Travel health tips for Cambodia

Cambodia might dazzle you with ancient temples, buzzing tuk-tuks, and street food that smells too good to resist — but it’s not without its health risks. Between intense heat, a different approach to hygiene, and tropical bugs that don’t mess around, it’s smart to brush up on a few Cambodia travel health tips before you land. A dodgy ice cube or an overambitious hike around Angkor Wat can knock you flat. The healthcare system is patchy outside the main cities, so don’t count on finding help in remote areas. But with some common sense (and a solid stash of rehydration salts), you’ll avoid most issues. Here’s what to sort out before you fly.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Cambodia

You don’t need a medical degree to travel safely in Cambodia, but you need to check your jabs. Between jungle treks, street food stalls, and rural boat rides, there’s more potential for picking something up than you might expect.

Which vaccines do you need?

For most visitors, routine shots are enough. But if you're planning to go beyond Phnom Penh and Siem Reap — think remote temples, countryside homestays, or island-hopping — a few extra vaccines could save you a lot of grief.

Mandatory vaccines

None — Cambodia doesn’t require any vaccines to enter, unless you’re coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic. In that case, you’ll need proof of vaccination.

Recommended vaccines

• Tetanus and diphtheria – Make sure your booster is up to date (within the last 10 years). Cuts and scrapes happen, especially if you’re exploring ruins or cycling in rural areas.
• Hepatitis A – A no-brainer if you’re eating from markets or roadside vendors — and honestly, who isn’t?
• Hepatitis B – Worth having, especially if you’re getting tattoos, piercings, or medical treatment while you’re there.
• Typhoid – Still a risk in parts of Cambodia, especially where sanitation is poor. Get the shot if you’ll be eating in local joints or heading off the tourist trail.
• Japanese encephalitis – Carried by mosquitoes in rural areas, particularly during the wet season (May-October). If you’re camping, biking through rice paddies, or staying long-term, seriously consider it.
• Rabies – Cambodia has more than its share of stray dogs and monkeys — and they will approach you, especially near temples. If you’ll be in close contact with animals or spending time in rural areas, this one’s worth it.

Pre-travel health checklist

Cambodia might feel like an adventure waiting to happen — ancient temples, jungle treks, island getaways — but don’t wing it on the health front. Between tropical heat, iffy sanitation, and a few too many mosquito bites, it’s easy to go from explorer to ER visitor if you’re not prepared. These Cambodia travel health tips will help you stay one step ahead.

Packing for a healthy trip

You don’t need to pack like a field medic, but a few basics can save your trip (and your stomach).

• Mosquito repellent – Essential. Dengue fever and malaria are real risks in rural areas and even some cities.
• Sunscreen – The sun’s no joke here, even on cloudy days. Go for SPF 50+ and reapply often.
• Hand sanitizer – You’ll thank yourself after a tuk-tuk ride or roadside snack.
• Oral rehydration salts – Heat, humidity, and food poisoning can all leave you dehydrated fast.
• Basic first-aid kit – Think plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, anti-diarrheals, and antihistamines.
• Prescription meds – Bring enough for your stay, and keep them in the original packaging. A doctor’s note helps if you're carrying anything controlled.
• Anti-malarials – Talk to your doctor about whether you need them — especially if you’re visiting more remote provinces or the northeast.

Pre-travel health check

Don't wait until the week before your flight. See a travel clinic or doctor at least 6-8 weeks in advance to sort vaccines, prescriptions, and general prep. Cambodia’s private clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are decent, but you don't want to rely on them unless you have to.

How to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance in Cambodia — they can carry dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis. Risk levels vary depending on where you're headed and when.

Dengue

Common in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during the rainy season (May-October). There's no vaccine for travelers, so prevention is key.

Malaria

Risk exists in rural and forested areas, particularly in the northeast (think Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, or along the Laos border). Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and major tourist spots are low risk.

Japanese encephalitis

Spread by mosquitoes in rural and agricultural areas, especially during and after the rainy season. If you're staying in the countryside, biking through rice fields, or visiting during summer, consider getting the vaccine.

Prevention tips:

• Use DEET-based repellent, especially around dawn and dusk.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers if you’re hiking, biking, or in rural areas.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if your guesthouse looks a bit rustic.
• Consider plug-in mosquito killers or coils in your room, especially in remote spots.

Staying healthy in Cambodia

Cambodia might seem laid-back on the surface — hammocks by the river, sunset beers in Kampot — but staying healthy here takes a bit more effort than in more developed destinations. Tap water’s off-limits, mosquitoes are a menace, and food hygiene can be hit or miss. Here's how to avoid losing days of your trip to stomach bugs, bites, or worse.

Rabies awareness

Rabies is a real concern in Cambodia. Stray dogs and monkeys are common, especially around temples and rural areas. Rabies treatment is available in the big cities, but may be hard to access in remote regions.

If you’re bitten or scratched:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water.
• Disinfect with iodine or alcohol if you’ve got it.
• Get medical help ASAP — even if you’ve had the vaccine, you’ll still need post-exposure treatment.

Thinking of volunteering with animals, exploring rural areas, or staying long-term? Consider getting the rabies vaccine before your trip.

Food and water safety

Cambodia’s street food can be delicious — and dodgy. Food poisoning is common, and poor hygiene practices are still an issue in some places.

To play it safe:

• Eat where it’s busy and turnover is high. Empty stalls = old food.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood, especially during the hot season.
• Stick to bottled water — the tap water isn’t safe to drink. Don’t forget ice can be risky too.
• Be careful with peeled fruit and salads — unless you’ve washed it yourself.

Bring: probiotics, activated charcoal, and rehydration salts — trust us, you’ll want them if your stomach turns.

Traveler’s tummy

Let’s be real — your gut may not love Cambodia as much as you do. Whether it’s the food, the heat, or just bad luck, diarrhea is a common complaint.

If you get sick:

• Stay hydrated with bottled water or rehydration salts.
• Eat plain rice, dry toast, bananas, and broth-based soups.
• Avoid greasy food, dairy, spicy dishes, and alcohol until you’re back to normal.
• Only take anti-diarrheals like loperamide if you really need to — they can trap the bad stuff inside.

Dealing with weather and pollution

Cambodia’s heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Air quality can dip too, especially in Phnom Penh during dry season due to dust and vehicle fumes.

Heat survival tips:

• Avoid physical activity from 11 am to 3 pm, especially at temples like Angkor Wat — the stones radiate heat.
• Drink more water than you think you need. Coconut water helps too.
• Wear loose, breathable clothes and cover your neck and head — a krama (traditional scarf) works well.

Pollution pointers:

• Check AQI with apps like AirVisual if you’re sensitive to air quality.
• Wear a mask on dusty days, especially in cities or while getting around Cambodia by motorbike or tuk-tuk.
• If you have asthma or respiratory conditions, bring your meds and inhalers.

Why travel insurance is a must

Cambodia might offer $2 street noodles and $10 massages, but don’t expect healthcare to be just as friendly on your wallet — or your body. Public hospitals can be basic at best, especially outside major cities. And while private clinics in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap are a step up, they’re not cheap, and often require upfront payment. Whether you sprain your ankle at Angkor Wat or get sick from a questionable fish amok, solid travel insurance is what’ll keep a minor mishap from turning into a financial disaster.

Here’s why you shouldn’t leave home without it.

Medical costs in Cambodia

Cambodia’s healthcare system is improving, but it’s still inconsistent — especially in rural areas. For anything serious, you may need to go to Bangkok or Singapore for treatment. And guess what? That medevac isn’t free.

Here’s what you might face without insurance:

• Doctor’s consultation at a private clinic: $30-$100
• Emergency room visit (Phnom Penh): $100-$300
• Hospital stay (private): $200-$500 per night
• Surgery: Starts at $2,000, and that’s if it’s straightforward
• Medical evacuation to Bangkok/Singapore: $15,000-$50,000+ depending on where and how urgent

Public hospitals? Cheaper, but expect limited English, long waits, and basic facilities. If you want clean, competent, and quick — you’ll be paying private rates.

What to look for in a policy

Not all insurance policies are built for Southeast Asia travel. Make sure yours ticks the right boxes for Cambodia:

• Medical coverage – Minimum $100,000 to cover hospitals, medication, and treatment.
• Emergency evacuation – Crucial. The best care often means getting flown to another country.
• Adventure coverage – Planning to motorbike through Kampot or trek in Mondulkiri? Make sure your insurer covers “risky” activities.
• Trip cancellation and delay – Monsoons, power outages, or airline chaos can throw your plans off.
• Theft and loss – Phone, passport, backpack — things do go missing, especially in busy areas like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Trusted providers

You’ll find plenty of travel insurance options that cover Cambodia. These are well-known and reliable:

• World Nomads – Good for adventure travelers and flexible itineraries.
• SafetyWing – Ideal for digital nomads or long stays; covers medical and travel hiccups.
• Allianz Travel – Solid coverage with global support, great if you’re doing multiple countries.
• IMG Global – Strong medical focus and good for long-term or high-risk travelers.

Pro tip: Read the fine print. If you’re riding scooters, diving off Koh Rong, or volunteering with wildlife, double-check you’re actually covered. Insurance that excludes “motorbike accidents” won’t help when that sandy curve near Kampot takes you down.

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

Even the most prepared travelers can get caught off guard in Cambodia — a dodgy bite of something, a nasty spill at a temple, or a fever that doesn’t quit. The good news? Help exists. The bad news? It’s not always close, fast, or English-speaking. Here's how to get help quickly when you need it most.

Emergency numbers

• Medical emergency (ambulance/fire): 119
• Police: 117
• Tourist Police (English-speaking assistance): 031 201 2345
• Embassy assistance: Keep your embassy’s local number saved — they can help with serious situations, including hospital transfers.

Note: Emergency response in Cambodia isn’t always fast or well-equipped — especially outside Phnom Penh. If you're seriously ill or injured, go straight to a reputable private hospital or clinic if you can get there yourself or via taxi.

Best hospitals and clinics

Cambodia’s public hospitals can be chaotic, underfunded, and often lack English-speaking staff. For anything more than a minor issue, head to a private clinic in a major city.

Phnom Penh:

• Royal Phnom Penh Hospital – Modern facilities and English-speaking doctors. Part of Bangkok Hospital Group.
• International SOS Medical Clinic – 24/7 care, international-standard treatment, and help with medical evacuation.
• Raffles Medical Phnom Penh – Popular with expats; good general care and fast service.

Siem Reap:

• Royal Angkor International Hospital – Reliable option close to Angkor Wat. Good for emergencies.
• Angkor Hospital for Children – A solid choice if you're exploring Cambodia with kids. Offers high-quality pediatric care and also supports local families.

Sihanoukville:

• Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital – Serves Kampot and Sihanoukville region. Limited but professional care.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are easy to find in cities and towns — look for a green cross or “Pharmacy” sign. Most are open 8 am-8 pm, but 24-hour ones exist in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

• Many meds are available over the counter without a prescription.
• Pharmacists may speak some English, but not always — use Google Translate or a picture-based app if needed.
• Stick to well-known chains or pharmacies attached to hospitals for better quality and safe products.

Tip: Bring a basic first-aid kit from home. Drug quality can be inconsistent, and some counterfeit meds do circulate.