Guide
Health and safety for visitors
Health and safety for visitors to Cambodia are set out in UK government travel advice and by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[1][2] This guide gives what those two sources said when it was last checked; the sources themselves are the ones to follow.[1]
Before the trip
The UK advice asks travelers to check before leaving that the care they may need is available, and to carry travel insurance that covers treatment in Cambodia and evacuation by air. It stresses this for anyone with a health condition and for pregnant travelers.[1] It suggests looking at vaccine advice at least eight weeks ahead.[1] The CDC suggests seeing a doctor at least a month before the trip and being up to date on routine vaccines, measles included.[2]
Rules on some medicines differ from country to country, so the UK advice points travelers to guidance on carrying medicines abroad.[1]
Illness and vaccines
The CDC lists Cambodia at its lowest notice level, "Practice Usual Precautions". It asks travelers to avoid bug bites.[2] It recommends typhoid vaccine for most travelers, hepatitis A vaccine for unvaccinated travelers aged one or older, and hepatitis B vaccine for unvaccinated travelers under 60.[2] Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long stays and considered for shorter rural trips. The CDC adds that rabid dogs are common in Cambodia.[2]
On malaria, the CDC says the risk lies mainly in pockets of rural and forest areas. It finds little or no transmission in Phnom Penh, in Siem Reap or at the main temple complex of Angkor Wat. Preventive medicine is recommended only for the rural and forest areas.[2] The UK advice also names dengue, malaria, Zika virus and schistosomiasis among the risks.[1]
Against insect bites, the CDC suggests long sleeves, long trousers and hats. It also suggests a suitable repellent and rooms with air conditioning or screens, or a bed net.[2]
Medical help
The emergency number for an ambulance is 119.[1] The UK government keeps a list of medical providers in Cambodia with some English-speaking staff, and advises calling the insurer quickly if referred for treatment.[1]
Safety
The UK advice warns that Cambodia's health and safety standards are lower than in the UK. Warning signs at tourist sites may be missing.[3] Its main points are these:[3]
- Landmines: many mined areas carry no markings. Visitors should keep to main routes in the countryside and around temples, and leave metal objects alone.[3]
- Drinks: methanol in alcoholic drinks has caused deaths and serious poisoning. It cannot be tasted or smelled, and anyone who shows signs of it after drinking needs urgent care. Police have also reported drinks being spiked in some bars.[3]
- Water: river currents can be very strong, especially in the rainy season, and jellyfish near the shore can give a fatal sting.[3]
- Theft: most thefts are bags or phones snatched by riders on passing motorbikes.[3]
- Drugs: Cambodia treats any illegal drug as a serious offense, cannabis included. Even small amounts can bring a long prison term.[3]
The full advice, including crime, scams and border areas, is on the UK government's safety and security page.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cambodia travel advice: Health (advice updated March 19, 2026; read October 17, 2026)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travelers' Health: Cambodia (undated; read October 17, 2026)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cambodia travel advice: Safety and security (advice updated March 19, 2026; read October 17, 2026)