Cambodia

Emergency services in Cambodia are extremely limited.

Most travellers have no trouble in Cambodia. Violent crime is rare. Petty crime, however, does occur and there have been some reports of armed robbery against foreigners. Street crime and assaults targeting tourists occur most frequently in urban areas such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Be particularly cautious around the waterfront, Tonle Bassac and BBK areas in Phnom Penh, and also the tourist areas of Sihanoukville.

Always take precautions for your personal safety and be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid showing signs of wealth. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Exercise caution at night and avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Thieves on motorcycles will sometimes grab bags and other valuables while passing pedestrians on the street. Banditry can occur, mostly at night, in rural areas and on routes between Kratie, Snoul, and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces. Some foreigners have encountered difficulties with police and military personnel.

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines are still found in rural areas of Cambodia, especially the border area with Thailand, Siem Reap (excluding the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples), Battambang, Kampong Thom, Banteay Meanchey, and Pursat provinces. Do not visit outlying temples, particularly in Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand Lingas. Never leave roads or walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Always follow warning signs and do not touch any unknown objects.

There are modesty laws at some religious sites. Visitors must cover their knees and shoulders. There is an official code of conduct for visitors to Angkor Wat. If you are not dressed appropriately, you may not be admitted to the sites.

Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Cambodia and the social acceptance of LGBTI people is growing.

Exercise caution when driving as road conditions may be extremely poor and may not be well marked or lit. Reckless driving and traffic congestion also contributes to a high risk of road accidents.

Exercise caution when travelling by boat or participating in adventure activities as safety standards may be poor and boats are often targets for gangs. Also, avoid train travel due to low rail safety.

The rainy season in Cambodia is between July and November. During this time, flooding, landslides, damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result.

Avoid travelling to the Preah Vihear temple area and border region as this is disputed territory between Cambodia and Thailand. Violent clashes have occurred in the area, resulting in many casualties.

Avoid travelling to regions bordering Vietnam and Thailand as demonstrations and violence have occurred.

Some political protests have turned violent in the past. To minimize safety risk, avoid all public gatherings or demonstrations.