AsiaLIFE

“Romantic lady, single baby, mmmm sophisticated mama,” Kool and the Gang’s feel-good 1979 jam was a rallying call for all women to hit the bars. Oh yes, it’s Ladies Night. Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen discovers how girls can get the ‘feelin’ right in Phnom Penh.

Ladies nights were ruled illegal in the state of California after some men claimed discrimination. In the Penh, we know that gentlemen are the ultimate beneficiaries of female-oriented promotions. It’s a foolproof formula: free, or at least cheap, drinks attract maidens galore, which, in turn, draw the menfolk. It’s the consummate win-win situation. So whether you’re chasing cocktails or chicks, how many ladies nights can you hit up in one week? Follow our guide strategically and it might just be possible to step out to all six.

Tuesday: High spirits
A sophisticated set crosses over Darlin’ Darlin’s red carpet. With double-header Ladies Night Out parties on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, girls have every reason to join them. From 7 to 9pm, cocktails are discounted 50% for female patrons. Throwing back high class Brandy Alexanders and Lychee Martinis, shaken up with fancy flair bartending tricks, is an ideal mid-week indulgence. The models and bottles crowd comes mostly in groups, so it doesn’t seem to be much of a singles scene. However, a house band performing ballads and lights giving off a flattering red glow make for a date-friendly venue.
Darlin’ Darlin’ Club Lounge, Nagaworld on Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Open 7pm to 2am.

Wednesday: Spread your wings
Fly Lounge, a gem just off the riverside, offers US$2 cocktails for the fairer sex all Wednesday night. Generally quiet, it’s the perfect spot for girly chats over beverages. Order the Vodka-based Suzy Wong, and you’ll see the bartender chop pieces of watermelon and squeeze limes to produce a delightfully feminine refreshment. Constantly changing décor takes a gritty aesthetic that one would expect to find in Brooklyn or Berlin. There are several sections to hide away in, but the seat fit for a queen is perched over the swimming pool with a transparent floor to see the water below.
Fly Lounge, 21A Street 148, Open 5pm to 2am.

Wednesday: Rock the boat
Jay Z rapped about all kinds of ladies in “Girls, girls, girls.” He ultimately chose to tie the knot with Beyoncé, so we can assume the kind of girl he likes best of all knows how to get down. Sisters who brush their shoulders off should head to Pontoon on Wednesday nights. DJs spinning Rihanna, Tupac, and, of course, Jay-Z, plus nightlong half-off mixed drinks and beers for girls, means there’s no excuse not to get low on the dance floor. If all that booty shaking works up an appetite, the snack bar offerings include French fries and green mango to rev you up again.
Pontoon Lounge, River at Diamond Island, Open 6pm to 3am.

Thursday: C’est chic
Boys, take heed. Thursday nights at Saint-Tropez may be your best chance of snagging a lady friend. There’s no need to attempt witty dialogue as house music is blasted at a volume that reduces all hopes for verbal communication. The ritzy décor creates a glam atmosphere and from 9.30pm to 11pm she’s been sipping free Kir Royale, so she’ll be in the mood. Now all a lad has to do is show off his moves. Once you’ve danced your way into her heart, take the gal outside to the Riviera-inspired sandy area and you’ve got a sure way of winning her over—what Miss could resist a long walk on the faux-beach?
Saint-Tropez Lounge, 31 Street 174, Open 9.30am to 11pm.

Thursday: Girls just wanna have fun
We all know that girls’ nights aren’t just about the cocktails. It’s also about the cocktail dresses. Break out your foxiest ensembles for Thursday nights at Riverhouse Lounge. If your garb should pass the “trendy/stylish attire a must” requirement, then complimentary shots await until midnight. Females who travel in a pack of five or more are rewarded additionally with carafes of frozen blue margaritas. Girl power anthems by Madonna and Britney, blended in with a remixed-pop repertoire, make it all the easier to celebrate in style.
Riverhouse Lounge, 6 Street 110, Open 4pm to 2am.

Thursday: Elements of clubbing
Located towards Pochentong airport, Elements Club is a trek compared to venues offering ladies nights in the city centre. But where else can you dance between the golden grip of two gigantic hands holding up the ceiling? On Thursdays, a complimentary welcome concoction of passion fruit and vodka, cheekily christened Be My Wife, is enticement for ladies to check out the recently launched establishment. Free shots of “BMW” are also circulated at 11pm, 12am, and 1am. One of the largest, most design-oriented nightlife spaces in the Kingdom, Elements shows that the Cambodian clubbing experience is becoming a force to reckoned with.
Elements Club, Attwood Business Centre, 57-69 Street 110, Open 6pm to 3am.