among educated Cambodians, especially in the tourist zones. For me, communication seemed decent but not ideal in Phnom Penh and it ranges from zero to great on a person-to-person basis.
The nightlife areas around Riverside in Phnom Penh are great places to meet single Cambodian women. There are many bars, clubs, and lounges to choose from where you can mingle and strike up conversations. Some popular spots include Pontoon, Shanghai, Bassac Lane, and Embassy. You’ll find a lively, fun vibe and many friendly locals open to meeting foreigners. Many of the women around that area are looking for casual, financial arrangements, especially around Street 130 and 136 in Phnom Penh.
Universities are another option during the day. Some of the bigger schools like the Royal University of Phnom Penh or the University of Cambodia have bustling campuses where you can chat with students. Just be respectful and always make sure they are at minimum 18 years old. The big malls like Sorya Shopping Center, Aeon Mall, and Lucky Plaza are also social hubs to connect with women shopping or hanging out.
Finally, parks like the Olympic Stadium or Wat Botum Park provide relaxed settings to meet locals, especially in the early morning or evening when many gather. Flashing a warm smile, chatting about interests, and being open to friendships can go a long way toward making connections that could lead to dating opportunities. Just be yourself, stay alert for signals of interest, and avoid being too persistent or pushy.
In Siem Reap, make sure to check out Pub Street. There are many great restaurants, a laid-back vibe, and Cambodian women looking for foreign boyfriends for both casual and long-term relationships.
Phnom Penh or Siem Reap- Which is better for dating?
When comparing Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, understand that both have their pros and cons. Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has many more single women than Siem Reap. Wikipedia shows that Phnom Penh has over 2 million residents, whereas Siem Reap has just over 200,000. Therefore, Siem Reap has a much more relaxed and chill vibe compared to Phnom Penh which I found to be very busy and noisy.
If you just want to play the field and date different women, my recommendation would be to start in Phnom Penh. After some time, make sure you travel to Siem Reap and visit Angkor Wat. By the way, I took a 6-hour van ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and found it to be easy and convenient.
Cultural Considerations For Dating In Cambodia
Cambodia has a relatively conservative culture that is deeply rooted in traditions, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. Family is central to Cambodian life and plays an influential role in women’s choices regarding relationships and marriage. While many parents may prefer their daughters to marry Cambodian men, they won’t be disappointed if she develops a relationship with a respectful gentleman from a Western country.
Dating a Cambodian woman as a foreigner means accepting and respecting the importance of her family. Make an effort to get to know her family and build a good relationship with them. Most Cambodian women will not defy their family’s wishes when it comes to marriage.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Cambodia. Hand-holding is generally acceptable, but kissing in public, even on the cheek, is not common. Take cues from your date regarding her comfort level with PDA.
How is the language barrier in Cambodia?
The language barrier can present challenges when dating in Cambodia. Though English is spoken in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, levels of proficiency vary. According to the EF English Proficiency Test, Cambodia ranks quite low: #98 out of 113 countries surveyed.
Consider learning some Khmer to connect with your date better. Even just basic phrases go a long way. I learned a few Khmer phrases in my first week from a single date with a Cambodian woman. She was enthusiastic about teaching me some Khmer words and phrases. Using my newly learned phrases around the city not only impressed women but also gave them a nice giggle.
Common Dating Scams in Cambodia
Many dating sites and matchmaking agencies in Cambodia are shady operations looking to take advantage of foreign men. This is no different than the dating scams in other countries all over the world. Just be wary of the following common scams:
Fake Dating Profiles
Fake dating profiles are rampant on free dating sites and apps. These are often run by the website itself to keep men engaged. The “women” shown are usually models or random photos taken from social media. They will try to get you to upgrade to a paid membership to keep chatting.
Other fake profiles could be “catfish” where the profile is actually being operated by a scam artist seeking financial gain. Remember to always schedule a video call with anyone you meet on a dating app. You need to be able to tell if they are a real person and not a catfish.
Asking For Money Online
It’s important to never send money online to anybody that you haven’t already met in person. If you send money online, they are likely to block you or ask for more money. Meet them in person first, establish a relationship and trust with them before ever considering lending money.
Shady Matchmaking Agencies
Some matchmaking agencies promise to connect Western men with beautiful Cambodian women interested in marriage. However, many of these agencies are scams. The women’s photos and profiles may be fake or copied from social media. The agency may pressure you to keep paying fees for translation services and gifts before they arrange a meeting. Avoid matchmaking agencies that seem too good to be true.
In Cambodia, the scams you are likely to encounter are very similar to what you would see in the Philippines. To explore further and deeper, also see: How to Avoid Common Online Dating Scams in The Philippines
Is Cambodia Safe For Dating?
Cambodia is generally considered safe for foreigners in the dating market, but it is important to take some precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. One key tip is to avoid being flashy by refraining from wearing expensive jewelry or watches, as this can attract unwanted attention. It is also wise to always watch your drinks, even though the risk of drink spiking is lower compared to South America. Be mindful of your surroundings and exercise caution in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing and bag snatching.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep your credit card within your line of vision while making transactions, as incidents of credit card fraud can occur. For instance, my credit card got hacked during my stay in Cambodia. Using the hotel safe to store your valuables, including passports and extra cash, can provide an extra layer of security.