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Watch Out

Cambodia has a reputation far worse than it deserves. In reality, there’s very little to worry about when visiting. There are no areas of Cambodia considered unsafe to visit.

HIV/AIDS
Cambodia has one of the highest HIV infection rates in South-East Asia. So be careful!

Landmines
Landmines aren’t a problem anymore around the tourist areas of Angkor/Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville but it pays to be careful elsewhere. There are still an estimated four to six million landmines scattered all around Cambodia. The worst effected area is around the Pailin province (but all along the Thai border is still pretty bad). The basic rule to remember is never deviate from the main roads.

Armed Robbery
Robbery can be a little bit of a problem in Phnom Penh but it doesn’t happen often (far less than most western cities). Don’t walk unlit streets at night; take a moto taxi or taxi. If you want to be doubly cautious, only take out what money you’ll need for the evening. That way, if you do get robbed, you won’t lose much.

Open Water Sewers
There are a few of these in Phnom Penh so it’s a good idea to watch out for them at night and the wet season when some streets are flooded.

Begging
Beggars aren’t a threat to your safety but there are lots of them. They tend to hang out in tourist areas. Remember that these people have no welfare at all (and landmine victims especially have no other means of survival).