Is Cambodia Safe for Tourists? Thailand Border Closure and Landmines

The most serious current warning is regional: Cambodia–Thailand land crossings remain closed, and several governments advise against travel within 20 to 50 kilometres of the border because of armed conflict, unexploded ordnance and landmines. Elsewhere, phone and bag snatching, road accidents, mosquito-borne illness and limited emergency care are more realistic concerns. Solo travelers and anyone visiting nightlife areas should arrange reliable transport and watch their drinks.

Safety at a Glance

Areas Requiring Extra Caution

The Cambodia–Thailand border is the main current exclusion. A ceasefire signed on 27 December 2025 remains in effect, but official advice describes the border security situation as unpredictable. All land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed. Do not build an itinerary around crossing at Poipet or another Thai border point without first confirming that restrictions have changed.

The warning distances differ:

• The UK advises against all but essential travel within 20 kilometres of the land border.

• The United States and Canada advise against travel within 50 kilometres.

• Australia identifies affected parts of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat and Koh Kong provinces. 

Border attractions including Preah Vihear/Khao Phra Wihan, Ta Krabey/Ta Kwai and Tamone Thom/Ta Muen Thom temples are currently closed. These restrictions are regional rather than a nationwide closure of Cambodia.

Historic landmines and unexploded weapons are also present in rural and remote areas, especially in northwestern Cambodia. Stay on established roads and marked paths, do not enter forests, fields or dry rice paddies without an experienced local guide, and never handle unfamiliar metal objects. Canada’s guidance says Siem Reap town and the principal Angkor temple areas are considered cleared by the Cambodian government, but travelers exploring remote temple sites should still remain on marked routes. 

Crime, Scams and Nightlife Safety

Phone and bag snatching is of the most frequently reported tourist problems. Thieves may approach on motorcycles and target pedestrians, motorcycle passengers or people sitting in open tuk-tuks. Phnom Penh’s riverfront and Boeung Keng Kang areas, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville are among the locations named in official advice, although theft can occur elsewhere and at any time. Keep phones away from the road, carry bags on the side away from traffic and use tuk-tuks with side barriers when available. Do not struggle over property if confronted. 

Other reported forms of deception include:

• Card skimming or unauthorized card transactions

• Counterfeit or badly damaged US-dollar notes being passed as change

• Card-game schemes that end with pressure to withdraw money

• Unofficial charges or inflated visa fees at land crossings

A high ATM fee or an expensive taxi fare is not automatically a scam when the price is disclosed. Use ATMs inside banks, hotels or shopping centres, cover the keypad and inspect cash before leaving. Agree on a tuk-tuk fare before departure when not using an app. 

Women and solo travelers should be particularly careful with late-night transport. Official guidance records sexual assaults involving foreign travelers, including incidents connected with hostels, tourist nightlife and people presenting themselves as transport drivers. Use transport arranged through an accommodation provider or a ride-hailing app, avoid isolated beaches and streets after dark, and keep accommodation doors and windows secured. 

Drink-spiking incidents and methanol poisoning have also been reported. Watch drinks being prepared, do not leave them unattended and avoid homemade, unsealed or unlabelled alcohol. Seek urgent medical care for unusual drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, vision problems or serious illness after drinking.

Transport and Driving Safety

Road travel is a major practical risk in Cambodia. Hazards identified by official guidance include inconsistent observance of traffic rules, poorly maintained vehicles, livestock on roads, drink-driving and limited visibility outside cities. Avoid long-distance road travel at night where possible, and use established bus or private-transfer operators rather than choosing solely by price. 

Registered ride-hailing drivers are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, with more limited services in Kampot and Battambang. Grab and PassApp can reduce fare disputes and provide a vehicle record, but always compare the licence plate with the app before boarding. 

Motorcycle rental carries additional legal, insurance and injury risks. Confirm that your licence and insurance cover the exact engine size and never surrender your passport as a rental deposit. Wear a properly fitting helmet as either a driver or passenger. Current scooter, vape and smoking rules are covered in Cambodia Tourist Laws: Vapes, Scooters & Smoking.

For ferries and island transfers, check that a suitable life jacket is available for every passenger. Avoid boats that appear overcrowded, badly maintained or unequipped for rough weather. Official advice notes that emergency and medical assistance can be very limited on smaller islands. 

Health, Weather and Emergency Care

The CDC’s global dengue notice, updated on 30 July 2026, includes Cambodia and describes dengue as a year-round risk. Use mosquito repellent, wear covering clothing when practical and choose accommodation with screens or air conditioning. Malaria precautions depend on the itinerary, particularly for rural and forest travel, so discuss destination-specific medication and vaccinations with a travel-health professional. 

Cambodia also reported five human H5N1 avian-influenza cases, including death, between January and 9 July 2026. Human infections are mainly associated with exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments. Avoid touching sick or dead birds and be cautious around live-animal markets and poultry farms. This has not produced a general tourist movement restriction.

Dogs with rabies are found in Cambodia. Seek immediate medical advice after any bite, scratch or saliva exposure, even when previously vaccinated. Official guidance also recommends drinking boiled or commercially bottled water and avoiding raw or undercooked food. 

August falls within Cambodia’s wet season. Severe rain and local or widespread flooding can interrupt roads, boats and essential services, but this does not mean flooding is active everywhere. Monitor weather and Mekong river-level information for the specific provinces on your route. 

For emergencies, call 117 for police, 118 for fire and 119 for an ambulance. Ambulance access and medical facilities may be limited outside Phnom Penh, so travelers with serious health conditions should plan how they would reach suitable care. 

What Official Travel Advisories Currently Say

The governments use different national risk scales and different border distances, so travelers should follow the guidance issued for their nationality and insurance policy rather than treating the strictest distance as a universal legal boundary. 

Before departure:

• Confirm flights and avoid planning a Cambodia–Thailand land crossing.

• Save offline copies of your passport, insurance and accommodation details.

• Review arrival restrictions in Cambodia Airport Customs Rules.

• Carry a backup payment method and use secure ATMs.

• Save 117, 118 and 119 in your phone.

• Check weather, road and border updates shortly before each intercity journey.

Travelers who want mobile data for maps, transport apps, accommodation contact and alerts can review a Cambodia eSIM, compare providers in Best eSIM for Cambodia, or see How to Get Internet in Cambodia.

FAQs

Is Siem Reap safe to visit?

Siem Reap remains open to tourists. Phone and bag theft is reported, so secure valuables and use reliable night transport. Siem Reap town and the main Angkor temple areas are considered cleared of landmines by the Cambodian government, but remote rural and forest routes require greater care. 

Can tourists cross from Cambodia into Thailand?

Not currently by land. Official advisories checked on 1 August 2026 state that Cambodia–Thailand land crossings remain closed. Travel by air or reroute through another country rather than relying on a border reopening.

Is Cambodia safe for solo female travelers?

Solo travel is possible, but additional precautions are appropriate after dark. Use app-based or accommodation-arranged transport, avoid isolated locations, secure hostel rooms and watch drinks closely.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Rather than making a nationwide claim about every supply, follow official travel advice recommending boiled or commercially bottled water and avoid ice or water when its source is uncertain. 

Final Verdict

Cambodia is a realistic destination for tourists who avoid the Thailand border, remain on established routes in mine-affected rural areas and take ordinary urban precautions. The current border closure should change overland itineraries, but it does not amount to a nationwide prohibition on tourism. For most visitors, the more likely problems are phone or bag theft, road hazards, mosquito-borne illness and poor decisions around late-night transport or alcohol. Check the border situation again immediately before travel, use reliable transport and maintain a workable plan for medical care and travel.

Safety information checked on 1 August 2026. Conditions and official advisories can change; review the linked official guidance before travel.