Is Cambodia Safe to Travel? Honest Tips from Someone Who Lives There

I am Cambodian. I was born here, I grew up here, and I live in Phnom Penh right now. So when people ask me “is Cambodia safe to travel?” I do not need to Google it. I just look out my window and tell you exactly how it is. 😊

I have seen this country through the eyes of someone who lives it every single day the streets, the markets, the traffic, the food, the good parts and the parts visitors need to be careful about. This is not a copy paste travel guide. This is real talk from a local who actually calls Cambodia home.

So… Is Cambodia Safe? 🤔

The short answer: Yes. Cambodia is generally safe for travelers. Millions of tourists visit every year and the vast majority have absolutely no problems.

But and this is important safe does not mean careless. Like any big city in Southeast Asia, Cambodia has its share of petty crime, scams, and situations you want to avoid. The key is knowing what to watch out for, and I’m going to tell you everything. 💪

Phnom Penh Is It Safe? 🏙️

Phnom Penh gets a bad reputation online that honestly is not fully deserved. Yes, it used to be rougher. But the city has changed a lot in recent years. There are new roads, better lighting, more police presence, and a growing community of expats and tourists who live and move around freely.

img_20260708_1816398246677936343993188 — The heart of Phnom Penh at night where the city never sleeps.

I walk around Phnom Penh regularly to markets, coffee shops, restaurants, the riverside and I feel comfortable. That said, I also know which areas to avoid late at night and which habits keep me safer. Let me share all of that with you. 🙌

Common Scams in Cambodia You Need to Know 💸

This is the section most travel blogs skip but it’s the most important one. Here are the scams I’ve seen or heard about firsthand:

🛺 Tuk-tuk overcharging : Drivers who approach you at tourist spots will often quote 3–5x the normal price. Always use Grab or PassApp instead you see the price before you confirm, no surprises.
💱 Currency exchange traps : Some money changers, especially near tourist areas, offer terrible rates. Always check the rate on a board first, ask to see it in writing, and compare it to the official rate online before handing over your cash.
🎰 “Friendly local” scams : Someone approaches you, seems very friendly, invites you to their home or to play cards “just for fun.” It ends with you losing a lot of money. If a stranger is being unusually generous or persistent, be cautious.
📸 Fake donation collectors : People, sometimes children, approach tourists asking for donations for a school or temple. These are rarely legitimate. If you want to donate, do it through verified organizations.
🏍️ Bag snatching from motos : This is the most common crime tourists experience. A motorbike comes from behind and grabs your bag or phone. Walk on the inner side of the pavement and keep bags close to your body, not dangling on the road side.

Getting Around Safely in Cambodia 🚗

Transport is honestly one of the biggest safety factors when traveling in Cambodia. Here’s what I use and recommend:

📱 Grab : The safest and most reliable option. You see the price upfront, the driver’s name and photo, and you can track your route. Available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
📱 PassApp : Cambodia’s local ride hailing app. Also reliable, often slightly cheaper than Grab. I use both depending on availability.
🛺 Tuk-tuks (negotiated) : Fine for short trips if you agree on the price before getting in. Never get in without agreeing first. For longer trips, stick to apps.
🚌 City buses : Super affordable at around $0.37 per ride. Safe, air conditioned, and underrated. Great if you have time and are not rushing.
🚫 Random taxis : Avoid taxis that approach you outside airports or hotels. Use apps instead.

Things to Avoid in Cambodia 🚫

❌ Displaying expensive jewelry or gadgets : in crowded areas or on the street
❌ Walking alone very late at night : in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas
❌ Leaving your phone on the table : at outdoor restaurants near the road
❌ Carrying your passport : around all day keep a photo on your phone, leave the original safe at your accommodation
❌ Drinking tap water : always drink bottled or filtered water
❌ Ignoring traffic rules : motorbikes go everywhere, crossing roads requires extreme caution

My Top 10 Safety Tips for Cambodia ✅

After living here and traveling around the country, these are the tips I always share with friends visiting Cambodia for the first time:

📱 Download Grab and PassApp before you arrive : seriously, do this at the airport.
💵 Carry small bills : Cambodia uses both USD and Riel. Having small change avoids overpaying or getting bad change back.
👜 Use a crossbody bag and wear it in front of you in busy areas. Do not hang bags on the road side of your body.
🌞 Stay hydrated : Cambodia is hot and humid all year. Carry water everywhere.
💊 Get travel insurance : especially one that covers medical evacuation. Hospitals in Cambodia vary widely in quality.
🙏 Dress respectfully at temples : cover your shoulders and knees. It is required at Angkor Wat and most pagodas.
🌙 Avoid poorly lit streets at night : stick to busy, well lit areas, especially if you are alone.
📶 Get a local SIM card : having data means you can use maps, book rides, and stay connected. Smart SIM or Metfone are widely available.
🤝 Be polite and patient : Cambodian people are genuinely warm and kind. Respect the culture and you will be treated with the same respect.
🔒 Lock your accommodation : always keep your valuables in a safe or locked bag at your hotel or guesthouse.

Is Cambodia Safe for Solo Female Travelers? 👩

As a woman living in Cambodia, I want to address this directly. Cambodia is generally safe for solo female travelers : and I see women traveling alone here all the time. That said, the same common sense rules apply: avoid isolated areas at night, use ride apps instead of random taxis, and trust your instincts.

Cambodian culture is quite conservative, so dressing modestly (especially outside tourist areas) will help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.

Final Thoughts 🌟

Cambodia is one of the most beautiful, fascinating, and welcoming countries in Southeast Asia. The temples will take your breath away. The food will make you addicted. The people will make you feel at home. And yes it is safe to travel here, as long as you travel smart.

I grew up in Phnom Penh and I am proud to call it home. This country is in my blood, and I have never taken it for granted for a single day. 🇰🇭❤️

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and have questions drop them in the comments below! I am happy to help you plan your visit from someone who actually lives here. 😊

Anna KH