Cambodia Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Cambodia trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists in main cities and tourist areas. Petty theft is the primary concern, with bag snatching from motorbikes a known risk in Phnom Penh. Landmine-contaminated rural areas near the Thai border require strict path discipline.
Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions in Siem Reap and main tourist areas. Exercise increased caution in Phnom Penh at night and near the Cambodia-Thailand border regions.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise normal precautions overall. Some areas may have increased risk — border regions with Thailand (landmines) require heightened awareness.
UK FCDO
Exercise normal precautions across Cambodia. Increased vigilance in Phnom Penh for bag snatching and road safety. Border regions with Thailand to avoid due to landmines.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Tuk-Tuk Overcharging
Drivers at airports and tourist areas quote extremely high prices for rides, especially to first-time arrivals who don't know fair rates.
Gem Scam
Friendly locals invite tourists to help them get gems past customs, promising a share of profits. There are no profits — it's an elaborate fraud.
Temple Closed Scam
Tuk-tuk drivers claim that a temple or museum you want to visit is closed today, offering to take you to an alternative place (often a shop paying them commission).
Motorbike Drive-By Theft
Handbag and phone snatching from passing motorbikes is common in Phnom Penh, particularly on riverside streets after dark.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid isolated areas at night, especially in Phnom Penh
Keep valuables secure and be aware of phone snatching
Only visit marked paths in rural areas due to landmines
Stay away from Cambodia-Thailand border region
Use registered taxis and tuk-tuks
Drink bottled water only
Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
Beware of unexploded ordnance (UXO): Cambodia still has landmines in rural areas near the Thai border, particularly around Battambang and Pailin. Always stick to marked paths and never pick up unidentified metal objects.
Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep a copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance in a separate bag from the originals. The nearest embassy for your country may be in Phnom Penh only.
Tuk-tuk and taxi scams are common: agree on a price before boarding, use reputable apps like Grab or PassApp in Phnom Penh, and avoid unmarked vehicles especially at night.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Generally safe for solo travelers in tourist areas. Join organized tours or stay in social hostels to meet others. Trust your instincts — avoid isolated areas at night and use reputable transport apps.
Female Travelers
Generally safe in tourist areas with reasonable precautions. Dress modestly outside beach areas. Avoid being alone on unlit streets after midnight in Phnom Penh. Angkor and Siem Reap are very safe. Harassment is rare but occurs; firm and clear responses work well.
Families
Very family-friendly in tourist areas. Temple dress codes apply to children. Start activities early before heat builds. Hospitals in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are adequate; medical evacuation insurance strongly recommended.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Cambodia and generally tolerated, particularly in tourist areas and Phnom Penh. Public displays of affection are not common in Cambodian culture for any couple. The capital has a small but visible LGBTQ+ bar scene. Conservative rural areas require more discretion.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus. Consider: Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis (if rural areas), Rabies (if animal contact likely). Malaria prophylaxis for remote areas. Consult travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in tourist restaurants usually safe but avoid in local eateries. Peel fruits or wash in bottled water.
Food Safety
Traveler's diarrhea common - bring anti-diarrheal medication. Heat exhaustion and dehydration risks - drink plenty of water. Dengue fever present year-round - use mosquito repellent. Food safety varies - choose busy restaurants with high turnover.
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Cambodia
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide