Cambodia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Cambodia.
Healthcare System
Cambodia's healthcare system is developing but remains below Western standards, with significant disparities between urban and rural facilities. Public hospitals are often under-resourced, while private international clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap provide better quality care at higher costs.
Hospitals
Major international clinics include Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Raffles Medical Phnom Penh, and Royal Angkor International Hospital in Siem Reap. These cater to foreigners and expats with English-speaking staff. Payment is required upfront or proof of insurance coverage. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Bangkok is standard practice.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns, often with extended hours. Many medications available over-the-counter without prescription, including antibiotics. However, counterfeit medications are a concern—use reputable pharmacies in tourist areas. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with you.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential. Medical evacuation to Thailand can cost $15,000-50,000 USD. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if participating in zip-lining, quad biking, or similar activities.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers at all times
- International clinics require payment upfront—have a credit card with sufficient limit or cash reserves
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, and basic antibiotics
- Dengue fever is common—use mosquito repellent religiously, especially during rainy season
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks outside reputable establishments
- Ensure tetanus vaccination is current due to prevalence of rusty metal and soil contamination
- Consider malaria prophylaxis if visiting remote forested areas, though not necessary for Angkor Wat or major cities
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft is the most common crime affecting tourists. Bag snatching by motorcycle-riding thieves is particularly prevalent, where bags are grabbed from pedestrians or tuk-tuk passengers. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded markets, bus stations, and tourist sites.
Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death for travelers in Cambodia. Roads are chaotic with minimal traffic law enforcement, poor road conditions, and drivers often lacking proper training. Motorcycle accidents are particularly common among tourists renting motorbikes.
Reports of drinks being spiked with drugs or excessive alcohol occur in nightlife areas, targeting both men and women. Victims are then robbed or, in some cases, assaulted. This is more common in party areas with cheap alcohol promotions.
Cambodia remains contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance from decades of conflict. While major tourist areas are cleared and safe, remote rural areas, particularly near the Thai border, still pose risks.
Traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning are common due to different hygiene standards. More serious illnesses like typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera can occur. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Dengue fever is endemic throughout Cambodia with cases year-round but peaking during rainy season. Japanese encephalitis and Zika virus are also present. There is no vaccine for dengue and it can be serious or fatal.
While violent crime against tourists is relatively rare, it does occur, particularly armed robbery and assault. Incidents increase late at night in entertainment areas and isolated locations. Gun ownership is relatively common in Cambodia.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices or claim meters are broken. Some take longer routes or add unexpected fees. Airport taxis are notorious for overcharging new arrivals.
Scammers approach tourists with stories about orphanages, schools, or hospitals needing donations. Some operate fake orphanages that exploit children. Others sell overpriced goods claiming proceeds go to charity.
Friendly locals befriend tourists and suggest visiting a gem or antique shop where they can buy items cheaply to resell at home for profit. Items are worthless or fake, and export of real antiques is illegal.
Rental shops claim bikes were damaged and demand excessive payment, sometimes holding passports as collateral. Pre-existing damage is blamed on the renter.
Unofficial 'guides' at temples claim your clothing is inappropriate and offer to sell scarves or pants at inflated prices. Others pose as official guides demanding fees.
Someone hands you a bag of seed or places birds on you for photos at tourist sites, then demands payment, sometimes aggressively.
Corrupt police officers stop tourists for minor or fabricated traffic violations and demand on-the-spot fines (bribes). Some target foreigners renting motorbikes without proper licenses.
Tuk-tuk drivers claim your booked hotel is closed, full, or has problems and take you to their commission-paying alternative. Some taxi drivers from airport do this.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only copies of passport (photo page and visa) for daily activities
- Distribute money across multiple locations (wallet, bag, hotel safe)
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during daytime
- Cambodia uses both US dollars and Cambodian riel—carry small denominations
- Credit card skimming occurs—monitor accounts regularly
- Keep emergency cash separate from daily wallet
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or cameras unnecessarily
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable transportation companies for long-distance travel
- Book buses through hotels or established agencies, not street touts
- Avoid overnight buses if possible due to higher accident rates
- Always wear helmet on motorbikes—bring your own if possible as rental helmets are often poor quality
- Avoid riding motorbikes at night
- Use PassApp, Grab, or hotel-arranged tuk-tuks rather than street tuk-tuks
- Check boat safety equipment before island trips
- Avoid overloaded boats or buses
- Keep valuables with you on buses, not in storage compartments
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security reviews
- Ensure room has working locks and use them
- Check for fire exits and extinguishers
- Keep ground floor windows locked
- Don't open door without verifying who's there
- Use hotel safe or lock luggage with TSA locks
- Be cautious about sharing room numbers or accommodation details with strangers
- Read recent reviews about safety and security issues
Temple and Cultural Site Visits
- Dress respectfully—cover shoulders and knees at temples
- Remove shoes when required
- Don't touch or climb on ancient structures (illegal and dangerous)
- Stay hydrated when visiting Angkor Wat complex
- Hire licensed guides from official counters for better experience and safety
- Be cautious on steep temple stairs—some are very narrow and tall
- Respect monks and religious practices—don't interrupt ceremonies
- Women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them
Food and Water Safety
- Only drink bottled water with sealed cap
- Brush teeth with bottled water
- Avoid ice unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Choose busy restaurants with high customer turnover
- Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked
- Be cautious with raw vegetables and salads
- Peel fruits yourself
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Start with milder foods and build up to street food
- Carry anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
Nightlife Safety
- Stay in groups when going out at night
- Watch your drinks being prepared
- Don't accept drinks from strangers
- Know your alcohol limits—drinks are cheap and strong
- Arrange transportation back before going out
- Keep phone charged for emergencies
- Avoid walking alone late at night
- Be cautious in Sihanoukville nightlife—it has a more dangerous reputation
- Don't do drugs—penalties are severe and police may set up stings
- Keep valuables minimal when going out
Communication and Documentation
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents
- Share itinerary with family/friends at home
- Have emergency contacts saved in phone and written down
- Learn basic Khmer phrases for emergencies
- Keep hotel business card with you for taxi directions
- Have offline maps downloaded on phone
- Keep phone charged and consider portable charger
- Register with your embassy if staying long-term
- Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself
Wildlife and Nature
- Don't touch or feed monkeys—they can bite and carry rabies
- Shake out shoes and check bedding for scorpions and spiders in rural areas
- Be cautious of stray dogs—rabies is present in Cambodia
- Use mosquito protection religiously
- Don't swim in rivers or lakes (risk of parasites and bacteria)
- Wear closed shoes when trekking
- Consider rabies vaccination if spending extended time in rural areas
- Be aware of snakes in rural and forested areas—most are not aggressive if left alone
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Cambodia is generally safe for women travelers, and solo female travelers are common. Cambodian culture is relatively conservative but welcoming to tourists. Serious incidents are rare, but women should take standard precautions. Sexual harassment is less common than in some Asian countries, though it can occur, particularly in nightlife areas. Local women are respected in Cambodian society, and foreign women generally receive the same respect.
- Dress modestly, especially at temples—cover shoulders and knees
- Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in poorly lit areas
- Use hotel-arranged or app-based transportation rather than flagging random tuk-tuks
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers in nightlife areas
- Consider staying in accommodations with good reviews from other female travelers
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Be aware that some massage places are fronts for prostitution—choose reputable spas
- Solo dining is common and accepted—don't feel self-conscious eating alone
- Join group tours to meet other travelers and increase safety in numbers
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially when alone
- Consider using a fake wedding ring if it makes you more comfortable
- Women should not touch Buddhist monks or hand items directly to them (place item down for monk to pick up)
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Cambodia with no laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. The legal environment is neutral rather than protective.
- Public displays of affection (for all couples) are uncommon—exercise discretion
- Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have LGBTQ+-friendly venues and accommodations
- Most hotels won't have issues with same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Be more discreet in rural and conservative areas
- The LGBTQ+ scene is small but welcoming—Blue Chilli in Phnom Penh is a known venue
- Transgender travelers may face some curiosity but rarely hostility
- Dating apps are used but exercise normal online safety precautions
- Don't assume acceptance—gauge situations and adjust behavior accordingly
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations for current information and community
- Be aware that some locals may be curious but not hostile—education about LGBTQ+ issues is limited
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Cambodia and should be considered non-negotiable. The healthcare system cannot handle serious medical emergencies, making medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore necessary for major issues—this can cost $15,000-50,000 USD. Adventure activities popular in Cambodia (motorbiking, zip-lining, boat trips) carry risks. Petty crime is common enough that theft coverage is valuable. The low cost of comprehensive insurance compared to potential costs makes it a critical investment.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries