Cambodia Tourist Bans & Laws (2026): Vapes, Scooter Rules, Smoking & Angkor

Cambodia tourist laws at a glance

Cambodia’s vape, shisha and heated-tobacco ban

Status: National law—prohibited nationwide

Cambodia has prohibited the import, commercial distribution and use of electronic cigarettes and shisha since 2014. Authorities subsequently clarified that heated-tobacco products are also covered. The restriction is not limited to shops or sales: tourists should not bring a personal vape for use during their trip.

Cambodia’s official e-cigarette guidance states that the ban covers import, trade and use. No general personal-use exemption has been confirmed for arriving passengers. Vape liquids, disposable devices, cartridges and heated-tobacco sticks should therefore be left outside the country. 

International airline rules normally require vapes and spare lithium batteries to travel in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage. That aviation-safety rule does not override Cambodia’s import ban. The correct action is not merely to pack the device differently, but not to bring it. 

For airport-specific context without repeating customs allowance tables, see Cambodia Airport Customs Rules: Vapes, Alcohol, Cash.

Scooter, motorcycle and car-driving rules

Status: National law and licence requirement

Cambodia’s Road Traffic Law exempts motorcycles with an engine capacity below 125cc—or an electric motor below 11kW—from the driving-licence requirement. The minimum age stated for this category is 15. A motorcycle of exactly 125cc is not “below 125cc,” so tourists should check the registration or engine plate rather than relying on a rental description.

Motorcycles of 125cc or more require the appropriate licence. Foreign visitors should not assume that an International Driving Permit is automatically accepted. Cambodian law provides for foreign residents to exchange a valid foreign licence, subject to documents such as a passport, valid visa, local address, medical certificate and translation where required. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport licence service provides the official starting point.

Every motorcycle driver and passenger, including children aged three and older, must wear a helmet. Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited unless a hands-free system is used. Seat belts are required where fitted.

Rental availability is not proof that a vehicle is legal for you to drive. Before paying, verify the engine size, registration, licence category and helmet provision. For cars or larger motorcycles, using a licensed local driver may be simpler than arranging a Cambodian licence.

Cigarettes and smoke-free public places

Status: National law—allowed with conditions

Ordinary cigarettes are not prohibited nationwide, but Cambodia has extensive smoke-free rules. Smoking is banned on public transport and in enclosed workplaces and public places. The restrictions also extend to areas within five metres of entrances and exits.

Cambodia’s smoke-free regulations cover health facilities, educational institutions, nurseries, children’s playgrounds, public parks, museums, religious facilities, historical and cultural sites, petrol stations and other places involving flammable materials. Airports may provide designated smoking rooms.

The stated fine for an individual smoking in a prohibited place is KHR 20,000. A lack of visible enforcement does not turn a smoke-free location into a permitted smoking area.

At Angkor, smoking is prohibited under the site’s visitor code. Use only a clearly marked smoking area and avoid smoking beside entrances, temple grounds, parks or transport stops.

Alcohol and public drinking

Status: National law for drink-driving; venue or local conditions for consumption

Alcohol is available in restaurants, hotels, bars and shops. Research did not confirm a current nationwide open-container ban applying uniformly to every Cambodian street or public space. That should not be interpreted as permission to drink anywhere: venues, events, religious areas, heritage sites and local authorities may impose their own conditions.

The clear nationwide restriction concerns driving. Cambodia’s legal threshold is 0.50 grams of alcohol per litre of blood, equivalent to 0.05%, or 0.25 milligrams per litre of breath.

Because drink strength, body weight and timing vary, tourists should not calculate how much they can drink before driving. Use a taxi, tuk-tuk or sober driver instead. Avoid carrying open alcohol into temples, official buildings, schools or places displaying prohibition signs, and follow staff instructions at ticketed attractions and events.

Prescription medicines, cannabis and other drugs

Status: National law

Cambodia’s Law on Drug Control distinguishes lawful medical use from illegal use. Controlled drugs used outside a medical prescription are prohibited, as are substances classified as prohibited drugs. There is no tourist exemption for recreational drug possession or use.

Carry prescription medicines in their original labelled packaging. Bring a copy of the prescription and, for controlled medicines, a doctor’s letter showing the generic active ingredient, dosage, medical need and quantity. Limit supplies to a reasonable amount for the trip.

Cambodia does not provide a simple published tourist list showing that every common ADHD medicine, sleeping tablet or strong painkiller is permitted. Contact the Cambodian Ministry of Health or a Cambodian embassy before travelling when a medicine contains a narcotic, psychotropic substance or other controlled ingredient.

Cannabis should not be treated as legal because it may be offered informally in tourist areas or food products. Do not buy, use or bring cannabis, cannabis edibles or recreational drugs into Cambodia. Informal availability does not change the drug law.

Angkor and Buddhist temple rules

Status: Protected-site rule and cultural etiquette

The official Angkor Visitor Code prohibits smoking and requires visitors to respect restricted areas. Do not touch carvings, sit or lean on fragile structures, move archaeological objects, climb loose stones or write graffiti. Removing artefacts is not a souvenir offence to take lightly; leave all stones and historic material where they are.

Visitors wearing shorts or skirts above the knees or clothing that leaves the shoulders uncovered may be refused access to sacred areas. This is a site-access rule, not a nationwide dress law.

Status: Cultural etiquette—not a criminal offense

Ask permission before photographing monks. Women should avoid touching monks or sitting extremely close to them, reflecting Buddhist religious practice rather than a general criminal prohibition. Speak quietly, avoid interrupting ceremonies and follow instructions from temple staff.

Mobile data for maps and official guidance

Mobile data is useful for opening official maps, checking transport routes, translating signs, locating licensed services and reviewing rule changes while travelling. It also helps you save embassy details, medical contacts and official visitor guidance, although essential documents should still be available offline.

Cambodia eSIM can provide data without replacing your passport, driving documents or any required permit. Plans are data-only, and hotspot use draws from the purchased data allowance.