Safe and security in Cambodia

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, a popular name for a member of the Communist Party in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 or a political criminal that is dead and buried. The Khmer Rouge is no longer a security concern and hasn't been for several years.

Landmines

With landmines topic, Cambodia is 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.

Traveling in Cambodia

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. Car taxi is the safest way to move around the city.

In Phnom Penh, tuk-tuks and cyclos offer somewhat safer (though not as safe as a car) alternative to mototaxis. If you insist on using motorcycle taxis, try to select your driver carefully. If he appears drunk, reckless or drives too fast do not hesitate to get off (pay him a bit) and get another motor. There are plenty to choose from.

For those who choose to rent a motorcycle and drive themselves, be forewarned that traffic in Phnom Penh is chaotic in the extreme. Between cities, road conditions can be poor and taxi and truck drivers are reckless, taking little heed of motorcycles. Only very experienced riders should attempt driving in Cambodia.

Ferry to Siem Reap The safety of the popular ferries that ply the Tonle Sap between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap may be of some concern. Though by third world standards the public ferries are relatively fast and modern, they in no way meet international safety standards. Little or no safety equipment is available. If you are looking for international standards of safety, do not take the local ferry. If you are accustomed to traveling on ferries in southern Asia, you will probably find the Siem Reap ferry to be a rather tame adventure.)

Tuk tuk in Siem Reap

Read more: The ultimate guide to drive in Cambodia

Properties

For your big bag or suitcase, a padlock is the best to keep it safe when traveling around. When you check in hotel, the first thing to do is to leave your valuables in the safety box with your own password or to deposit them at hotel reception. If you leave your valuable at hotel’s reception box, please remember to put them into a paper envelope and use adhesive tape to cover all the sides then put your signature across the paper and the tape as a seal. This is to make sure you get back what you leave with them and avoid confusing.

Remember to get a receipt for your deposit and keep it with you.

Do not bring more than you need when you wander around. Passport, important papers, spare money and valuables should be in safety box. Just bring enough for day use. Depends on your need but around 100USD and a credit card is enough for you to party around.

Do not put your wallet in the back pocket since it is not safe when you come to crowded place. Money belt is the best option to keep your money safe. Prepare some small change both in USD and VND ready for petty deal when you around.

Bag should be wore in the front and do not put the whole junk shop in it. Camera should be held in hand with the strap wore around your wrist.

Happy travelers in Siem Reap

Activities

During your trip, when you join in group activities, you are cared by our group leader or tour guide but it is the must you have to inform us your health status or pre-existing medical condition in order to help you to deal with situation when it happen. The group leader or tour guide shall have the right to refuse the participation of any group member who he thinks unsuitable for an activity on the trip since it is for the safety of themselves, the rest of the group and the tour guide.

Protect yourself and get away from any danger before you call for help from the others.

As it is the regulation that you have to follow the group leader or tour guide’s advices and instructions on the matter of safety during the trip and before you take any activity.

You have to determine well before you book for any tour that demands a high physical fitting such as trekking, climbing, motorbiking, biking, rafting or kayaking…

It is your responsible to prepare proper gear for that activities. Please read your trip dossier for more instruction on what is needed.

During the activity, if wrong thing happens or if local conditions become an issue then the ultimate decision on whether to continue is made by your group leader or tour guide.

For any high risk activity that is not included in our itinerary but you want to take part when you have free time, please understand that you do so of your own choice and at your own risk and your group leader will require passengers opting to partake in high-risk optional activities to sign an ‘Optional activity form’ or a ‘Passenger release form.’

The vast majority of tourists that visit Cambodia will never face any problems during their travel. Mentions above just to make you more aware about thing might happen. Relax, use common sense and enjoy your time in this beautiful country.

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