Is Cambodia Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Solo Travel in Cambodia

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 17 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

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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Phnom Penh, Solo travel

I felt quite safe in Phnom Phen, however I would say, keep track of your belongings. I know several people who got their phone stolen there. Either by a person passing by (on a motorbike) or even a tuk tuk driver. Besides that everything was fine. There is however not much to do and if you don't have too much time I would suggest skipping this town in favour of other places.

Posted: May 4, 2024Experienced: April, 2022
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hey_maj_ical

hey_maj_ical

Philippines

Phnom Penh, Solo travel

It was an amazing solo travel. Food and transport doesn't hurt the bank a lot as the food is pretty cheap yet superb taste! Booking a TukTuk via Grab is very convenient and also cheap. I stayed at a RS II Guesthouse and the view of the Royal Palace at the balcony is just wow... then you have the river on your left...also inexpensive... Make sure to visit the Killing Fields to know their deep history.(Prepare your tissues!) Overall, Phnom Penh is a nice place for solo or group travelling and you can enjoy comfort and convenient without spending too much.

Posted: March 4, 2024Experienced: January, 2023
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Cambodia, Group travel

Cambodia is very safe but be careful in the capital Phnom Penh. Siem reap is an amazing place to visite either the temples on Angkor Wat In the south there are too wonderful islands that you can’t miss And you have to visit Kampot

Posted: February 26, 2024Experienced: March, 2018
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Victoria

Victoria

France

Cambodia, Solo travel

Cambodia is an amazing country ! The landscapes there are just fabulous and people are so sweet ! I was an English teacher in a NGO called AKD school Battalbang and I highly recommend this experience. The family that welcomed me was very nice and took care of me. Teaching to the kids was incredible... I loved everything there ! I never felt insecure in Cambodia but there are two major security issues there : dogs with rabies (everywhere) and bag snatching (in Phnom Penh). Thus you should be careful when you walk by the street by night (dogs) and when you walk along the sidewalk with a bag (pickpockets on motorcycles can grab your bag and won't let it go until you do so !)

Posted: February 21, 2024Experienced: March, 2022
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Angkor Wat, Solo travel

Solo traveled to Cambodia. Taught myself how to ride a motorbike at a quiet little hotel run by some French folks outside of Siem Riep. Used that to drive myself around Angkor Wat solo. Also ran in the 32k there. Not the most fun of a race (did it on 1 hour of sleep…) but drove myself to the start in the dark at 5 am, which was a pretty unique experience.

Posted: February 1, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Sarah

Sarah

United Arab Emirates

Cambodia, Solo travel

An amazing trip to be a woman alone! I really loved that experience. I truly recommend it, ladies. Everything was beautiful and unexpected – beaches, temples, people… An amazing time for myself 🧘🏻‍♀️. Peace, meditation, and love.

Posted: January 13, 2024
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Jordan

Jordan

United States

Angkor Wat, Group travel

I visited Angkor Wat as part of a college team focused on partnering with various NGOs. We spent the majority of our time in Phnom Pehn, various villages, and Siem Reap. Our team toured Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples on a cultural excursion. I would definitely recommend taking the time to hit as many temples as possible- they're all unique and have their own stories, and it's beautiful to climb to the top of some and see the others rising out of the jungle. I would not recommend traveling alone on this excursion. I was briefly separated from my group at one point and found myself surrounded by catcalling tuktuk drivers. They refused to leave me be until my male teammates arrived. If your don't have travelling companions, I'd recommend a tour group. While the Cambodian people were generally respectful toward Americans, the Khmer language is difficult to grasp for English speakers. Be aware that the temple area is especially crowded because it is a tourist hotspot. There are also active worshipers who utilize the space. I can't speak to a budget because the college handled the majority of my travel. The dollar goes very far in Cambodia, though. I recommend dressing for hot weather. We became very accustomed to sweating during our time there. I tended toward sports bras, tanktops, thin overshirts, and capris to adhere to modesty expectations. If you can, I suggest grabbing a pair of the billowy 'elephant pants' as soon as you're able after arriving in country. They're very comfy and lightweight. Also, keep in mind that the food and water is rough for people who aren't used to it. We carried bottled water and water purifying tablets for emergencies. Use your best judgment with food :)

Posted: December 28, 2023Experienced: May, 2016
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Cambodia, Solo travel

Cambodia is one of my favorite places so far. The energy and the people are amazing. I was there as a volunteer, but I didn't live there permanently. It is also a very poor country due to its recent history. I felt safe at all times, but some people strongly advised me not to walk alone at night, as sex trafficking is very prevalent.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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Is Cambodia safe right now?

Before your visit to Cambodia, it's essential to check travel advisories for Cambodia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in Cambodia. However, please note that some areas pose increased risks. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 24, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cambodia due to an increase in petty crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 24, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises to **exercise normal safety precautions** in Cambodia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 5, 2024

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Pich

Pich

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I’m kindly ambivert, I like hanging out and meet new people but also stay alone sometimes ^^

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Suzi

Suzi

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British well travelled ex scuba instructor/travel agent living on a tropical island in Cambodia

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Suzi

Suzi

Koh Rong Sanloem

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3 days

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British well travelled ex scuba instructor/travel agent living on a tropical island in Cambodia

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Panchak

Panchak

Phnom Penh

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2 days

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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

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Safety in Cambodia