Cambodia Travel Safety

Precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution at all times, avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and ensure personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Firearm ownership is high, and guns are often used in cases of robbery and personal dispute or disagreement, including those involving foreigners. Do not walk in forested areas or in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges or secondary roads are dangerous. Do not visit outlying temples, particularly in the areas of Phnom Kulen and the River of a Thousand Lingas, as they are heavily mined.

Road safety

Extremely poor road conditions, local disregard for traffic laws and drunk drivers result in frequent accidents. Travel by road should be undertaken in daylight hours only, by either scheduled bus or cars travelling in convoy. Boats are often overcrowded, lack adequate safety equipment and are susceptible to robbery by armed gangs. Boat owners accept no liability for accidents. Avoid travelling by train due to poor track maintenance. Travel by motorcycle are a common means of transportation in urban areas. Motorcycle accidents kill or injured several foreigners each year. Driving or riding on motorcycles in Cambodia is dangerous and should be avoided, even by experienced motorcyclists. Passports are often requested as a guarantee when renting motorcycles. Unscrupulous owners have followed renters and taken the motorcycle by removing the lock and chain when the vehicle was parked, leaving the traveller without a motorcycle or passport. You should purchase your own locks and chains.

Landmines

Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines can be found in rural areas, especially in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap (except in the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples, which are safe), Battambang, Kampong Thom and Pursat. The border area with Thailand is especially dangerous. Strictly observe warning signs and do not handle any unknown object.

Women's safety

Women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Sexual assaults have been reported. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Scams

Street card games are often involved to get money from tourists. Some travellers have been taken to an automated teller machine and forced to withdraw money. Travellers have been the victim of extortion at border crossings, some have reported that border officials demanded they pay extra charges before allowing entry into Cambodia. Travellers were taken by strangers to isolated areas for extended periods of time and were intimidated and pressed for payment. Carefully consider accepting assistance from individuals offering to help with documentation or transportation.

Crime

Street crime targeting foreigners, including pick-pocketing, is common in urban areas, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, even during daylight hours. Armed assaults also occur, especially along the riverfront in Phnom Penh and on isolated beaches in Sihanoukville. Foreigners have been injured in the course of assaults and armed robberies. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables (including passports) from pedestrians, motorcycle drivers and motorcycle passengers. Personal belongings have been stolen from locked rooms, particularly in low-cost accommodations. Items have been removed from luggage stored in the luggage compartments of buses, especially on the journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Banditry continues, largely at night, in rural areas and on routes between Snoul, Kratie and Stung Treng in the northeastern provinces. Foreigners have encountered difficulties with ill-disciplined police and military personnel.

Culture

Behaviour that is deemed scandalous, drunken or disorderly is considered highly disrespectful to the local culture and population, especially given the sacred Angkor temples nearby. Avoid these types of events. To avoid offending local sensitivities:Dress conservatively. Behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions. Do not photograph airports or military installations, and ask permission before photographing individuals, including Buddhist monks.

LGBT

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual activity or the organisation of LGBT events in Cambodia, but public attitudes can be mixed. There is no legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The LGBT community is becoming more visible, including through gay clubs, club nights and the work of some human rights organisations. Pride events are held annually in Phnom Penh.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required, and must be exchanged for a Cambodian driving licence. The same applies for riding motorcycles - an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement must be exchanged for a Cambodian motorcycle licence. A fee of US$32 is charged for the exchange. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers, but many helmets do not meet international safety standards. Ensure your medical insurance will cover you when riding as a driver or passenger.