Cambodia

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Petty crime (bag and phone snatching) is frequent, especially in Phnom Penh riverfront, Boeung Keng Kang, and on motorcycles/tuktuks. Thieves target passports and valuables any time of day or night.

Prepare: Keep your passport, cash, and electronics in a secure inside pocket or hotel safe. Do not carry expensive items or leave bags unattended on public transport.

• Avoid all travel within 50 km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to ongoing armed clashes, a fragile ceasefire (December 2025), and widespread landmines. Land border crossings are closed.

Prepare: Plan only air or sea entry to Cambodia. Do not attempt to cross by land from Thailand.

• Landmines remain in rural areas (Preah Vihear, Phnom Kulen temple, River of a Thousand Lingas, and Siem Reap province outside the town and Angkor temples). Secondary roads, forested areas, and dry rice paddies are hazardous.

Prepare: Hire a licensed local guide if visiting rural or temple areas. Stay on paved and main roads only; do not walk in fields or unmarked trails.

• Violent crime (stabbings) occurs; police are sometimes undisciplined and unresponsive to foreign victims. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in remote or isolated areas.

Prepare: Stay in well-lit areas after dark. Share your itinerary with your hotel or someone you trust. Report any crime to local police before leaving Cambodia.

• Scams targeting tourists are common, including card games, fake job offers, romance scams, and extortion at border crossings. Criminals pose as officials or employers to collect money or personal data.

Prepare: Do not accept help from strangers at borders or tourist areas. Never send money or personal info to solve fake "official" issues. Verify any job offer independently.

• Sexual assault has been reported, including in hostels. Keep hotel doors locked; avoid isolated areas and unattended beaches.

Prepare: Stay in well-reviewed, established accommodations. If assaulted, seek medical care and report to police and the nearest Canadian diplomatic post immediately.

• Sihanoukville and Poipet have elevated criminal activity (employment scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking). Exercise heightened caution.

Prepare: Avoid these areas if possible, or limit time and move in groups during daylight.

HEALTH

• No specific vaccine requirements for entry, but typhoid, hepatitis A/B, Japanese encephalitis, and routine vaccinations are recommended.

Prepare: Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to confirm your immunization status.

• Malaria risk is present in rural and forested areas below 1,500 m, especially Siem Reap and coastal provinces. Phnom Penh and major towns carry minimal risk.

Prepare: Take antimalarial medication (typically atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) if visiting rural areas. Use insect repellent (DEET 20–30%) and wear long sleeves at dusk.

• Dengue fever is endemic. No vaccine widely available outside specialist clinics; prevention is mosquito avoidance (dawn and dusk are peak biting times).

Prepare: Use DEET-based repellent, wear long clothing during dawn and dusk, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations.

• Medical care in Cambodia is limited. Serious cases require air evacuation to Thailand or home. Hospitals outside Phnom Penh are basic; medications may be counterfeit.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive medical evacuation and travel health insurance. Carry a personal first-aid kit and essential medications in original containers.

• Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available. Street food is higher-risk; eat at busy, established vendors.

Prepare: Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and ice from unknown sources.

• Illicit drug use in Cambodia leads to several Canadian deaths annually. Substances are often contaminated or misrepresented.

Prepare: Do not use drugs. If you feel ill after any substance use, seek immediate medical help.

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist e-visa required. Apply online at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website; approvals typically take 1–3 working days. Alternatively, obtain a visa on arrival at international airports or major land crossings.

Prepare: Apply for an e-visa before travel to avoid delays. Bring two passport photos and sufficient cash or card payment capability if applying on arrival.

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. Extensions beyond 30 days require passport validity of 6+ months beyond the extension period.

Prepare: Renew your passport now if it expires within 7 months of travel.

• Tourist and business visas grant 30 days of stay only (counted from entry date). Visas must be renewed for longer stays and may only be extended once.

Prepare: Plan your departure before your 30 days expire, or apply for a renewal extension well in advance with the Cambodian immigration office.

• Complete the Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) form online within 7 days of scheduled arrival. This covers immigration, customs, and health.

Prepare: Access the CeA application (Government of Cambodia website) and complete it at least one week before your trip.

• Cambodian immigration requires registration on the Foreigners Presence in Cambodia System (FPCS). Failure to register may result in denial of departure or other penalties.

Prepare: Register yourself with the FPCS upon arrival or ask your hotel to do so. Keep proof of registration with you.

• An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required at entry.

Prepare: Book a return flight and bring bank statements or credit card confirmation showing available funds.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Drugs are illegal and penalties are severe. Possession, use, and trafficking carry lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. Local enforcement is inconsistent but consequences are harsh.

Prepare: Do not carry, use, or purchase any illegal drugs. Avoid locations where drug use is visible.

• Disrespect toward the monarchy, Buddhism, or the royal family is illegal and can result in arrest. This includes social media posts.

Prepare: Avoid negative commentary about the king, royal family, or Buddhist practices. Be respectful at temples and religious sites.

• Dress modestly at temples and religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees; women should not wear tight clothing.

Prepare: Pack lightweight long pants and a shawl or sarong for temple visits.

• Photography at temples requires permission. Photographing monks or sacred objects without consent can be offensive.

Prepare: Ask before photographing inside temples or of monks. Be especially cautious near sensitive military or government areas.

• LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise caution. Same-sex relationships are not criminalized but are not widely accepted. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Prepare: Keep a low profile regarding sexual orientation or gender identity in public spaces. Seek out LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

• Removing a Cambodian flag or defacing it is offensive and potentially illegal.

Prepare: Treat national symbols with respect.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR). USD is also widely accepted in tourist areas and hotels. ATMs are available in major cities but prone to fraud.

Prepare: Withdraw cash only from ATMs inside banks or reputable businesses. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

• Power outlets are Type A, B, and C (110–220 V, 50 Hz). Electricity is available but unreliable outside major cities.

Prepare: Bring a universal power adapter and a power bank. Have backup charging options for phone and passport-related documents.

• Mobile networks (Metfone, Cellcard, Smart Axiata) offer affordable SIM cards and data plans. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or in any city. eSIMs are less common but may be available.

Prepare: Buy a SIM card on arrival and activate before leaving the airport. Request the phone number in writing. Internet speeds are slower than North American standards.

• Internet is available in hotels, cafes, and cities but slow and occasionally unstable. Use only secure Wi-Fi and avoid online banking or sensitive transactions on public networks.

Prepare: Use a VPN if accessing personal accounts on public Wi-Fi. Download offline maps and critical documents before travel.

• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. 10% is customary in restaurants; small tips for guides and drivers are welcome.

Prepare: Carry small bills (USD or KHR) for tips, as change from large bills is sometimes refused.

• Motorcycles are extremely dangerous and kill or maim several Canadians annually. Do not rent motorcycles, even for experienced riders. Rental agencies often demand passports as collateral — never hand over your passport for a vehicle rental.

Prepare: Use taxis, reputable car services, or organized tours with professional drivers instead. If you rent a car, hire a driver or use a rideshare app (Grab is common).

• Buses and intercity transportation are often unsafe. Use only reputable companies; ask your hotel for recommendations. Avoid night travel.

Prepare: Confirm the bus company's reputation before booking. Travel during daylight hours. Check luggage security and do not leave it unattended.

• Taxis: confirm the fare before entering or request the meter. Grab (rideshare app) is available and safer than street hailing.

Prepare: Download the Grab app before arrival. If using a taxi, negotiate the fare upfront or use one with a working meter.

• Boat travel is risky. Vessels are often overcrowded, lack safety equipment, and operators accept no liability for accidents. Piracy and armed robbery occur in coastal waters.

Prepare: Avoid non-commercial boat travel. Use official ferries and organized tours only.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit: November to February (cool and dry, 20–30°C). Avoid May to October (rainy season, 25–35°C with high humidity).

Prepare: If traveling during rainy season, expect flooding, road damage, and transport delays. Book flights with flexibility.

• Rainy season (May–October) brings heavy downpours, landslides, and road washouts. Rural areas and secondary roads become impassable.

Prepare: If traveling during this period, avoid remote areas and use main roads only. Allow extra time for transport.

• Heat and humidity are extreme outside the dry season. Dehydration and heat-related illness are risks.

Prepare: Stay hydrated, avoid peak sun (11 a.m.–3 p.m.), and wear light, breathable clothing and high-SPF sunscreen.

• El Niño can intensify weather variability, bringing unpredictable rainfall and drought in some years.

Prepare: Monitor weather forecasts and road condition reports closer to your travel dates.

TOP SIGHTS

• Angkor Wat — the world's largest religious monument and a UNESCO site. Ancient Khmer temple architecture set in jungle; best visited in the dry season.

• Phnom Penh Royal Palace — opulent 19th-century royal residence with intricate tilework and gardens. Active royal site and cultural landmark.

• Tonlé Sap Lake — Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake with floating villages, birdlife, and fishery culture. Travel by organized tour to minimize scam risk.

• Sihanoukville beaches — coastal resort town with beaches and islands. Exercise heightened caution due to crime; visit during daylight and in groups.

• Preah Vihear Temple — clifftop temple on the Cambodia-Thailand border offering panoramic views. Approach only via the Cambodian side with a licensed guide; landmines are present in surrounding areas.

WHERE TO STAY

Phnom Penh

• Central (Boeng Keng Kang district) — modern hotels, restaurants, and shops; good expat infrastructure. Avoid this area late at night; petty crime is frequent on riverfront and side streets.
• Toul Tom Poung (BKK1) — quieter residential neighborhood with mid-range guesthouses and cafes. Safer than riverfront; walkable during daylight.
• Daun Penh (Chaktomuk) — close to the Royal Palace and National Museum; mixed tourist/local feel. Stay in established hotels and avoid isolated alleys after dark.

Siem Reap

• Siem Reap Old Town — concentration of hotels, restaurants, and tours near the Tonlé Sap riverside. Well-patrolled; easy access to tour operators.
• Sok San Road area — quieter guesthouses and budget hotels; walking distance to Old Town restaurants. Safe and convenient for budget travelers.
• Angkor Archaeological Park gateway — hotels near park entrance offer convenience for early-morning temple visits. Most reliable for organized tours and driver services.

Sihanoukville

• Downtown/Serendipity Beach area — main tourist strip with established hotels and restaurants; beachfront foot traffic provides safety in numbers. Visit during daylight and use reputable transportation.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Cambodia: Phnom Penh (+855 23 213 470 or after-hours emergency line). Handles consular services for Canadians.

Prepare: Save this number in your phone and email a copy to yourself.

• Local emergency services:
• Police: 117 (limited English; response can be slow)
• Ambulance: 119
• Fire: 118

Prepare: Memorize or write down these numbers. Consider hiring a guide or hotel staff to help with police communication.

• Government of Canada emergency assistance: 1-800-387-3124 (call collect from outside Canada if needed).

Prepare: Save this number and the embassy contact info in your phone before departure.

• Travel health insurance and evacuation line: Keep your insurance provider's 24-hour emergency number and policy details with you at all times.

Prepare: Confirm your insurance covers evacuation to Thailand or North America. Carry a printed copy of your policy.