Safety
Cambodia is a very safe country to travel today but this wasn’t always the case.
For most of the 1990’s the remaining Khmer Rouge in Cambodia had a policy of targeting Western tourists resulting in a number of deaths.
Thankfully this is all in the past and these days, you are not a target because you are a tourist in any way. With a little common sense, Cambodia is a safe country to travel and violent crime towards foreigners is extremely rare.
The majority of Khmers are incredibly honest and hospitable. Armed robbery of tourists and locals does occur but rarely results in injuries.
Robberies increase around holiday times such as New Year, P’chum Ben or Chaui Chnam since Cambodians need money to buy gifts for family and may turn to robbery. You are unlikely to be robbed but if you are- stay calm and let them take whatever they want, especially if they are armed.
Phnom Penh has the highest gun ownership and the most robberies occur here. Guesthouses in Phnom Penh warn you to careful of armed robbery in the city at night. Often the risk is exaggerated to encourage you to stay in and eat in their restaurant. Don’t feel like you have to stay indoors all night- Phnom Penh has some great nightlife, try to use a moto driver you trust such as the ones outside your guesthouse and avoid walking alone down dark alleys. Do not leave valuables unattended on Sihaunoukville beach- ask the restaurant to mind your bag while you swim. To decrease your chances of being robbed, don’t wear expensive jewellery, and don’t take valuables or large amounts of money when you go out, especially at night.
If you manage to get yourself in trouble with the police, the most common advice is to pay the fine as quickly as possible. You may be able to barter the amount of the fine down a little, if you are lucky.
Cambodian robbers are perhaps the most polite in the world.
Victims of robberies have been surprised to find their passport and all their credit cards returned to their guesthouse the next day.
Moto drivers have been known to rob customers, then drive them back to their guesthouse afterwards!
If you have been robbed tell your guesthouse, or restaurant near where the crime occured, items and documents can sometimes be quickly returned for a small “fee”. It is a mystery how this works exactly! Often items such as cameras or phones can be returned for a fee of around $20 each. If you need to file a police report for your insurance you will need to pay a “fee”.
Beware of pickpockets, and opportunists who may try and snatch your bay from the tuk tuk while you are travelling. Although it is rare to hear of anyone who has had their bag snatched from a tuk tuk, your helpful tuk tuk driver will probably remind constantly to keep your bag safe.
Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) are a problem all over Cambodia except for the cities and Angkor Temple complex which have been cleared. Stick to marked paths and use a local guide in remote areas. Never touch shells, mines or bombs, or anything half buried in the grass. The most heavily mined areas are Battambang and Pailin.
If you can’t find a bathroom in rural areas- do not stray off the path to look for a bush! It is better to be caught in an embarrassing position than risk being blown up. Cambodian ladies handle this situation with dignity by having a friend hold up a sarong behind them!
Cambodia still has a certain lawlessness, a wild west atmosphere, in some parts more so than others. If you are traveling off the beaten track ask local advice regarding current conditions and where it is safe to travel at night.
Don’t forget- while outside towns or cities beware of Unexploded Ordinance, use a local guide- or stick to the road.
