Is Cambodia safe for travellers and foreign riders?
How Safe is Cambodia for Tourists? A Regional Perspective
When considering travel to Southeast Asia, safety is a primary concern for many visitors. Cambodia, although sometimes less prominent in discussions about tourist risks, generally offers a secure environment, particularly when compared to certain challenges present in neighbouring countries.
Typical safe slow traffic in rural areas in Cambodia. Beware of the madness on the highway though!
General Tourist Safety in Cambodia
Cambodia is largely a peaceful nation, with a populace known for its warmth and hospitality. The majority of travellers experience the country without incident, especially in popular destinations such as Siem Reap, Kampot, and Battambang.
“Don’t walk late at night through the streets of the capital. [...] Don’t go to the beach parties alone and accept drinks from strangers.”
Criminal activities that affect tourists are typically limited to petty crimes like bag snatching or phone theft. These incidents are more common in Phnom Penh, especially at night. Areas associated with nightlife or drug activity are frequent targets for thieves and unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers. Violent crime against tourists is notably rare, and sophisticated scams are less common than in some adjacent countries.
Scams and Tourist Fraud: Cambodia in a Regional Context
While minor issues such as occasional overcharging or unofficial tour guiding exist in Cambodia, they generally do not compare to the scale or complexity of scams reported in some other Southeast Asian nations.
For instance, in Vietnam, there have been consistent reports of organised scams targeting tourists in popular areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City. Common schemes include fraudulent taxi rides, counterfeit ticket sales, and elaborate distraction thefts. These incidents persist despite awareness efforts.
In contrast, scams in Cambodia tend to be smaller in scale and less organised. Tourist areas are generally not subject to the highly coordinated fraud networks that operate elsewhere. With basic caution and by seeking local advice, visitors can usually avoid most potential problems, especially if they double-check their currency exchange, refrain from leaving wallets and bags exposed in places such as massage parlours, and ensure that locals do not dispose of broken US dollars that cannot be used in Cambodia.
Traffic and Transportation Safety
Road safety is a significant concern throughout Southeast Asia. In countries with high volumes of tourist traffic, renting motorcycles or scooters can be a particularly hazardous activity for foreigners, especially those lacking extensive riding experience.
Thailand, for example, has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in Asia. The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018 cited an estimated road traffic death rate of 32.7 per 100,000 population for Thailand. Popular tourist destinations within Thailand, such as Phuket or Koh Samui, are frequently mentioned in news reports and travel advisories due to a high incidence of serious motorcycle accidents involving tourists, which often include fatalities. While precise weekly death tolls for specific locations are not consistently verifiable through official data, the risk to riders in these areas is significant and well-documented.
Cambodia's driving environment often presents different characteristics. Traffic in towns and cities frequently moves at a slower, more fluid pace. Drivers may exhibit more accommodating behaviour, with sudden aggressive manoeuvres being less common. Low-speed travel in most urban areas can reduce the severity of potential accidents. The countryside is extremely safe (except for cows, dogs and tillers crossing the roads unexpectedly). Locals are friendly and very helpful.
National highways, however, demand greater caution due to higher speeds and less consistent enforcement of traffic laws. Nevertheless, Cambodia’s overall road culture can be more forgiving for attentive riders. Adherence to basic safety practices (such as wearing a helmet, avoiding alcohol before riding, and maintaining situational awareness) contributes significantly to a safer riding experience.
There is nothing more safe than the Cambodian countryside. Locals are friendly and helpful.
Protecting Belongings
Motorcyclists should take precautions to secure their valuables, such as phones, gloves, and cameras. It's advisable to always lock your motorcycle when parked and avoid leaving it unattended for long periods, especially in remote or nightlife areas after dark. Hotels are generally secure, often with 24-hour security. Some guesthouses may offer options to park motorcycles near reception or within the premises. Parking in busy, monitored areas is generally safer when out. Long-term residents often find that with such common-sense measures, personal property can be kept secure.
Crime and Nightlife Considerations
As in any country, potential risks can increase after dark. In Phnom Penh, nighttime thefts and other incidents targeting tourists are more likely than in other parts of the country. To enhance personal safety, individuals should avoid displaying valuables openly, utilise reputable ride-hailing applications instead of unmarked tuk-tuks late at night, and remain in well-lit, populated areas.
Outside of the capital, the incidence of petty crime decreases significantly. Cities like Siem Reap and Kampot are widely considered safe and relaxed, even during evening hours.
Provinces such as Battambang, Kep, Kratie, and Mondulkiri are characterised by even quieter environments, with limited nightlife and fewer tourist crowds. These areas are well-suited for travellers seeking tranquillity, nature, and cultural immersion. The slower pace of life and close-knit local communities contribute to a heightened sense of safety. Crime against foreigners in these regions is exceedingly rare. For those prioritising peace and security, these less-frequented provinces can offer some of the safest and most enriching experiences in Cambodia.
Police Response: A Notable Example
An incident in March 2025 highlighted the responsiveness of local authorities. Travel vloggers Chris Rodriguez and Gladys Seara experienced a bag theft near Phnom Penh’s Night Market. Cambodian police apprehended the suspect and recovered most of the stolen items, including passports and electronics, within approximately four hours. Rodriguez publicly commended the police, stating, "To anyone thinking about stealing bags or phones, don’t do it in Cambodia. They’re going to catch you, and they’re going to catch you fast." (This incident was reported by various media outlets and on the vlogger's platform.)
Conclusion: Maintaining Perspective
No travel destination is entirely without risk. However, Cambodia generally offers an experience characterised by low crime rates, minimal pressure from touts, and a relative absence of large-scale scams. Compared to some of its regional neighbours, Cambodia features slower-paced traffic, fewer sophisticated scams, and a population that is typically warm and welcoming to visitors.
By taking sensible precautions, especially concerning road safety and urban nightlife, travellers can find Cambodia not only safe but also exceptionally hospitable.
While there are occasional political tensions, particularly concerning the Thai border, Cambodia has historically remained stable. Overall, despite some isolated incidents, visiting Cambodia is safe and rewarding.
