Is Cambodia safe for tourists in 2026?
Updated: Aug 13
The internet is full of stories about the dangers of Cambodia mostly written by people who visited for one week or left in the 1980s or live in neighboring countries and have never been. But many of the travelers that take their time to do simple things like recognize the local currency rarely experience problems.
I have stayed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Kampot for over 10 years and have traveled most continents for comparison. Like other long-time residents of Cambodia, I love the safety, the easy going Khmer people and the quality of life. I can tell you what it is really like…
How safe is Cambodia?
While considering their first trip to Southeast Asia, most travelers wonder if Cambodia is safe. Probably this is because Cambodia is less known than some of its neighbours, not advertised as "Disneyland-ish" or a bit harder to fly into.
Despite what some clickbait internet sources might say, Cambodia is one of the least dangerous countries in the world. It is calm, well organized and preserves an ancient tradition and culture of kindness.
Foreigners and guests are welcomed and honored in Cambodia, however like in any country, misunderstandings can happen. Probably the most common problem is people feeling cheated by TukTuk drivers, not all of whom are fluent in English. So it is definitely better to agree on a price beforehand or to use an app such as GRAB to book one, or TADA which has new electric Tuktuks.
In general, travel in Cambodia is easy and affordable. You can rely on apps for booking, banking, transport and an incredible variety of food. As in other new places, it is best to be prepared and apply basic human reasoning.
The most important factor of all are the ever smiling Khmer people, who will go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and secure. In the tourist spots and in the cities, a huge number of young Cambodians speak great English. So does the hotel staff, the police, many drivers and service workers.
Top 4 travel tips to make your trip safe:
Driving a motorbike can be tricky!
Cambodian traffic can be chaotic, and dirt roads slippery and bumpy. Ride slowly, wear a helmet and protective clothing, and check your tires, lights and brakes before setting off. Dogs can get territorial, especially after dark, so stay alert. Help is usually nearby, but you may need to walk a few kilometers. Don’t go too far all alone. Never drive drunk!
Be aware of the laws in Cambodia.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with Cambodian laws and show respect for local cultural norms. Humility, patience, and an easy-going attitude go a long way in everyday interactions. Should any issues arise, keep the contact details for the tourist police handy: their officers are well-trained, approachable, and speak English. For any other safety matters, please consult your embassy's official travel advice
Make local friends.
Befriending locals in Cambodia is easy and incredibly rewarding. Not only can they introduce you to the true richness of Khmer culture, but they can also offer invaluable insights to keep you safe. Learning a few words in Khmer, such as 'Akun, Bong,' will instantly bring smiles to street interactions. While mutual respect is key, remember to set healthy boundaries. Luckily, communication is rarely a barrier, as many Cambodians speak good English when socializing with visitors.
Enjoy the (loud) parties:
Going out is safe and drinking culture is friendly. Khmer’s love to sing karaoke and old-school line dancing. There's no culture of violence or bar fighting, people don't lose their temper. People are always mindful of other’s enjoyment and will often invite strangers for beers and songs. It is easy to get drunk and a good idea to stay well fed and hydrated just in case. Don’t carry all of your money or documents when going out, you may lose them by accident. Keep them locked up in a hotel safe.
Where to be careful:
Unlit Streets & Animals: Dark side streets can be unsafe at night due to aggressive stray dogs and poor visibility. Skip long walks, ignore Google Maps shortcuts, and grab a $2 tuk-tuk instead.
Road Hazards & Rain: Driving after dark or in heavy rain is unpredictable. Always carry a plastic poncho and keep your phone dry and fully charged for emergencies.
Nightlife Disagreements: Intoxicated crowds exist everywhere. Know your limits and step away from rowdy or overly tipsy groups before friction starts.
Remote & Border Areas: Avoid unmapped zones, remote jungles, and restricted Thai border areas. Harsh terrain, and wildlife like cobras or aggressive macaques make can be dangerous. Leave wild survival to TV shows.
Contingencies: Mechanical motorbike breakdowns, getting lost, or minor injuries happen. Always have a backup plan, local emergency numbers, and a charged power bank. If
For other unpredictable events…
Travel insurance can give peace of mind. In any case, Cambodia offers excellent and affordable medical services with modern hospitals, English speaking doctors, surgeons and dentists. The climate and wildlife can be both a blessing and … you should know about sun management or sunscreen. Also get the recommended travel vaccines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambodia safe for female travelers?
As a single female traveler it is advisable that you explore unfamiliar locations with trusted/certified local guides or in a group of people that can help out, just in case. There are many women adventuring independently around Cambodia without any problems.
Solo female travellers should nevertheless take the same precautions they would in other unfamiliar destinations: arrange reliable transport at night, avoid isolated areas after dark, watch drinks, and be cautious when heavily intoxicated.
Is Cambodia safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?
Cambodia is generally regarded as relatively tolerant toward LGBTQ+ travellers, and same-sex relationships are legal. Social attitudes vary, however, particularly between generations and rural communities.
In tourist spots, there are many gay clubs or specifically gay-friendly spaces, such as “Blue Chili” with amazing drag shows in Phnom Penh, Peacocks bar in Kampot or Barcode in Siem Reap.
What about the Cambodia - Thailand border conflict?
The longstanding Cambodia–Thailand border dispute escalated into armed clashes in July 2025. The conflict is localized and does not affect Cambodia’s main tourist destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor, Kampot and the islands.
Currently, travelers should avoid areas within 50 km of the Thai border, where fighting and landmines remain a risk. Land border crossings with Thailand are closed, so travel between the two countries should be by air. Always check current travel advisories before visiting border regions.
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