Cambodia
🏛️ Capital: Phnom Penh
👥 Population: 17.6 million
💬 Language: Khmer
💰 Currency: Cambodian Riel
✈️ Reasons to travel: Ancient temples, Khmer culture, tropical islands, street food, budget-friendly
📈 High Season: November to March
📉 Low Season: May to October
☀️ The warmest month: April
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: September
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 40/100
Rank: 114th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Cambodia:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Cambodia with no vaccine currently available:
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Malaria
- Schistosoma
- Scrub typhus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Cambodia?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Cambodia is already available there.
Cambodia FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Cambodia in terms of health risks?
Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for travelers, but health risks vary by region and activity. Foodborne illness, mosquito-borne diseases, and limited access to high-quality healthcare in rural areas are common concerns. Taking preventive measures, such as vaccinations, hygiene practices, and mosquito protection, can significantly reduce your health risks while traveling in Cambodia.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Cambodia?
Recommended vaccines for Cambodia include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your itinerary and risk level, you may also need hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccines. A personalized travel health report, “MyGlobdoc,” can help assess which vaccines are necessary based on your destination, duration, and planned activities.
Are there any common diseases in Cambodia that travelers should know about?
Yes, travelers in Cambodia may be exposed to diseases such as dengue fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and traveler’s diarrhea. In rural or forested areas, malaria and Japanese encephalitis can also pose risks. Awareness of local disease patterns can guide your prevention strategies before and during travel.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Cambodia?
Choose restaurants or street vendors that appear clean and busy, and always eat freshly cooked food. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpeeled fruits, and tap water—including ice. Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer can also help prevent gastrointestinal infections.
Is malaria a risk in Cambodia, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in parts of Cambodia, particularly in forested areas near the borders with Laos and Thailand. If you plan to visit rural or jungle regions, anti-malarial medication may be recommended. Use MyGlobdoc, a region-specific travel health report, to help determine your personal malaria risk based on your exact itinerary.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Cambodia?
Mosquito-borne diseases in Cambodia include dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and, less commonly, chikungunya and Zika. These illnesses are more common during the rainy season. To reduce risk, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets in high-risk areas.
Do I need travel health insurance for Cambodia?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly advised. While there are private clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, medical facilities in rural areas are limited, and emergency evacuation may be necessary in serious cases. Insurance helps ensure timely access to quality care without unexpected costs.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Cambodia?
Include oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, insect repellent with DEET, sunscreen, a digital thermometer, bandages, pain relievers, and any prescription medications. If you plan to travel outside major cities, include a basic first aid kit. Our health report tool, MyGlobdoc, can generate a checklist tailored to your route and activities.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Cambodia?
Stay hydrated, avoid excessive heat exposure, and eat from reputable food sources. Protect against mosquitoes with repellent and nets, especially in rural areas. Make sure your vaccines are up to date and carry a compact medical kit for common travel issues.
Is Cambodia safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Cambodia can be safe for pregnant travelers and those with chronic conditions with proper planning. Pregnant individuals should avoid areas with Zika and take extra precautions against mosquito bites. Carry a letter from your doctor outlining your medical needs, and ensure your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Cambodia?
If you become ill in Cambodia, seek care at international clinics in cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Pharmacists can assist with minor ailments, but for more serious conditions, private hospitals are preferred. Always have your travel insurance and emergency contact information on hand.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Cambodia?
Cambodia does not require any specific health certificates for most travelers. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you are arriving from a country where the disease is endemic. It’s also wise to carry proof of routine and recommended vaccinations.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Globe Map By Mojomaaa123543 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156584070 / edited in Canva
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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