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

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How safe is Cambodia?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Cambodia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 26 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Siem Reap, Solo travel

My trip to Siem Reap was fantastic. I discovered this place to be very safe, local people are so kind and helpful. I arrived there by bus from Bangkok and easily got visa on arrival at the border. I stayed in Bokre Angkor Hostel, staff is very lovely and helpful there. If you'll decide to visit this place you should definitely go to see Angkor Wat - the largest Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in the world.

Posted: May 12, 2025
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Hannah

Hannah

Taiwan

Siem Reap, Couple travel

Like most people, we went to Siem Reap to visit the world-famous Angkor Wat. It is absolutely worth a visit. The magnificent temples are even more stunning in real life and our local guide Mr. Sa was amazing! He showed us to so many spots and told us stories about himself, Angkor Wat, and Cambodia. It was really a journey of a lifetime. Siem Reap is pretty safe as far as the touristy parts go. The local people were really kind and helpful. I had such a great time there!!

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Rachel

Rachel

Singapore

Cambodia, Couple travel

Was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved and felt safe in Cambodia. The food is so good, similar flavours to Thai/Viet but lighter on the palate with so much fresh vegetables, we had Khmer food everyday. Also, the warmth and understanding from the locals is touching, although there can be a lot of traffic, they don't honk obnoxiously at each other or at pedestrians. Shoutout to our Angkor Wat guide who really adjusted to our energy levels and told us so many interesting stories not just about the sights, but about his own life. I also appreciated how he somehow managed to go “off the beaten path” in places crawling with people to take better photos for us. Lastly, as a Malaysian, I was super impressed with how clean all the toilets we encountered were. 🙏 I look forward to coming back to this beautiful country one day.

Posted: March 19, 2025
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Nicole

Nicole

Singapore

Siem Reap, Solo travel

Cambodia is super safe, unlike what you may have seen on social or main stream media. I went primarily to visit the temples which are up to 1500 years old. People are super honest, no touting, limited haggling jf you use grab for public transport. I strongly recommend if you are a strong history buff!

Posted: March 2, 2025
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Cambodia, Group travel

Cambodia was super fun! You just have to drink lots of water because it was super hot. Using sunblock, umbrella, and clothes which are cotton were helpful. It would be best to stay indoors at lunchtime or after lunch to avoid the heat. The food in Siem Reap was yummier as compared to Phnom Penh. The people were kind too :)

Posted: August 18, 2024
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Iman

Iman

France

Phnom Penh, Solo travel

I have been living in Phnom Penh for a year now and I have never felt as safe as this city. The people are so nice and always want to help you, the weather is good, the food is delicious and the culture so interesting

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Is Cambodia safe for women?

Phnom Penh

It is quite safe if you are holding your bag and watching yourself in dark. If you choose to drink be sure to take a car home not tuk tuk and don't walk when you are too drunk. Avoid unlit roads at night.

Posted: April 12, 2025
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Kena

Kena

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is very safe for all female Travellers. You can socialize with other solo travellers from all around the world. Not have scam or petty crime.But you also need to be aware of your surroundings

Posted: October 12, 2024
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Safety in Cambodia