Cambodia Safety Guide: Tips for a Safe Trip

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like Siem Reap and the islands. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), with the main concerns being petty crime in urban areas and landmines in remote border regions. Most visitors have trouble-free stays by staying aware, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and steering clear of the Thailand border.

Cambodia holds a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State, meaning visitors should exercise increased caution due to crime and landmines. The Canadian government similarly advises a high degree of caution, particularly regarding petty crime. However, most of Cambodia remains open and welcoming to tourists in 2026, with popular destinations like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (home to Angkor Wat), and coastal areas operating normally.

The primary exception is the Cambodia-Thailand border. Do not travel within 50 km of the border due to ongoing armed conflict between Cambodian and Thai military forces, with reports of rocket and artillery fire. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency assistance in border provinces.

Outside border zones, Cambodia's political situation is stable. The economy relies heavily on tourism revenue, which incentivizes safety infrastructure in visitor hotspots. Tourist numbers have fluctuated recently, but major attractions remain accessible and secure when visited responsibly.

Petty crime is Cambodia's biggest safety concern for tourists—but it's largely preventable with awareness. Phone and bag snatching occur frequently in Phnom Penh (especially near riverfront areas), Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Thieves on motorcycles target distracted visitors; keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash.

Key prevention strategies:

• Never physically resist a robbery—comply and report it to police afterward
• Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in Phnom Penh's riverside areas
• Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street
• Keep passports in hotel safes; carry only copies
• Be cautious in Sihanoukville, which has higher organized crime activity including employment scams and drug trafficking
• Stay alert on public transport and in crowded markets

Police corruption exists, particularly at land borders where bribes may be solicited. Report any incidents to local police before leaving Cambodia. Violent crime against tourists is rare but does occur; most victims are Cambodian nationals. Drug trafficking is prevalent but unlikely to affect casual tourists.

While Cambodia's healthcare infrastructure is developing, major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have adequate private hospitals for routine care. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Recommended vaccinations (consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel):

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Japanese encephalitis (if visiting rural areas during rainy season)
• Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, polio)
• Malaria prophylaxis for rural/remote areas

Water safety: Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, which costs $0.50–$1 USD per liter. Ice in drinks may be made from unfiltered water—request drinks without ice or use bottled water. Eat cooked foods and avoid raw vegetables unless you've washed them in bottled water.

Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever and malaria are present, especially during the rainy season (June–October). Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net in rural areas.

Other hazards: Sandflies on beaches can be severe; use strong sunscreen and insect repellent. Snakes exist in rural areas—stay on marked trails and wear closed-toe shoes when hiking.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) from Cambodia's civil war remain a serious threat in certain provinces. While major tourist areas are cleared and safe, remote regions pose real danger.

High-risk provinces for landmines:

• Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Kampong Thom, and Pailin
• Northwestern border areas with Thailand (highest concentration)
• Siem Reap province outside the town and Angkor temple complex (both cleared)

Safety rules:

• Never wander into unmarked forested areas or abandoned rice paddies
• Do not touch unknown metal objects; instead, contact the Cambodia Mine Action Center (012-800-473 or 023-995-437)
• Always hire local guides when trekking in rural areas
• Stick to established tourist trails and marked paths

These risks are real but manageable. Millions of tourists visit Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, and other popular sites annually without incident because they remain in designated areas. The danger applies primarily to adventurous travelers venturing into remote, unmarked terrain.

Solo female travelers: Cambodia is generally welcoming, but exercise extra caution. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas—Cambodia is a Buddhist country where revealing clothing can attract unwanted attention. Use registered transportation, stay in well-reviewed accommodations, and trust your instincts. Sexual assault does occur but remains uncommon for tourists who stay alert. Consider joining group tours for remote areas or hiring private guides.

LGBTQ+ travelers: Cambodia has no laws criminalizing same-sex relationships, and Phnom Penh has a small but visible LGBTQ+ community. However, public displays of affection may attract negative attention in conservative areas. Use discretion outside tourist zones, and research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues in advance.

Practical tips for both groups:

• Share your itinerary with trusted contacts at home
• Use Hello's expense splitting feature to manage shared costs with travel companions
• Register with your embassy (U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, for example)
• Keep emergency contacts saved and accessible
• Join online travel communities for real-time advice from other solo travelers
• Stay connected with Hello eSIM for Cambodia to maintain reliable mobile data for navigation and emergencies

Emergency numbers in Cambodia:

• Police: 117
• Ambulance: 119
• Fire: 118
• Tourist Police (English-speaking): 012-942-111 or 023-724-793

U.S. Embassy in Cambodia:

• Address: 1 Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
• Phone: +855 23-728-000
• After-hours emergency: +855 23-728-000
• Website: ph.usembassy.gov

Other key embassies in Phnom Penh:

• Canadian Embassy: +855 23-213-470
• British Embassy: +855 23-427-124
• Australian Embassy: +855 23-213-444

Travel insurance essentials: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure, including medical coverage, evacuation, and trip cancellation. Many policies exclude high-risk activities; clarify coverage limits. Keep policy documents and emergency contact numbers accessible both digitally and printed.

Staying connected: Reliable mobile data is essential for emergencies. Hello eSIM plans offer instant activation for Cambodia, ensuring you arrive connected without relying on local SIM cards that may require registration or language barriers. With Hello's app, you can also track expenses and budget in real-time, helping you monitor spending while traveling.

Q: Is it safe to drive in Cambodia? A: Road accidents are the leading cause of death in Cambodia. Traffic is chaotic, road conditions are poor, and driving standards are inconsistent. Unless you're an experienced driver comfortable with aggressive traffic, avoid renting a car. Use registered taxis, ride-sharing apps, or organized tours instead. International driving permits add bureaucratic hassle with minimal benefit.

Q: Can I visit during the rainy season? A: Yes, but with caution. The Mekong River floods June–October, causing landslides and severe flooding, especially in Phnom Penh. Tourist infrastructure remains operational, but transportation can be disrupted. Malaria and dengue fever risks increase. If traveling during this period, purchase comprehensive travel insurance and monitor weather forecasts.

Q: Is Sihanoukville safe? A: Sihanoukville has higher crime rates than other tourist destinations due to Chinese casino development and organized crime operations. Minimize time here when heading to islands. If you visit, avoid walking alone, don't display valuables, and stay in well-established accommodations.

Q: How do I avoid counterfeit currency? A: Use ATMs at banks or established hotels. Inspect bills for security features. Most transactions in tourist areas use U.S. dollars, which eliminates currency concerns. Exchange money only at banks or licensed money changers.

Travel insurance is non-negotiable for Cambodia. Standard policies should cover medical expenses (minimum $100,000), emergency evacuation (especially critical given limited healthcare in remote areas), trip cancellation, and lost baggage.

What to look for:

• Medical coverage up to $100,000+ USD
• Emergency evacuation to Thailand or Singapore (often necessary for serious illness)
• Coverage for activities you plan (hiking, water sports, etc.)
• 24/7 multilingual support
• No exclusions for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)

Cost estimate: Annual travel insurance ranges $150–$400 USD depending on age and coverage level. Single-trip policies cost $20–$50 for a 1-2 week visit.

Financial safety tips:

• Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks
• Carry backup payment methods (credit card, debit card, emergency cash)
• Use ATMs during daylight in secure locations
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use Hello's expense tracking to monitor spending and catch unusual charges

Scam prevention: Be wary of unsolicited money transfers, fake tour operators, and counterfeit tickets. Book accommodations and tours through established platforms with reviews. Keep receipts and confirm bookings directly with providers before payment.