Introduction
Safety and security is a very difficult subject to write about. Bear in mind that the following words about safety in Cambodia come from personal experience and observation. It is not to be taken as official, gospel or the final word. If there is one truism about security advice it is that it all comes from limited information, a particular perspective and contains bias of some sort. When seeking information about safety and security, seek out multiple sources, look for common threads and try to take into account the bias that each source may be conveying. For example, advice from embassies and international organizations tends to be conservative and politically driven. Advice from tourist books and guides is almost always seriously out-dated. Advice from fellow travelers is up to date and first-hand but comes from narrow, individual experience and is often cavalier, springing from the specious "I didn't get hurt or killed so it must be safe" rationale. In short, understanding safety and security requires your active participation. You must think about and evaluate the advice received. And regardless of the advice, you must apply it with reason and common sense.

Safety & Security
By comparison to other major tourist destinations around the world, Cambodia is currently a fairly safe travel destination. Provincial destinations in Cambodia such as Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor are exceptionally safe by comparison.  The only notable security concerns include: 1) traffic/transportation safety; 2) petty and sometime violent street crime in Phnom Penh.

Khmer Rouge 
The Khmer Rouge, as a viable political, military or even criminal force in Cambodia, is dead and buried. The Khmer Rouge is no longer a security concern and hasn't been for several years.

Landmines 
When the topic is landmines, Cambodia is usually one of the first countries to be mentioned, but fortunately, mines are not a concern for the average tourist. The remaining mines are concentrated in border areas (particularly the Thai border), some mountain areas and other old war zones. There are no mines in major cities and towns where most tourists frequent. The areas around heavily touristed temple ruins in Siem Reap were demined long ago and is generally considered quite safe. If you plan to visit less-frequented, distant temple ruins it is best to stick to paths. Adventure travelers to remote sections of Cambodia need to take extra mine safety precautions.  

Disease and Vaccinations
For disease concerns see the Visas and Vaccinations page. Remember that AIDS/HIV and Hepatitis B are very prevalent amongst Cambodia's sex workers.

Traffic and Transportation
Traffic accidents are not uncommon in the chaotic traffic of Cambodia, particularly Phnom Penh. The most common and convenient form of public transportation is the motorcycle taxi, Everybody uses them at some point but there are safer ways to get around. Unless you buy your own, there are no helmets and the moto drivers are usually not licensed. Car taxi is the safest way to move around the city. For taxi contact details see:

Please contact John Teng at email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it tel: + 855 12 995 977 & + 855 16 51 8888.