Is Cambodia Safe?
Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The main risks are petty theft (bag snatching in cities), tourist scams, and road traffic accidents. Millions of travelers visit Cambodia each year without incident. With basic precautions, Cambodia is one of the friendlier and safer destinations in Southeast Asia.
Safety Ratings by Category
Violent crime against tourists is rare. Cambodia is generally safer than many Western cities for violent incidents.
Bag snatching and pickpocketing occur in tourist areas, especially Phnom Penh. Use a cross-body bag and stay alert.
Common tourist scams include inflated tuk-tuk prices, gem scams, and "helpful" strangers. Research common scams before you go.
Traffic is chaotic and road accidents are the biggest safety risk. Always wear a helmet on motorbikes and choose reputable transport.
Stick to bottled water and busy food stalls. Street food is generally safe if it's freshly cooked in front of you.
Minor flooding during rainy season (June–October) in low-lying areas. No earthquakes or tsunamis.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
- Cambodia is a top solo travel destination in Southeast Asia
- Hostels and guesthouses are social and well-connected
- Stick to well-lit areas at night in cities
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
Solo Female Travelers
- Generally very welcoming — Cambodians are respectful and friendly
- Dress modestly at temples (knees and shoulders covered)
- Avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas
- Use Grab or PassApp instead of flagging random tuk-tuks at night
Families with Kids
- Cambodians love children — expect warm welcomes everywhere
- Watch for traffic carefully — no sidewalks in many areas
- Angkor Wat is very family-friendly with flat paths
- Bring insect repellent and sun protection for kids
LGBTQ+ Travelers
- Cambodia is one of the more tolerant countries in Southeast Asia
- No anti-LGBTQ+ laws exist
- Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have visible LGBTQ+ scenes
- Public displays of affection are uncommon for all couples culturally
Neighborhood Safety Ratings
| Area | Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap (Pub Street / Old Market) | Very Safe | Tourist center, well-lit, police presence. Safe day and night. |
| Phnom Penh (BKK1 / Riverside) | Safe | Expat-friendly neighborhoods. Normal city precautions apply. |
| Phnom Penh (Outskirts) | Use Caution | Less tourist infrastructure. Bag snatching more common on quiet roads. |
| Sihanoukville | Mixed | Tourist beaches are fine. Chinese casino zone has different dynamics — stay in tourist areas. |
| Kampot / Kep | Very Safe | Laid-back riverside towns with very low crime rates. |
| Battambang | Very Safe | Friendly, small-city feel. Extremely low tourist crime. |
| Koh Rong / Islands | Safe | Main risks are ocean currents and sunburn, not crime. |
Top 8 Safety Tips for Cambodia
- 1Use a cross-body bag and keep valuables close — bag snatching happens in Phnom Penh
- 2Always wear a helmet on motorbikes — no exceptions
- 3Use ride-hailing apps (Grab, PassApp) instead of negotiating with random tuk-tuks at night
- 4Don't drink tap water — bottled water costs $0.25
- 5Get travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- 6Keep copies of your passport — leave the original in your hotel safe
- 7Stick to marked paths in rural areas — landmine risk exists off-trail
- 8Research common scams before you go — read our full scams guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Safety Guides
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