Man time, guys night, gent jaunts: blokes have it hard sometimes. Whether it’s demanding girlfriends or demanding jobs, you fellas just need to cut loose once in while. And while Siem Reap is short on ball games and sports bars, there are some manly hangouts where you can kick back and do, er, whatever you guys do when you get together. So (from a lady’s perspective) some man-date ideas for your budding bromance…

The Man-date: Play Pool

The Motive: Because ball sports are the best kind.

The Motions: So Siem Reap doesn’t have baseball fields or rugby pitches, but it does have a couple of pool halls. So grab a pal, make like a local and head to venues on Street 7 and Makara for the native experience,  or have a drink in hand at The Sports Bar, Temple Club or Chilli Si-Dang. When it comes to guy get-togethers, pool is a no-brainer: buds, beers, a friendly catch-up and even friendlier competition.

The Man-date: Paint Ball

The Motive: Because there’s nothing like shooting your mate to show you care.

The Motions: Siem Reap’s Pyramid Club Paintball is a one stop shop for testosterone-wielding action. Throw on some camouflage gear, load up your (paint) gun and indulge in a little healthy warfare. Paintballing is a great way of letting off some steam and out some frustrations, whether you’re team-building or declaring war on your pals. Just be prepared for some post-battle bruised bodies (and egos).

The Man-date: All-You-Can-Eat

The Motive: Because a way to your mate’s heart is through his stomach.

The Motions: Really want to tug at your buddy’s heart strings? Make a date with him at an all-you-can-eat eatery. Siem Reap is is chocka with buffet grill joints for you to get your eat on. Check out The Purple Elephant’s weekly barbeque or the Khmer style DIY barbie on Wat Bo. Challenge each other in a steak off,  and wash it all down with some of Cambo’s finest brews. After all, nothing says I love you like a belly full of meat and beer.

The Man-date: Barbershop

The Motive: Because men who shave together, stay together.

The Motions: Heading to the barbershop is a centuries-old manly tradition, so why break the cycle in Cambodia? Siem Reap has countless street side choppers just waiting to shear you and your wily bud’s locks. If you’re short on Khmer there’s safety in numbers, though it’s probably best to keep it to a simple shave. Best of all, you’ll have someone to share the spotlight with when you debut your spiffing crew cut to the masses.

The Man-date: Poker and Darts

The Motive: Because taking your friends’ money is fun.

The Motions: While not strictly male affairs, these games do tend to attract the gents.  Siem Reap’s regular poker scene has been having a bit of a sabbatical of late, but all it needs is a bit of initiative to give it a resurrection. As for darts, a regular game has sprouted up at El Camino every Thursday evening at 7pm, (though not for cash) and dozens of bars around town have boards of their own if you’re more of a betting man.

The Man-date: Nerd Night

The Motive: Because geeky guys are having a moment right now.

The Motions: It’s never been a more fashionable time to be a geek. The Nerd Night movement is celebrating brainiacs the world over and for the past few months is been the home for dweebs in Siem Reap. Held monthly, in various locations, head along and hear fellow smarties talk on topics as various as Jupiter moons, plastic bottle bricks and how to do the hula. Should you get brave enough, you can impart some of your own knowledge on the masses too. Oh and did I mention, girls dig nerds?

The Man-date: Pump some iron

The Motive: Because we all need a spotter sometimes

The Motions: Whether you’re benching 50 or 250, it’s always helpful to work out with a pal. Siem Reap is buzzing with exercise venues from local gyms and hotel fitness centres to classes in kickboxing or martial arts. Pick a workout buddy who’s at a similar or higher level of fitness to you to spur you on, challenge you and create some healthy rivalry. Plus when you’re both fit and ripped, he may even make a great wing man too. (And they say I know nothing about men.)