Is Cambodia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cambodia generally offers a welcoming atmosphere to solo female travelers. While there is a general level of safety during the day, it’s advised to be vigilant and cautious at night, particularly in urban areas where petty crimes can be a concern. Just like any other destination, it's crucial to respect local customs and norms. Public transport is safe, but hiring a tuk-tuk or taxi may be safer for night journeys. As with many destinations, common sense and an awareness of your surroundings are key.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 12 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Moderate

Walking alone in Cambodia at night can be a mixed experience. In major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, well-lit areas and main roads are generally safe, but quieter and poorly lit areas should be avoided. Street crime including bag snatching can occur, so it’s advisable to maintain a high level of vigilance and avoid displaying expensive items. Rural areas can be riskier due to lower police presence and poorer infrastructure. It's always best to use reputable tuk-tuk or taxi services for transportation at night.

Public transportation: Moderate

Cambodia's public transportation system is quite the adventure. Buses and tuk-tuks are popular modes of public transport. While they are generally safe, they can get overcrowded, and the driving standards may not be what you're used to. Night buses are common for longer journeys but come with safety concerns, like reckless driving. Most public transportation isn't equipped with modern safety features. It's also essential to keep an eye on your belongings due to incidences of petty theft.

Street harassment: Low

Cambodia generally presents a respectful and accommodating environment towards tourists, especially women. Harassment on the streets is not a significant issue, though, as with any travel destination, occasional discomforting situations might occur due to cultural differences or misunderstandings. Always being aware of your surroundings and taking standard travel precautions are advised.

Petty crimes:Low

While Cambodia is largely safe for travelers, it's always worth being cautious. Petty crime like pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas or on public transport. However, the majority of interactions with locals tend to be friendly and harmonious. Just ensure to take standard safety precautions such as keeping your valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings.

Tap water:Very unsafe

Tap water in Cambodia, especially in rural areas, is generally considered unsafe for drinking due to lack of proper sanitation and filtration systems. Even in bigger cities like Phnom Penh, it's recommended to avoid consuming tap water. Always opt for bottled water and ensure the seal is secure upon purchase to reduce potential health risks. Also consider using portable water purifiers when necessary.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 12 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

Solo travel experience

Cambodia is beautiful, but I probably won't return. For the first time, I was happy to be leaving. Terrible filth, bodies thrown into the lake, trash everywhere, the stench, and very persistent people treating you like a money bag. Additionally, they cheated horribly and were brazen about it.

Posted: October 24, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Cambodia in February this year and it is one of my favorite countries. So safe and Cambodian people are some of the nicest, friendliest people in the world. I recommend getting the Grab app, it is their version of Uber and it makes getting around for shorter distances very easy, affordable, and safe. For longer distances, I recommend booking a tuk-tuk driver through your accommodation.

Posted: October 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Siem Reap for 2 weeks, 5 days in Koh Rong, and a few days in Phnom Penh in June. Loved the island and Siem Reap. Totally safe, and felt safer than major tourist hotspots in the EU, with no snatch thieves or pickpockets. Locals were quite respectful and didn't follow/harass me. Highly recommend.

Posted: October 20, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Cambodia solo and stayed in Siem Reap. I felt completely safe. Didn’t wander too far at night. But overall, I didn’t feel threatened once. I have a wonderful tuk-tuk driver I used for airport drives, the entire day in Angkor Wat, and exploring the outskirts of the city.

Posted: October 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Cambodia for three weeks and had a great time. I definitely recommend the islands, Koh Rong is beautiful and feels very safe. Phnom Penh can be a bit hit or miss amongst the other travelers I met, but I personally really enjoyed it, the history there is fascinating and I never had any problems with the locals and everyone was lovely.

Posted: October 16, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Went to Cambodia solo, and stayed in Siem Reap, with absolutely no issues or concerns with my safety. Was out late every night and didn’t feel unsafe at all.

Posted: October 14, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Spent a month in Cambodia and they are the most friendly people I've ever met. Never felt unsafe for one second and I walked everywhere. I absolutely fell in love with Cambodia.

Posted: October 12, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Siem Reap, Battambang, Koh Rong, Kampot, and Phnom Penh and had an amazing time. Cambodia has a devastating history which is important to learn about to understand the country. The only place I felt like I had to be super wary was Phnom Penh but only really in the evenings.

Posted: August 7, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I’ve been to Cambodia twice. Of the 50 countries I’ve been to, it’s easily in my top 3. I love it. No scams. Kind people. Angkor is beautiful. The history of the country made my heart hurt but it’s important to know about it.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Cambodia solo and loved it. Siem Reap felt like the safest place in Cambodia to me. Tuk Tuks were available everywhere and didn't cost much at all, I preferred using them over walking just because the roads were hectic.

Posted: March 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

I find it fairly safe as a single woman. If I'm going out alone after it gets dark I always get a tuk-tuk and avoid walking. You need to be careful with your belongings because of pickpockets, and bag snatchers, but other than that it's generally pretty safe.

Posted: October 21, 2023
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Meet locals in Cambodia

Olia

Olia

Speaking

About Me

Muzika mano ausim

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇮🇴 British Indian Ocean Territory, 🇧🇼 Botswana

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Eléa

Eléa

Speaking

About Me

Hi. My name is Eléa. I was born in France, lived in Greece for almost 10 years. Left Europe in 2022 and now I want to explore Asia. Currently living in Cambodia but I would like to move to Malaysia. I love reading, drawing and writing. I feel my best when I’m surrounded by nature.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Stay with locals in Cambodia

Panchak

Panchak

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Hi, my name’s Panchak. I’m from Cambodia living in Phnom Penh. I’m looking to meet new people and get to know and share things with each other

Countries I’ve Visited

🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand

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Upcoming visitors to Cambodia

GuGu

GuGu

Speaking

About Me

I am a solo traveler who enjoys to meet new people and find out about their culture and mentality of people. I love nature, hiking and drinking coffee with friends 😁 I don’t have any borders, very friendly to LGBT 🏳️‍🌈

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇲 Myanmar [Burma], 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Angelicque

Angelicque

Speaking

About Me

I'm a 35 year old, gym enthusiast who loves travel and a good red wine, beer or cocktail. My breakaway has always been travel, experiencing new cultures, food, people, night life. I consider myself an explorer but also enjoy the wind down. One of my favourite things about travel is meeting people from all walks of life, trying something new, living in the moment with a good photo to hold as memory.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇿 Tanzania

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Rebecca

Rebecca

Speaking

About Me

Solo backpacker south east Asia 2023. From London. I love music, a good film, being in nature, meeting people, learning about cultures.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇨 Monaco

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Local discussions

TravelWhat is the best way to hire a local guide in Siem Reap and Phnom Phen?

I am little scared to travel solo in Cambodia so thinking to hire local guide in Siem Reap and Phnom Phen any recommendation ?

Posted: November 22, 2022
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Safety in Cambodia