Travel advice for Cambodia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Cambodia
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Cambodia river @ Shutterstock
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.
You don’t need to pack like a field medic, but a few basics can save your trip (and your stomach).
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.
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.
Common in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during the rainy season (May-October). There's no vaccine for travelers, so prevention is key.
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.
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.
Ka Chanh waterfall of Ratanakiri in Cambodia.A suspension bridge is built over the jungle © MUTO KOJI/Shutterstock
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 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:
Thinking of volunteering with animals, exploring rural areas, or staying long-term? Consider getting the rabies vaccine before your trip.
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:
Bring: probiotics, activated charcoal, and rehydration salts — trust us, you’ll want them if your stomach turns.
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:
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:
Pollution pointers:
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.
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:
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.
Not all insurance policies are built for Southeast Asia travel. Make sure yours ticks the right boxes for Cambodia:
You’ll find plenty of travel insurance options that cover Cambodia. These are well-known and reliable:
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.
Prawn Amok is a major national culinary tradition in Cambodia, and also popular in Laos and Thailand © sakadaphoto/Shutterstock
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.
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.
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:
Siem Reap:
Sihanoukville:
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.
Tip: Bring a basic first-aid kit from home. Drug quality can be inconsistent, and some counterfeit meds do circulate.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Cambodia
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