How to Stay Safe in Cambodia
1. Introduction
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation of immense historical significance and natural beauty. The jewel of its cultural heritage is the Angkor Archaeological Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, along with Bayon, Ta Prohm, and dozens of other ancient Khmer temples. Beyond Angkor, Cambodia offers the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, the coastal beaches of Sihanoukville and Koh Rong, the riverside town of Kampot, and the emerging eco-tourism of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces.
Cambodia borders Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. The currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), though the US Dollar is widely accepted and preferred in most tourist areas. The capital is Phnom Penh. The population is approximately 17 million, predominantly Khmer Buddhist.
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists in terms of violent crime, but travellers should be aware of petty crime, traffic dangers, scams, and the unique legacy of the Khmer Rouge era — including unexploded ordnance (UXO) that still poses risks in some rural areas.
2. Security Landscape
2.1 Crime
Bag snatching from motorbikes is the most significant crime risk for tourists, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Thieves on motorbikes target pedestrians walking near the road, snatching handbags, phones, and cameras. Victims have been knocked to the ground and occasionally injured. Pickpocketing is common at crowded tourist sites and markets. Accommodation theft occurs — use in-room safes.
| WARNING — Bag Snatching: Never carry a bag on the shoulder side facing the road in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Hold phones and cameras firmly when using them in public. Use inside-out or cross-body bags with secure closures. |
2.2 Traffic
Cambodia has one of the highest road accident rates in Southeast Asia. Traffic in Phnom Penh is chaotic with few traffic rules observed in practice. Motorbike rental accidents are the leading cause of tourist injury and death. Helmets are legally required for motorbike riders. Night driving is particularly hazardous due to poor lighting and impaired drivers.
| WARNING — Motorbike Rental: Seriously consider whether you need to rent a motorbike. If you do: always wear a full-face helmet, never ride at night, never drink and ride. Many hospitals in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh receive foreign tourists injured in motorbike accidents daily. |
2.3 UXO/Landmines
| WARNING — Landmines & UXO: Cambodia has one of the world’s highest concentrations of landmines and unexploded ordnance, primarily in northwestern provinces bordering Thailand (Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey). NEVER step off marked paths in rural or forested areas in these provinces. The CMAC and HALO Trust continue clearance operations. |
3. Safe & Unsafe Areas
| TIP — Safe for Tourists: Siem Reap (Angkor area), Phnom Penh city centre (riverside, BKK1), Kampot, Kep, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem islands, Battambang city (itself is safe, mines are in rural areas). |
| WARNING — Exercise Caution: Remote rural areas in Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey (mine-affected). Sihanoukville beach area has changed significantly due to rapid Chinese casino development — now less recommended as a family destination due to increased crime, drugs, and scams. |
4. Transportation
4.1 Tuk-Tuks & Taxis
Tuk-tuks (motorbike-pulled carriages) are the quintessential Cambodia transport for short distances. Negotiate fares in advance — USD 2-5 for most in-town journeys. PassApp and Grab apps operate in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for transparent pricing. Book through apps wherever possible to avoid overcharging.
4.2 Intercity Travel
Several reliable bus companies (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Phnom Penh Sorya) operate air-conditioned services between major cities. Giant Ibis is considered the safest and most comfortable. Flights operate from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports. Train service operates Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (Royal Railway). Boat services connect Phnom Penh and Siem Reap via the Tonle Sap Lake (seasonal).
5. Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Phnom Penh (Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Calmette Hospital) and Siem Reap (Royal Angkor International Hospital) offer adequate care for routine issues. Serious conditions require evacuation to Bangkok. Ensure medical evacuation insurance.
Key health risks: malaria (present in forested areas, Cardamom Mountains, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri — take prophylaxis if visiting); dengue fever (year-round, especially during rainy season June-October); typhoid; hepatitis A; rabies (common in dogs and monkeys — seek immediate treatment after any animal bite). Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water only. Avoid ice in low-end restaurants.
| WARNING — Animal Bites: Rabies is present in Cambodia’s animal population. If bitten by any animal (dog, monkey, bat), seek immediate medical treatment. Post-exposure prophylaxis must begin as soon as possible. Wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes immediately. |
6. Common Scams & Threats
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Tuk-Tuk Overcharging | Drivers quote fares 5-10x the local rate to newcomers. | Use PassApp or Grab for transparent pricing. Know standard fares: airport to BKK1 USD 9, in-city rides USD 2-4. |
| Fake Orphanages | Tour operators and tuk-tuk drivers take tourists to ‘orphanages’ that are actually profit-making enterprises exploiting children. | Do not visit orphanages as a tourist activity. This practice (orphanage tourism) is harmful to children and often involves manufactured poverty. |
| Temple Closed / Route Diversions | A tuk-tuk driver claims your chosen temple is closed and offers to take you to a relative’s shop or gem store instead. | Verify temple opening hours on the official Angkor Archaeological Park website. Angkor is very rarely closed. |
| Gem Investment Scam | New friends or friendly locals invite tourists to a ‘gem business’ opportunity, claiming they can profit by carrying gems home. | This is a well-known long-running scam. Ignore all gem investment offers. |
| Petrol Bottle Scam | Outside Angkor area, vendors sell petrol in bottles claiming the station is far away, at inflated prices. | Find actual petrol stations — they exist in all towns. Only use bottle petrol in genuine emergencies. |
| Fake Police Officers | Individuals claim to be plainclothes police and demand document checks and payment. | Ask for official police station — real police rarely stop tourists on the street. Contact your embassy if concerned. |
| Angkor Ticket Fraud | Touts outside the official Angkor ticket booths sell fake passes or overpriced legitimate passes. | Buy Angkor passes ONLY from the official Angkor Enterprise ticket centre, 5km from Angkor Wat on the road from Siem Reap. |
| Drink Spiking | Reports of drinks being spiked in some bar areas in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. | Never leave your drink unattended. Buy drinks at the bar and watch them being prepared. Travel with a trusted companion in nightlife areas. |
7. Legal & Cultural Considerations
Buddhism is central to Cambodian culture. Dress modestly when visiting temples — cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes when entering temple buildings. Do not touch or climb on temple structures at Angkor — this causes damage and is disrespectful. Do not photograph monks without permission.
Drugs are illegal and penalties are severe — drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Child sex exploitation laws are rigorously enforced; Cambodian authorities actively prosecute foreign offenders and penalties are severe. Gambling is generally illegal for Cambodians but permitted in licensed casinos for foreigners. The legal drinking age is 18.
| WARNING — Photography Restrictions: Photographing airports, military installations, and government buildings is prohibited. Be sensitive when photographing poverty — always ask permission before photographing individuals. |
8. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Details |
| Police Emergency | 117 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire Service | 118 |
| Tourist Police Siem Reap | +855 63 730 999 |
| Tourist Police Phnom Penh | +855 23 726 158 |
| Royal Angkor International Hospital | +855 63 761 888 |
| Royal Phnom Penh Hospital | +855 23 991 000 |
| UK Embassy Phnom Penh | +855 23 427 124 |
| US Embassy Phnom Penh | +855 23 728 000 |
| Australian Embassy Phnom Penh | +855 23 213 470 |
9. Safety Checklist
- Never carry a bag on the road side — guard against motorbike bag snatchers
- Use PassApp or Grab apps rather than hailing tuk-tuks
- Buy Angkor passes only at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket centre
- Wear a helmet if renting a motorbike — and avoid night riding
- Do not step off marked paths in UXO-affected provinces (Pailin, Battambang rural, Oddar Meanchey)
- Take malaria prophylaxis if visiting forested areas in Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri
- Use bottled water only — avoid ice at low-end establishments
- Seek immediate medical treatment for any animal bite (rabies risk)
- Dress modestly at all temples — shoulders and knees covered
- Do not visit commercial orphanages as tourist attractions
- Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation to Bangkok
- Keep copies of passport and visa separate from originals
- Register with your embassy travel registry
