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The main dangers you are likely to encounter in Cambodia on a normal trip as a tourist is traffic accidents, insect bites and dihorreah. As long as you do not venture far from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville & the Angkor Archaeological Park, you will probably be safe from mines & diseases, but be alert on the road and wary of robbery at night.
Do not drink the tap water in Cambodia, buy bottled water from shops and vendors everywhere.
You should make sure that you have comprehensive travel & health insurance to cover your time in Cambodia.
Click here for our Bird Flu in Cambodia page with the latest news & information
Road Traffic Accidents
Cambodia's roads are quite a danger, either the busy streets of Phnom Penh where the traffic flows thick with motorcycles, sometimes creating an additional lane at each side of the road flowing in the opposite direction, where the moto drivers would rather not have to cross the road. Be careful when crossing particularly Monivong Blvd, Norodom Blvd and Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, the streets of Siem Reap are not much better, but have a smaller volume of traffic. There are no pedestrian crossings, none that are adhered to anyway, so be careful when on foot.
The roads that connect Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville are uneven, sometimes bumpy and have no road markings. Driving etiquette is to beep ones horn when overtaking slow moving vehicles, of which there are many; tuk tuks, motorcycles, bicycles, farm vehicles, trucks, busses, and be wary of oxen, over-laden motorcycles and children walking to/from school next to the road. Those travelling by bus/mini-bus should be wary, accidents where the over-filled minibus tips into the roadside ditch are not uncommon, and rescue services are not easily found.
In general though you can usually trust Cambodian drivers to drive pretty safely despite the hazards.
Diseases; Malaria, Dengue Fever, Other
Malaria & Dengue Fever carrying mosquitoes are widespread in Cambodia, but in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the Angkor Temples, the risk is fairly low, see your doctor before you travel if you are worried. A strong jungle strength insect repellant is usually sufficient to prevent most insect bites, however be extra wary in rural areas and during the rainy season.
Travellers are advised to consult their doctor regarding precautionary vaccinations for typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B and polio. HIV/Aids is also a problem in Cambodia.
Dihorreah is not uncommon amongst travellers, avoid unwashed fruit & veg and don't drink the tap water. There are medical clinics in Siem Reap & Phnom Penh which you can just turn up at and see a doctor, all medical treatment is paid for with cash.
Landmines
Cambodia is one of the countries worst affected by landmines, there are between 4 and 6 million mines in Cambodia, mostly placed by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970's. You'll be safe in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, at Angkor and in Sihanoukville, the worst affected place is around Pailin and along the border with Thailand.
The Khmer Rouge used many plastic anti-personnel mines, they were cheap and very effective at disrupting life and society in the country. When in rural areas you should not wander far off the beaten track, there is also a lot of unexploded ordinance left over from the Vietnam War. Massive de-mining efforts have been carried out all over the country since 1993, concentrating on the more touristed areas which are now mostly clear of any danger from landmines. You are unlikely to step on a mine around Angkor Wat, or in a town or city like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, the mine clearers are working hard but much remains to be done.
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) works to de-mine the country, visit their site to read more: www.cmac.org.kh.
Crime
Most visits to Cambodia now are problem free, however there remains a risk of armed street robbery after dark, take precautions and don't travel alone at night, don't walk but hire a moto or tuk tuk driver instead. Bag snatches while on motos/tuktuks is not unheard of. Most established hotels, restaurants & other businesses employ armed guards on the front door/gate, but this is mostly precautionary and to act as a deterant.
Bird Flu H5N1 Virus
Click here for our Bird Flu in Cambodia page with the latest news & information
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