Exercise Increased Caution
“The advisory level was increased to 2. The “unrest” risk indicator was added.”
Updated Fri, 25 Jul 2025
Full advisory →Is Cambodia safe? 🇰🇭
Asia · Updated
As of October 2026, Cambodia scores 65/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. The U.S. State Department rates Cambodia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Of the 5 Cambodia destinations assessed, Kampot scores highest (63/100), while Phnom Penh scores lowest (56/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Cambodia 🇰🇭
Cambodia · Assessed 25 September 2026
65
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~65% of countries
What drives this score
Crime64/100FairCrime index 48.8 / 100
Sentiment82/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability62Fair
Health63Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km from the land border with Thailand.”
Updated 2026-04-22T11:07:26Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Cambodia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:33.120000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
70 / 100 (Mostly positive)
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
1.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
87
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against visitors is rare; most incidents involve non-confrontational snatching in cities like Phnom Penh.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded markets, tourist sites, and on buses, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
82/100
Reported feel70Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe during the day in tourist areas, with concerns focused on petty theft and scams rather than violence; nighttime caution is advised in cities.
Yes — Cambodia is generally safe for travelers who exercise increased caution, particularly regarding petty theft and scams in urban areas.
Cambodia has a moderate overall safety profile with low violent crime against tourists but notable risks of bag snatching, pickpocketing, and tourist-targeted scams, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Governance weaknesses and corruption affect law enforcement responsiveness, though violent incidents involving visitors remain rare. Travelers should remain vigilant in crowded areas, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable transport.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Cambodia’s tourism ministry reissued 24-hour emergency hotline guidance for tourists amid ongoing scam crackdowns— Asia News Network
- Sep 2026Cambodia announced plans to target casinos in next phase of anti-scam sweep, promising no safe haven for scammers— The Japan Times
- Sep 2026UK and Cambodia joined forces to crack down on online scam centres operating from the country— GOV.UK
- Jul 2026Tourism slump left Angkor Wat eerily quiet, reflecting ongoing visitor caution despite low violent crime— South China Morning Post
Common scams
- Tuk-tuk overcharging and vague fares that inflate at destination
- Fake ticket booths for Angkor Wat directing tourists to resellers
- Gem scams involving worthless stones sold as investments
- Fake monks soliciting donations
- Border officials seeking unofficial payments
Full briefing
Cambodia remains a welcoming destination for travelers, with low rates of violent crime against visitors and a generally peaceful atmosphere in tourist hubs like Siem Reap and Kampot. However, the safety environment calls for increased caution due to persistent risks of petty theft and widespread scams targeting tourists. Bag snatching and pickpocketing are regularly reported in crowded areas of Phnom Penh, especially around markets and public transport, while Siem Reap sees similar risks near temple entrances and night markets. Violent incidents involving tourists are uncommon, but the lack of reliable police response — exacerbated by governance challenges and corruption — means visitors should not rely on immediate assistance if confronted.
Recent developments highlight ongoing government efforts to combat scam operations, including a September 2026 crackdown on online scam centres in collaboration with the UK and renewed focus on casinos as hubs for fraudulent activity. Despite these initiatives, scams remain prevalent: tuk-tuk drivers often inflate fares or steer tourists to commission-based shops, fake Angkor Wat ticket booths mislead visitors, and worthless gems are sold as investments. Fake monks soliciting donations and border officials seeking unofficial payments also continue to be reported. Travelers are advised to verify prices upfront, use official ticket sources, and avoid unlicensed guides or transport.
To stay safe, secure valuables in a crossbody bag or money belt, avoid flashing phones or wallets in public, and negotiate all transport and service costs before departure. Use ride-hailing apps or registered taxis rather than unmarked vehicles, particularly at night. Stay alert for followers when using your phone on streets, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas after dark. While Cambodia’s overall safety is moderate and most visits pass without incident, vigilance — especially in cities — is key to a trouble-free trip. Health risks like dengue and polio remain present, so follow CDC guidance on vaccinations and mosquito prevention.
06 · Destinations
Cambodia destinations by safety score
#1🇰🇭KampotModerate · updated 29 July 202663#2🇰🇭BattambangModerate · updated 29 July 202661#3🇰🇭SihanoukvilleModerate · updated 30 September 202659#4🇰🇭Siem ReapModerate · updated 3 October 202658#5🇰🇭Phnom PenhModerate · updated 23 September 202656
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07 · Questions
Cambodia safety FAQ
Is Cambodia safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Cambodia Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index Cambodia scores 65/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 3 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Cambodia?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Kampot currently scores highest at 63/100 (Moderate). Phnom Penh scores lowest at 56/100.
Where does this Cambodia safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.