Is Cambodia Safe for Tourists? What to Know Before You Go (2026)

For most visitors, Cambodia is safe and welcoming, and the main tourist areas of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh see millions of travelers each year without problems. Like anywhere, it pays to know the real risks. This guide separates the everyday precautions from the one serious exception, the Thai border region. So, is Cambodia safe for tourists? For most trips, yes, with the precautions below.

The short answer

• Siem Reap, Angkor and Phnom Penh: safe with normal city precautions.
• The Thailand border zone: avoid it. Tensions and clashes have affected the area since 2025, and some crossings and temples near the border have been closed.
• Official advice: always check the current US State Department and other government travel advisories before you go; mid-2026 summaries reported increased-caution advice for the country, with the strongest warnings limited to the border strip.

Everyday safety in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

Bag snatching and petty theft

Bag-snatching from motorbikes is the most common crime, especially in Phnom Penh. Use a cross-body bag, carry it on the side away from the road, and do not carry valuables you do not need. Siem Reap is calmer, but the same precautions apply at night.

Tuk-tuk and price scams

Overcharging is the usual problem: agree a price before you get in, or book through your hotel or a ride app. The amounts are small, but a good driver is a pleasure.

Money

Torn or marked US dollar notes may be refused; check your change. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels.

Tickets

Buy Angkor passes only at the official ticket office or online; see our guide to Angkor Wat tickets.

Other common scams

• Orphanage visits: child-protection organizations warn that “orphanage tourism” can fuel the separation of children from their families. Do not visit or volunteer at orphanages; support community programs and education projects recommended by reputable charities instead.
• Begging with babies and milk-powder requests: some people ask tourists to buy milk powder from a nearby shop, which is later resold. Give to established charities instead.
• Fake monks: real monks do not approach tourists for money in the street.
• Unofficial border “fees”: pay only the official visa fee shown on the government e-visa site.

Fake job offers and online scams

Cambodia has been affected by organized online-scam compounds, and international reporting has documented traffickers luring foreigners with offers of well-paid jobs through social media. Tourists are not generally targeted, but never accept an unexpected job offer, and never agree to meet a stranger for “an interview” at a hotel.

The Thailand border region

Following border clashes in 2025, the area within roughly 20 to 50 km of the Thai border has been the subject of the strongest government warnings, with crossings suspended at times and landmines present in border areas. Temples and attractions near the border, including Preah Vihear, have been affected. The situation has changed several times, so check the latest advisories before you travel and avoid the border zone. Tourist areas such as Angkor, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the south coast are well away from it, though international arrivals to Cambodia fell in 2026. Check that your travel insurance covers regional conflicts.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance

Decades of conflict left landmines and unexploded ordnance in parts of rural Cambodia, especially in the northwest, near the Thai border. Clearance organizations have made huge progress, and the main temples at Angkor and the tourist areas are safe. In the countryside, stay on marked paths, do not touch metal objects and follow your guide’s advice. The Cambodia Landmine Museum, near Banteay Srei, tells the story of clearance and its human cost.

Health and road safety

• See a doctor before you go about vaccinations; use insect repellent for mosquitoes.
• Drink bottled or filtered water.
• Roads and traffic are chaotic. Avoid riding motorbikes unless experienced.
• Take out travel insurance with medical cover.

• The heat at Angkor from March to May is a real health risk: start early, drink more water than you think you need and rest in the middle of the day.
• Dengue fever is spread by daytime mosquitoes, so use repellent during the day as well as at night.
• Avoid cheap local spirits and drinks of unknown origin: there have been cases of methanol poisoning.
• Drug laws are strict. Avoid “happy” pizza and other offers in backpacker areas.
• On boat trips, such as on the Tonle Sap or to the islands, check that there are life jackets.

Medical care

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international clinics for minor problems, but facilities for serious illness or injury are limited, and patients are often evacuated to Bangkok. This is why travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.

Emergency numbers

Police: 117. Fire: 118. Ambulance: 119. In practice, your hotel or guide is usually the fastest source of help, so keep their numbers on your phone.

Cambodia facts

Cambodia is known for Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, as well as Khmer food, silk, and a painful recent history that you will learn about in Phnom Penh. It is a constitutional monarchy of about 17 million people, with Khmer the main language and the riel and US dollar both used.

Is Siem Reap safe?

Yes. It is much calmer than Phnom Penh. Use the usual precautions with bags at night and agree tuk-tuk prices.

Is Cambodia safe for families and older travelers?

Yes, with sensible planning. Families should choose hotels with pools and plan short temple visits in the morning. Older travelers and anyone with limited mobility should know that many temples have steep, uneven steps; a good guide will choose temples and routes to suit your pace, and electric carts can be arranged in some areas.

Traveling with a private guide

A guide and driver remove most hassles and keep you away from risky areas. Explore our private Cambodia tours, check visa requirements for US citizens, or read our family travel guide to Cambodia.

Is Cambodia safe: FAQ

Is Cambodia safe for tourists?

For most travelers, yes, in tourist areas, with normal precautions; avoid the Thai border region.

Is it safe to travel to Cambodia right now?

Check the latest official advisories before you book, as the border situation can change.

Is Siem Reap safe at night?

Yes in busy areas; avoid dark, empty streets and secure your bag.

Are tuk-tuks safe?

Yes, but agree the price first.

Is Cambodia safe for solo female travelers?

Many solo women travel there comfortably; dress modestly and take the same care as anywhere.

Are there landmines in tourist areas?

No. Angkor and the main tourist areas have been cleared. In remote rural areas, stay on marked paths and follow local advice.