A very popular tourist destination, particularly as part of the South East Asia backpacker route, Cambodia is a relatively safe destination to visit. With millions of tourists welcomed inside its borders each year, Cambodia is used to crowds of foreigners, but there are some things that are important to note to ensure safe travel in this holiday hotspot.
Is Cambodia Safe?
Cambodia is a relatively safe destination to visit but there are high rates of petty crime and scams, especially in the tourist hotspots. Millions of tourists visit Cambodia every year without issue.
Environmental and weather safety
In rural and remote areas, it is crucial that you stick to marked paths, as there are many UXOs or unexploded ordinances still dotted throughout the countryside. These landmines have been the cause of loss of limbs and other casualties for locals and tourists alike, so as well as sticking to the marked paths, do not go close to or touch anything metallic in rural Cambodia.
Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding, including localised flash flooding can occur without warning, particularly during the wet season from July to November. The Cambodia–Thailand land border is occasionally closed due to flooding. It is best to be prepared, especially in the wetter months, with waterproof clothing and a contingency fund to draw on if you need to catch a last-minute flight or spend an extra night somewhere, all in the name of safety.Â
Click here for a guide to weather in Cambodia
Safety in public places
Many locals are cashing in on the rise in tourism with scams or 'tourist traps' at popular sites like the Angkor complex. For instance, beggars – adults as well as children – locate themselves near temples and monuments and ask for money for a range of ailments and situations. Many are genuine, however some may be part of a larger organisation pooling money and sharing it at the end of the day. Beggars prey on tourists' guilt, so only give what you are comfortable to give, or ask your tour leader for legitimate local organisations that you can support financially.
Petty theft and small crimes, such as bag snatching, have been known to occur in Cambodia, especially later at night and in areas that aren't well lit. Be careful on motorbikes as well – thieves don't discriminate and may put your life in danger by dragging you off a moto in order to get their reward.
There are, on occasion, political demonstrations and protests that occur in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. If you do find yourself in Phnom Penh during a demonstration, steer well clear, as there have been instances where such protests have become hostile and violent, sometimes to the point of gunfire.Â
Bars and nightclubs in Cambodia are usually very safe spaces for travellers, especially in high-traffic tourist areas. Some establishments, however, may attract a dodgy crowd and get a little sketchy at times. Some such bars can be known to sell nitrous oxide – a drug more commonly used in hospitals as an anesthetic, but also has effects of hallucination, laughter and euphoria. If you do wish to head out on the town, be aware of your safety and the people around, don't leave your drink unattended and refrain from ingesting any substance that may be dangerous to your health and/or land you in trouble.
Safety for LGBTQIA+ travellers
Cambodia is generally a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers, but social attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals are complex. Read more on safety for LGBTQIA+ travellers in Cambodia here, plus a rundown on queer culture in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Safety for solo female travellers
In general, Cambodia is a destination that female travellers can feel comfortable and safe travelling through alone. Verbal street harassment is relatively uncommon in Cambodia and women can generally walk alone without being bothered. As with any country, it's best to walk in a group at night and keep away from rough neighbourhoods.
Read more about solo travel with Intrepid
Tips for staying safe in Cambodia
- Stick to marked trails in the Cambodian countryside
- Be wary of scams at tourist hotspots like Angkor
- Avoid drinking the tap water
- Read the Phnom Penh Post for breaking news and up-to-date info
- Be cautious when checking out Cambodia's nightlife
Is water safe to drink in Cambodia?
Find out more about current travel alerts
Click here to return to Cambodia FAQs
Our tours in Cambodia
18 Days
From
1773
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
9 Days
From
780
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
6 Days
From
1200
Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...
6 Days
From
961
Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...
13 Days
From
3227
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
18 Days
From
2233
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
20 Days
From
4172
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
14 Days
From
1440
See the Best of Cambodia on a trip from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, via the...
12 Days
From
852
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day adventure through Cambodia with Intrepid....
9 Days
From
778
Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Thailand and Cambodia. Explore the temples of...
24 Days
From
6520
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
13 Days
From
2426
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
9 Days
From
1080
See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...
30 Days
From
4100
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
22 Days
From
1658
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
12 Days
From
874
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. Explore...
9 Days
From
615
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
22 Days
From
1915
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand –...
26 Days
From
1688
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
12 Days
From
923
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
9 Days
From
1048
Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...
13 Days
From
2310
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
23 Days
From
2440
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
3311
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
23 Days
From
1796
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
35 Days
From
3681
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
8 Days
From
1025
Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...
20 Days
From
3440
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
27 Days
From
4295
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...