Prostitutes Siem Reap
Sex Tourism Landscape
Siem Reap, Cambodia, faces complex issues surrounding sex work. Siem Reap Sex Guide explicitly advises tourists on finding sex, working girls, prostitution, street hookers, brothels, and sex shops. This stands in stark contrast to efforts providing humanitarian aid to women detained in places like Suleja Prison. Reports describe brothels operating openly, like one atop Street 63 in Phnom Penh. While prostitution is illegal in Cambodia, it remains prevalent, fueled partly by tourism in cities like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang. It’s ironic that tourists might be sketched out by offers in Cambodia, considering Thailand’s well-known sex industry. Siem Reap Sex Guide lists 5 places to meet girls, including sex massage parlors and brothels. Some hostels even have signs discouraging guests from bringing prostitutes back, acknowledging the practice.
Child Exploitation Drivers
Despite its illegality, prostitution is widespread, operating out of massage parlors, bars, and karaoke lounges. Poverty drives girls as young as 12 into sex work. Svay Pak, near Phnom Penh, was notorious for brothels exploiting children as young as 6. Social workers note women often resort to sex work or X-rated cabarets due to limited options. Charms Cambodia operates as Siem Reap’s only hostess bar. Temple Club, a popular nightspot, is frequented by prostitutes and con artists, with theft common.
Trafficking and Enforcement
An estimated 80,000–100,000 prostitutes work in Cambodia, with 17,000 in Phnom Penh alone. Approximately 30% of these are children. Human trafficking is a significant concern. Enforcement is inconsistent; raids occasionally happen, like five women arrested in Siem Reap, but the trade persists. Brothels range from hidden establishments to large, colorful venues. Prostitutes, some appearing very young, solicit clients openly.
*TAGS* – Siem Reap Sex Guide, child prostitution Cambodia, human trafficking Cambodia
