Is It Safe to Travel to Cambodia?

To help you stay safe and avoid unnecessary troubles and problems while traveling to Cambodia, we’ve put together a safety guide in Cambodia including some handy safety tips for travelers.

Is Cambodia Safe to Visit?

In short, the answer is “Yes”. Thanks to the increased focus on tourism development and considerable reliance on inbound tourism activities, Cambodia is now a relatively safe country for foreign visitors as long as you behave well and respect their culture and customs. The country welcomes millions of worldwide travelers every year and offers them enjoyable holidays.

However, potential troubles and risks always occur no matter which country you are traveling to. Like traveling to any country in the world, when in Cambodia, tourists should also be aware of certain safety issues to enjoy a safe and trouble-free stay.

Petty Crimes in Cambodia

In Cambodia, violent crimes are rarely seen, but petty crime is not unusual. Some of the most common petty crimes in Cambodia include pick-pocketing, bag snatching, other similar thefts, and scams. So visitors are suggested to be always aware of their surroundings, carry their backpacks in front, and keep their luggage and bags as close as possible when riding public transportation.

The Angkor complex sees far less petty crime than Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. While exploring Angkor Wat, you should be more aware of the scrams, such as the overpriced books, souvenirs, and tour guides. The visa scam is also not uncommon in Cambodia, to avoid being overcharged for a visa on arrival by corrupt officials, applying for a Cambodia e-Visa in advance is recommended.

Is Cambodia Safe for Female Travelers?

Generally, foreign female travelers are respected in Cambodia. The UN has ranked it as a safer country than Thailand, Portugal, and Nepal. But, considering a female traveler is often more at risk no matter which foreign country you are traveling to, we thus collected some tips and simple precautions for female travelers to travel smart and enjoy a less stressful trip in Cambodia:

Dress conservatively, loose-fitting clothing that can cover your shoulders, chest, and legs will be your good choice.
Dress properly and remove your hats and shoes when entering a temple, don’t touch a monk.
Keep your bags or backpack close to you, and be extra careful with the bag snatchers.
Don’t hang out alone at night. If you are out at night, stick to busy, well-lit areas, and avoid the alleys.
Try to make friends with other female travelers especially when you are solo, you’ll get a chance to share experiences and ideas with like-minded people.

Recommended Itinerary: 5 Days Highlight Tour of Cambodia

Traffic Safety and Road Condition in Cambodia

The traffic in Cambodia is not as crazy as in Vietnam, but still, you need to be extra vigilant whether you are self-driving or walking across the road. Since some Cambodian drivers may disregard traffic laws and safety regulations.

Roads in city centers and major areas are relatively adequate, however, are often poor in most rural areas.

Given the chaotic traffic conditions in the city center and poor road conditions in rural areas, renting a motorbike to travel around Cambodia is not recommended. Taking tuk-tuks, taxis, or renting a bike are the safer options.

Keep in mind that there are millions of landmines still lying undiscovered in Cambodia’s countryside, and you’ll need to walk along the roads with clear marks to avoid danger. For those who want jungle treks, it’s recommended to join a tour organized by reputable tour companies.

Food and Water Safety in Cambodia

Is the Water Safe to Drink in Cambodia?

Tap water is not safe for drinking in Cambodia unless it is filtered. Bottled water is always your best choice, but remember to check the seal. If bottled water is not available, boiling the water or treating it with water purification tablets are safer alternatives to bottled water.

Hot beverages like tea and coffee are safe to drink in Cambodia since they are brewed with boiled water. It is advised to avoid drinks with ice tubes unless you are sure the ice cubes are made with bottled water.

Do remember to peel the fruits if they are washed under the tap water, but not the purified water.

Is It Safe to Eat Street Food in Cambodia?

Street food in Cambodia is usually safe. However, to avoid food-related illnesses, you are still advertised to choose stalls or places with better hygiene standards. At most food stalls, you can see your food being prepared and cooked in front of you. Observe the quality of ingredients and the hygiene standard of the stall before ordering. Or you can simply choose some of the busiest stalls which indicate that they usually offer tasty and quality food.

It is recommended to avoid salads with unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Don’t try out too much meat in Cambodia. Kep is the best place to sample fresh crabs than any other place in Cambodia.

Safest Places and Places to Avoid in Cambodia

The Safest Places to Stay in Cambodia

Koh Rong – an island in Sihanoukville City, offering thriving coral reefs, and plentiful wildlife.

Kampot – a darling riverside town in southern Cambodia, famous for its laid-back atmosphere, and pepper plantations.

Kep – a little seaside town close to Kampot.

Recommended Itinerary: Best Cambodia Tours:

Places to Avoid in Cambodia

Please note that most places in Cambodia can be visited. And to ensure a safe trip, the following places are recommended to be visited during the day. If possible, avoid them at night.

Cambodia-Thailand border
Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh at night
Remote areas (since there are still many landmines left undiscovered in remote areas)

Handy Safety Tips for Traveling to Cambodia: Summary of Safety Advice

Keep valuable belongings close to you, wear backpacks in the front, and have your bags inside when taking a tuk-tuk ride, since petty theft, pickpockets, and bag snatching are not uncommon in Cambodia.
Avoid designer clothes, wearing expensive jewelry, and carrying too much cash in case of being targeted by thieves.
Dress appropriately, and wear clothing that can cover your shoulders, chest, and legs, especially when visiting a temple. Don’t touch the monks.
It’s not recommended to walk alone at night, if you are out at night, stick to the well-lit areas, and don’t be involved in any scuffles.
Sealed and bottled water should be your best choice, if not available, instead, you can drink boiled water or treat the water with water purification tablets.
Observe the hygiene standard of the food stall before ordering. Order hot and cooked food. Avoid salads that are made with unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables.
Get vaccinated for insect-borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya fever if you plan a long stay in Cambodia.
Given the busy roads and crazy drivers, taking a local tuk-tuk will be a better choice than self-driving, unless you are very skillful in driving motorbikes. Look twice when crossing the roads.
Make many color copies of important documents in case the originals are damaged or lost.
Considering the millions of undiscovered landmines in Cambodia’s countryside areas, getting a guide is necessary if you want a jungle trek.