Cambodia

Is Cambodia safe to visit?

For a normal trip to Angkor, Phnom Penh and the islands, yes, with more care than in Vietnam or Thailand. The US rates Cambodia Level 2, "exercise increased caution", because of crime, unrest and unexploded bombs. Three things set it apart: an organised scam industry that traps foreigners, bag snatching that often injures people, and a closed border with Thailand after fighting in 2025. We score Cambodia 62.

Fake jobs and scam compounds

The risk that matters most is not on any tourist trail. Crime groups run large compounds where people write romance and crypto scams under guard. Many workers were recruited through job adverts promising easy, well-paid work in customer service, marketing or IT. On arrival their passports are taken and they cannot leave. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary says the compounds are mostly in and around Sihanoukville, the border areas and Kandal province, near Phnom Penh.

In February 2026 the UN Human Rights Office estimated that at least 300,000 people from 66 countries are forced to work in such operations, mainly in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. In 2025 South Korea said about 330 of its citizens had been reported missing or held against their will in Cambodia in eight months. After a Korean student was found tortured to death near Bokor Mountain in August 2025, Seoul banned travel to Bokor, Bavet and Poipet.

Cambodia has stepped up raids and deportations, and the US and UK sanctioned the Prince Group in October 2025 over scam compounds and forced labour. The company denies the allegations. For visitors the advice is simple: never take a job in Cambodia arranged through social media or a stranger, and be wary of anyone who befriends you fast and pushes an invitation.

The Thai border and landmines

Thai and Cambodian troops fought with rockets, artillery and airstrikes in July 2025 and again in December. The 2026 Global Peace IndexGlobal Peace IndexAn annual ranking of 163 countries by how peaceful they are, based on conflict, crime, militarisation and political instability.More in the glossary counts more than 100 dead in the border crisis. A ceasefire was signed on 27 December 2025, but land crossings remain closed and border temples such as Preah Vihear are shut. The US says do not travel to areas along the border, and the FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of it.

Decades of war also left mines and unexploded bombs, mostly in the north-west. Siem Reap province is one of the affected areas, though the main Angkor temples are cleared. Do not leave marked paths in rural areas, and report anything metal to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre on 012 800 473.

Cambodia is a one-party state in practice. The GPI notes repression of opposition parties and media. Stay away from protests.

Bag snatching and nights out

Theft is common and can be violent. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary says thieves on motorbikes cut bag straps and grab phones from people walking or riding in tuk-tuks, especially along Phnom Penh's riverfront, in the BKK area and in Sihanoukville. People are often hurt when they are pulled off a bike. Carry little, hold your phone away from the road, and choose tuk-tuks with side grilles.

Women have been sexually assaulted in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, including by men posing as motorbike taxi drivers around Pub Street. Book rides through Grab or PassApp. Drink spiking happens in some bars, and methanol in spirits has caused deaths, so stick to beer and sealed bottles. Island beach parties add robbery and drug raids, with little medical help nearby.

Roads and health

WHO estimatedWHO road-death estimateThe World Health Organization's estimate of road traffic deaths per 100,000 people in a country, adjusted for deaths that police statistics miss.More in the glossary 19.6 road deaths per 100,000 people in 2019, a little above China's 17.4. Official counts are lower, 1,509 deaths in 2024, but crashes are under-recorded. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary says driving after dark sharply raises the risk and calls motorbike taxis dangerous. Use cars or buses from known companies, avoid night travel between cities, and wear a helmet if you ride.

Dengue and malaria are present, malaria mainly in forested border areas. Care in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is adequate for minor problems, but serious injuries often mean evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore, so get insurance that covers it. The monsoon from June to October floods roads and causes flash floods at waterfalls and caves.

How to stay safe in Cambodia

• Never accept a job or "business trip" to Cambodia without checking the employer through your embassy.
• Carry bags away from the road and keep phones out of sight at the kerb.
• Do not hand over your passport as a deposit for a scooter.
• Stay on paths in rural areas, and fly rather than cross to Thailand by land.
• Save 117 for police and 119 for an ambulance.

How we scored it

Road safety (45) is the weakest factor, followed by health (55) and petty crime (55). Conflict (65) reflects the 2025 border fighting and a do-not-travel zone, not a risk in the main tourist areas. Violent crime (78) is below what WHO's modelled homicide rateHomicide rateThe number of people killed on purpose each year for every 100,000 residents. It is the most comparable crime figure between countries.More in the glossary of 1.8 alone would suggest because of the trafficking risk, and the old data keep confidence at medium.