Is Phnom Penh safe? 🇰🇭

Phnom Penh presents a moderate safety risk for travelers, requiring vigilance but not undue alarm. Official advisories from the U.S., UK, and Canada all recommend increased or high caution, primarily due to sporadic border unrest and elevated crime levels, though none advise against travel to the city itself. The city’s composite safety index of 54/100 reflects a environment where violent crime against tourists remains rare — supported by a low homicide rate — but where petty theft and scams are persistent concerns, particularly in tourist-heavy zones.

Recent reporting underscores these risks: a September 2026 Reuters photo extract showed Cambodian police investigating the fatal shooting of a bank robber who attempted to steal over $100,000 from Maybank in Phnom Penh, highlighting that while armed robbery is uncommon, it can occur and is met with forceful response. Simultaneously, the city hosted a global anti-scam conference in September 2026, attended by ASEAN officials and covered by the Bangkok Post, signaling authorities’ recognition of growing online and in-person fraud networks targeting foreigners. Earlier in July, flash floods rescued over 400 tourists in mountainous parts of Cambodia — a reminder of seasonal weather hazards, though Phnom Penh itself faced only routine wet-season flooding with no major disruption reported.

On the ground, the most frequent threats to visitors are bag snatching and pickpocketing, often executed by thieves on motorbikes in areas like the Riverside promenade, BKK1, and markets such as Psar Thmei. Scams remain prevalent, including the long-standing fake monk donation ruse and more elaborate confidence tricks where strangers invite tourists to dinner under false pretenses to play rigged card games or solicit money for fabricated emergencies. Travelers report feeling mostly safe when exercising basic precautions: using ride-hailing apps instead of unmarked tuk-tuks, keeping valuables secure and out of reach, and avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas after dark. While the city’s traffic chaos and occasional border tensions warrant attention, Phnom Penh remains accessible and rewarding for those who stay alert, particularly in its well-patrolled tourist districts.