Referring to Cambodian tourism, many people may feel apprehensive because of the negative information about security and safety in this country. Security and safety are always vital concerns for tourists, especially during Cambodia tours. In fact, is Cambodia safe for traveling? Let Go Cambodia tours answer this question.
Is Cambodia Safe to Visit?
It can be said that Cambodia is a relatively safe place to travel compared to other places. Especially in tourist cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, security forces are more arranged to ensure the safety of visitors. However, there are some other issues that you should be aware of for a particularly safe trip.
The Political Situation of Cambodia
Currently, Cambodia has held the Senate election, and the victory belongs to the Cambodian People’s Party. This news shows that the current political situation in Cambodia is still stable and there is no major conflict.
Security Situation in Cambodia
At present, the security situation in Cambodia is believed to be stable. In Phnom Penh, you can go out during the day or even at night to have fun. However, there are still a small number of thefts, baggies, quarrels … but in reality, these problems appear anywhere in the world.
There have been a number of traveler comments on Tripadvisor that stealing, picking, and bagging have occurred quite a lot in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, so if you have money or jewelry in stock, you should take care, remember not to carry your phone or money in your hand.
Some bars in big cities have a pretty bad security situation. If you plan to go to a bar or a pub on Pub Street, it’s a good idea to ask the hotel where you are staying or your guide or check the review online for a suggestion. In case Cambodian police hardly speak English, so if you have any problems, you should email or contact your embassy in Cambodia for a quick resolution.
Foods & Drinks Cambodia
The food in Cambodia is really unique and varied. It is wonderful that they are quite safe, clean, and carefully processed. You can find small eateries anywhere in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville … with all sorts of food from insects, fruits, meat, snacks,… Take comfort to enjoy them! The food in Cambodia is not only delicious but also cheap, just $ 1 – $ 2 for a snack and $ 5 – $ 10 for a full meal in Cambodia.
Safety Information in Cambodia
Information security in Cambodia is quite good. Visitors to Cambodia can freely pay for goods and services by Visa card without fear of being stolen account information. Your personal information will also be kept confidential and secure from the hotel and other places of residence.
Cambodian People
Cambodian people are really friendly and kind. You can talk to them comfortably without fear. If you need help, Cambodians will be happy to help.
In particular, Cambodian people, from the Tuk-tuk drivers to the receptionists, can speak English very well.
Cambodia Weather and Climate
Weather in Cambodia is usually hot throughout the year and there are few major disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, rainstorms. However, the storm in Cambodia is a bit disturbing. The Cambodian hurricane could cause roads to be flooded, making transportation difficult. In some areas, storms also cause landslides, floods. If you travel to Cambodia, it is best to go in the dry season, from November to March next year to ensure your trip is the most smoothly.
Cambodia Medical
In Cambodia, health care seems to be underestimated. If you plan to travel to remote rural or island areas, it is difficult to access medical services.
Tips for you: Be prepared with some medications such as painkillers, fever, diarrhea, antibiotics. Remember to save the address as well as the phone number of the nearest pharmacy or hospital in case of need.
Traffic in Cambodia
Traffic in Cambodia is quite chaotic. Traffic congestion occurs quite frequently. In Cambodia, tourists often travel by tuk-tuks or taxis, but tourists are often tuk-tuk drivers and taxicabs cut prices or aggressive if not pay the right amount they need. It is advisable for you to bargain in the first place and look up the Google map for the length of your travel distance, then calculate the amount you pay.
Bombs, Mines Left after the Cambodia War
A lot of people have heard of Cambodia as the country with the highest bomb dumps in the world. But the reality is not so. The government has organized a number of landmines and removed their detonators, especially the famous tourist spots. Definitely one of the famous tourist spots such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, or the Cambodian Palace,… there are no signs of landmines.
When traveling to other tourist destinations like Phnom Kulen or Beng Melea more remote, if you still have a psychological fear of landmines, follow the trails already outlined. You will definitely avoid the risk. With these locations, Gocambodia.tours has a few notes for you:
- Do not go through the forest, the field alone without a guide
- Do not go through border areas without a border gate
- When exploring remote areas, certain guides must follow to avoid danger
Khmer Rouge in Cambodia
The Pol Pot genocide or the Khmer Rouge certainly brought the greatest pain for Cambodian people. And you also understand the barbarity of this force. However, the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot army was completely destroyed and no longer appear at the present time after the international court declared the crime. So do not worry about the Khmer Rouge, let you feel free to go.
Nightclubs & Casinos in Cambodia
These types of businesses are quite popular in Cambodia, especially casinos. These are protected by both witches and police. Therefore, it is best to go to nightclubs and casinos for a short time avoiding controversy or scuffle as it can lead to big problems for you.
10 Useful Tips for Your Safety in Cambodia
- In Cambodia there are many markets, goods here are quite cheap. However, when shopping you should also bargain, at least half to avoid the purchase price higher than its true quality.
- Wifi, the internet is free in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but not in rural or island. Even some places do not have electricity (Sunset Beach on Koh Rong Samloem,…) and the telephone signals are extremely weak.
- Insects in Cambodia are very much, especially flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches … You should prepare mosquito sprays, topical medicines to avoid burning or spreading contagious diseases from them.
- Phobias in Cambodia are also a concern. You can meet people who impersonate monks to beg for money, adults who embrace newborns and ask for money to buy milk for them,… All are scams. You should not go near these people, and it is best to avoid them as far as possible.
- If you need to report a crime in Phnom Penh, go to the Central Security Bureau at 13, 158 Street, near Wat Koh. In Siem Reap, the Tourist Police Office is next to the ticket booth for the Angkor temples.
- If anyone asks you to try something, it is absolutely not a good idea to try it. In Cambodia, drug use is quite common and dangerous.
- Next, if someone invites you to go home they should not follow. You may be tricked to transport drugs to them or be robbed. In Cambodia, the law will punish very heavy drug traffickers, albeit a bit.
- It is best not to go out alone in the evening. If you want to go, go into crowded groups or choose places with bright street lights to go.
- If you rent skateboards or water sports equipment, make sure appropriate safety precautions are in place. Hire only from reputable operators, check carefully for security, and ask your training provider to give you training before playing.
- In big festivals like P’chum Ben or Chaul Chnam Khmer, the number of robberies increased, especially in Phnom Penh. Be more careful at night at these times. Protect your smartphone with caution and do not carry valuables with you unnecessarily.
Although some issues are not yet very safe, like most tourist attractions, Cambodia is still considered a safe, friendly country for travel. If you want to be safe, you should choose Cambodia tour packages to travel.
