Meet Kev. The Aussie ex-pat has the Bundy Bar in Sihanoukville’s Pub Street. Modelled on the popular Pub Street tourist hub of Siem Reap, and Bangkok’s Khaosan Road, this is a more compact version, with 8 or so small, independent bars facing onto a cul de sac, on one large block of land. It is brightly lit and has a friendly atmosphere. The bars, some with patriotic themes to appeal to Aussies, Germans, Italians etc have a couple of hostesses playing pool, who enthusiastically try to lure in passing potential patrons – who will hopefully buy them a “lady drink”. In Cambodia generally, a “lady drink” costs US$3.50, of which the girl gets US$1.50. If the girl likes the patron, she might invite him – or them, if it’s a couple – to discuss a fee for, shall we say, some “off-premises company”.  But most of the girls are discerning and won’t go with just anyone. They choose. Their cheerfulness and cheekiness masks the reason most of them are here: to earn some money for the family struggling out in the provinces. This scene is played out in all of South-East Asia’s tourism hubs. I’m not sure how these places will fare as, what I call the large Chinese “blocks of tourists” inexorably overtake the traditional “Western” individuals/couples. The bar girls are friendly and fun. Hey, a large, cold, local beer costs only US$1, so a few more bucks for her “lady drink” won’t break the bank. Oh, and I won the game of pool…

Aussie Kev owns the Bundy Bar in Sihanoukville’s “Pub Street”

“Which pocket you going for, Mister?” The Bundy Bar in Sihanoukville’s Pub Street.