Yes, Cambodia is safe to visit with care, but not near the Thailand border, where Cambodian and Thai forces have fought. The panel above shows today’s official advisory standing across three separate governments.
At Safe to Go, what we see travelers misread most often is the national level, when the strictest warning covers one border. In Phnom Penh, the US State Department warns about street crime, especially phone and bag snatching, and in remote areas it warns about landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Where the Travel Warnings Concentrate in Cambodia
The strictest warnings for Cambodia cover the border with Thailand. The US State Department advisory for Cambodia tells US citizens not to travel within 50km of the Thailand border because of fighting between Cambodian and Thai forces, including rocket and artillery fire. The US State Department reports civilian casualties and says the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services in these provinces.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel within 20km of the land border with Thailand. A ceasefire followed heavy border fighting that involved airstrikes and artillery, but regional security remains tense. Land borders and crossings between Cambodia and Thailand continue to be suspended. Some border temples are closed, including Preah Vihear (Khao Phra Wihan), Ta Krabey (Ta Kwai) and Tamone Thom (Ta Muen Thom). For the Thai side of the border, see is Thailand safe?.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance are found in remote areas throughout Cambodia, and the US State Department says especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin and Kampong Thom provinces. The UK FCDO adds that there is unexploded ordnance, including landmines, in the Thailand border area.
Bag Snatching in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville
Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatching, happens frequently in Phnom Penh in areas where foreigners gather, the US State Department says. The UK FCDO names the riverfront and BKK areas of Phnom Penh as petty crime hotspots. Thieves often ride past on motorbikes, cut bag straps and snatch bags or phones from people on foot, in tuk-tuks and on motorbikes, often causing injury.
The US State Department advisory for Cambodia tells you not to physically resist any robbery, because resistance can result in injury. The US State Department adds that violent crimes such as sexual assault and homicide do occur in Phnom Penh and are sometimes committed against foreigners.
The UK FCDO also lists the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville and nearby islands as petty crime hotspots. Parties on Cambodia islands, including organised dance parties, may put you at risk of sexual assault, robbery, injury, arrest or losing your travel documents. The islands are often isolated, and medical or emergency help there is limited or non-existent.
- Ride in tuk-tuks with metal grills on the back and sides, which offer some protection against bag snatching.
- Hold day bags and cameras on the side of your body furthest from street traffic.
- Never place bags inside the front basket of a bicycle.
- Store high-value items, extra payment cards, and passports inside a secure hotel safe.
- Stay on well-lit, busy streets at night and carry a personal audible alarm if walking after dark.
Nightlife and Money Scams to Watch in Cambodia
Police have reported drink spiking in some bars visited by foreign nationals, so do not leave drinks unattended. Female travellers, including British nationals, have been sexually assaulted in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, including lone women attacked by men claiming to be motorbike taxi drivers in the Pub Street area of Siem Reap. Be wary of approaches from strangers and offers of transport.
There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Cambodia, the UK FCDO says. You cannot identify methanol by taste or smell, so seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with shows signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
Travellers have reported fake dollar bills being given as change in shops and clubs. Check that notes you receive are genuine and are not damaged or torn. Organised crime groups also advertise easy jobs with high pay and traffic victims, mostly to secure compounds in and around Sihanoukville, border areas and Kandal. The jobs have turned out to be long hours of low-paid factory work, with passports withheld and free movement allegedly restricted, so be sceptical of any offer of easy work.
Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance in Rural Provinces
Cambodia remains heavily affected by landmines and unexploded weapons, and mined areas are often unmarked. The UK FCDO says not to stray off main routes in rural areas, including around temple complexes, and not to pick up metal objects.
If you find an unknown metal object, do not touch it, and notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center on 012-800-473 or 023-995-437. In the six provinces the US State Department names, use a local guide when walking in forested areas or dry rice paddies.
Where the US, UK, and Canadian Advisories Agree and Differ
The US asks for increased caution in Cambodia, and the Government of Canada asks for a high degree of caution, with regional advisories. The US State Department and the UK FCDO both warn about bag snatching and landmines. The UK FCDO adds that you should avoid all protests, demonstrations and student and political rallies, because they can become violent without warning.
The two governments draw the border warning differently. The US State Department tells its citizens not to travel within 50km of the Thailand border, citing a collateral risk of violence, while the UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 20km. The UK FCDO also warns that travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice. To weigh Cambodia against its neighbors, see is Vietnam safe? and the safest countries in Asia.
Temple Dress Codes and Drug Laws in Cambodia
The Cambodian authorities have issued an official code of conduct for visitors to Angkor Wat and other religious sites. You may be refused entry in skirts or shorts above the knee, and you should cover bare shoulders. Never take photos on or near military bases, and ask permission before photographing people, especially monks.
Cambodia has a zero-tolerance policy on drug offences, including cannabis. Possessing even very small quantities can lead to arrest, detention and a long jail sentence, which can include a life sentence. Airport scanners also check the baggage of transiting passengers. Police often raid venues known to be popular with foreigners, and if they suspect drug use you may have to take a urine or blood test. You will be arrested if the test is positive.
The national judicial process is unpredictable, lacks transparency, and falls far below the standard of the UK. Pre-trial detention can last many months, and prisons are extremely poor and overcrowded, with very poor medical facilities. The UK has no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia, meaning convicted British nationals must expect to serve their full prison term locally.
Paperwork and Cash Checks before a Cambodia Trip
American citizens should register their trip through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure consular offices can establish contact during a crisis. The US State Department also tells you to have evacuation plans that do not rely on US government help. The UK FCDO says your travel insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Carrying a copy of your passport photo page may be useful, though Cambodia does not legally require it. At land borders, local officials and tour operators can ask for unofficial fees or inflate visa prices, so know the correct visa requirements and fees before you travel. Download the free travel safety checklist, and check the latest advisory changes before you set out.
The UK FCDO says to keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of local authorities. If you are comparing trips, use the compare destinations side by side tool, and see how we rate safety for how we read the three advisories.
Overland Border Trips to Thailand Should Wait
If your plan depends on crossing between Cambodia and Thailand by land, or on visiting the closed border temples, change it: the crossings are suspended, and the US State Department tells its citizens not to travel within 50km of the border. Plan the Cambodia part of your trip away from that border area.
Our verdict would change if any of the three governments extended its border warning to Phnom Penh or other inland areas, or if the US or UK lifted its border warning and the land crossings reopened. Before you book, sign up for email alerts on the UK FCDO Cambodia page, which tell you when its advice changes.