Is Cambodia safe? Don’t Do These Things When Visiting Cambodia
Srey Pov
Cambodia is my home, not simply another stop on an itinerary.
I was born in Phnom Penh, studied Hotel and Tourism Management, and have worked in tourism for 15 years. I’ve also traveled extensively through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
My work has included private journeys as well as a multi-country trip for a group of more than 50 travelers, which received a five-star review.
When I write about Cambodia and the wider region, I bring the view of someone who lives here and has spent years planning trips on the ground—not just repeating what appears in standard destination guides.
Email me about your travel idea
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia beckons adventurers with its ancient temples, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality. As wanderlust continues to inspire globetrotters, safety remains a paramount concern for travelers seeking their next unforgettable experience.
In this guide, we will explore the question "Is Cambodia safe?" and highlight crucial things travelers should avoid doing. By being informed and mindful of local customs and regulations, you can make the most of your time in Cambodia while safeguarding your well-being.
Don't expose your valuables in a visible position
Don't carry large amounts of cash with you
Don't be half-hearted when crossing the street
Don't take Tuk Tuk, cars or taxis directly without a clearly marked price
Don't go to the beach parties alone OR accept drinks from strangers
Don't walk late at night through the streets of the capital, especially for solo female travelers
Don't travel to remote places in Cambodia except for tourist areas
Don't cross from Thailand to Cambodia via land border
Don't expose your valuables in a visible position
Phnom Penh landscapeWhen traveling, it is necessary to always protect your luggage to avoid loss or robbery. You can choose to use a backpack with better closure, and carry it in front of you when there are many people.
When strolling around the store, it is even more important to pay attention and tuck your wallet into a safe location in your backpack. There are many people robbing on motorcycles in Cambodia, so it is also important to avoid holding your wallet or phone while chatting with friends on the road.
Don't carry large amounts of cash with you
Busy Phnom Penh market in the end of the dayCash remains the most common payment method in Cambodia. However, as a tourist, if you carry too much cash with you, it is not convenient to carry it first, and it is easy to be targeted by thieves.
We can choose the popular mobile payment method in Cambodia. You can use international credit cards, such as Visa and Master Card or various mobile payments such as WING and PI PAY in hotels and shopping malls.
Notes:
WING: an app-based mobile payment service, allowing users to access transactions through their smartphones.
PI PAY: a popular digital wallet service by scanning QR codes.
Don't be half-hearted when crossing the street
Traffic scenery in Phnom PenhThe streets in Cambodia, especially in urban areas, can be quite busy and chaotic, with motorbikes, cars, and tuk-tuks whizzing around like busy bees.
Unlike in some places where you might wait for a clear pedestrian crossing, the traffic flow in Cambodia rarely comes to a full stop for pedestrians.
Then cross Cambodian streets safely with these fun tips:
1) Be bright and colorful
2) Phones off, eyes on
3) Stick to sidewalks
Don't take Tuk Tuk, cars or taxis directly without a clearly marked price
If you don't negotiate the price when taking a ride in a tuk tuk or car in Cambodia, you may pay more unreasonable prices.
Before hopping in, you can have a polite bargaining session with the driver. This is actually not very awkward, because as a tourist, many people will ask for higher prices.
Tuk tukIn addition, if you want more convenience, you can choose to use the local Grab APP and operate it directly online, which can save much energy and time.
Don't go to the beach parties alone OR accept drinks from strangers
Koh Rong wooden dockGoing to a beach party alone can increase many safety hazards. For example, when facing threats from strangers, you cannot seek help from those around you.
Also, do not casually accept drinks from strangers. You never know what dangerous goods, such as drugs, may cause you to faint or become addicted.
Go to the beach with your friends. When drinking in a bar, it's best not to look away from your water glass. And when strangers offer you drink, you can choose to politely refuse.
Don't walk late at night through the streets of the capital, especially for solo female travelers
Phnom Penh lightingIn the middle of the night, there are few people on the street, and there may be some bad elements appearing. Especially for women, you may be subjected to harassment, robbery, and even attacks. There may also be some illegal activities such as gambling and drug use, which are unsafe factors.
Try to choose activities during the day or go to the night market at early dusk. Traveling with friends will result in a higher flow of people, more bustling shops and attractions, making it safer.
Don't travel to remote places in Cambodia except for tourist areas
Cambodia's top tourist attractions include the ancient wonder of Angkor Wat, the vibrant city life of Phnom Penh, the charming town of Siem Reap.
There are also pristine beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong, mystical temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm, the natural beauty of Mondulkiri Province, and floating villages in Cambodia on Tonle Sap Lake.
Road outside the Central Market, Phnom PenhWhile Cambodia has amazing places to explore, it's best to be cautious when traveling to remote areas. Remote areas might have limited security measures, making them more vulnerable to certain risks like theft, accidents, or even encounters with wildlife and bombs left after wars.
In remote spots, language barriers and unfamiliar customs could also make things trickier. Sticking to tourist areas with more amenities and English speakers can make your journey smoother.
Don't cross from Thailand to Cambodia via land border
The landborder between Thailand and CambodiaActually, crossing from Thailand to Cambodia via certain land border crossings, particularly at Poipet / Ban Khlong Luek, has been associated with safety concerns. Some of the reasons why it may not be considered safe include:
Scams and touts:
There have been reports of scams and touts trying to take advantage of travelers. They may try to charge excessive fees or provide misleading information, leading to stressful and unpleasant experiences.
Poor infrastructure:
The infrastructure at this crossing may not be as developed as in other crossings, leading to slower and less organized immigration and customs procedures.
Border conflicts:
In the past, there have been some border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, leading to temporary closures or heightened security measures at certain crossings.
Then how to get to Cambodia from Bangkok? Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international airports with regular flights connecting them to cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and others in Thailand.
Don’t drink tap water directly
A coffee bar in Siem ReapIn Cambodia, it is generally not safe to drink tap water directly from the source. The water quality and sanitation standards may not be consistent throughout the country.
It can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and pollutants, which can cause waterborne illnesses.
As a traveler, your immune system might not be accustomed to local pathogens present in the tap water. Drinking untreated water can lead to gastrointestinal issues, potentially ruining your trip.
To stay safe and avoid health problems during your visit to Cambodia, it's essential to use safe drinking water practices, such as:
1) Drink bottled water
2) Drink filtered or boiled water
3) Avoid ice in drinks to prevent potential contamination
In addition to water safety, the food safety in Cambodia is also crucial for visitors. Opt for reliable food establishments, choose freshly cooked and hot food, peel or cook fruits and vegetables, practice good personal hygiene, be cautious with Cambodian street food, and avoid raw or undercooked meat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cambodia is a delightful destination for travelers, offering incredible experiences and warm hospitality. While it's generally safe, taking a few precautions can ensure a smoother journey.
Keep your valuables discreet, stay vigilant on the streets, and use trusted transportation options. Embrace the vibrant culture, make new friends, and have a blast at beach parties – just remember to look out for each other.
Trusted-worth local travel agencies like us can keep you safe. Just feel free to contact us to tailor your Cambodia tour!
