Home › Phnom Penh › Safety
Is Phnom Penh safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Phnom Penh is generally safe for visitors who take sensible precautions, and most trips pass without problems. The best-known risk is bag and phone snatching by thieves on motorbikes; traffic, heat and tourist-price overcharging are the other everyday issues. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon.
The real risks
Bag and phone snatching
Thieves on motorbikes grab bags and phones, including from people in tuk-tuks. Keep bags on the side away from the road, don't hold your phone out at the roadside, and be extra careful at night.
Traffic
Traffic is heavy and chaotic, and pavements are often blocked by parked motorbikes. Cross slowly and steadily so drivers can move around you.
Overcharging and commission stops
Some drivers quote tourist fares or steer you to shops and restaurants. Use app-booked tuk-tuks and give the address yourself.
Heat
Highs of 30–34°C all year, with March to May the hottest. Drink plenty of water and plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning.
Damaged banknotes
Torn or worn US dollar notes are often refused; check your change.
Areas and times to take care
The Riverside, BKK1, the area around the Royal Palace and the Russian Market are busy and widely used by visitors. Be more careful at night along quiet, poorly lit streets and in the Riverside bar area, where snatch theft and pickpocketing are more common; take an app-booked tuk-tuk rather than walking with a phone in hand.
Getting around safely
PassApp and Grab tuk-tuks and remorks are cheap and avoid haggling; at night, keep bags inside the vehicle and away from the open sides. Long-distance buses to Siem Reap, Kampot and neighbouring countries leave from company offices; choose established companies. Avoid renting a motorbike unless you are experienced and insured.
Solo and women travellers
Many women travel alone in Phnom Penh without problems. Use app-booked tuk-tuks at night, watch your drink in bars, and dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — at the Royal Palace, pagodas and the genocide memorials. Staying in BKK1 or a well-reviewed Riverside guesthouse makes evenings easier.
Health, water and heat
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water. Dengue is present, especially in the wet season, so use insect repellent. Heat and dehydration are common problems. Private international clinics exist in the city, but serious cases are often evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore, so travel insurance with medical evacuation is advisable.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Phnom Penh safe?
Mostly. The main risk is bag and phone snatching from motorbikes. Keep valuables away from the road side and use app-booked tuk-tuks at night.
Can you drink tap water in Phnom Penh?
No. Use bottled or filtered water.
What is the emergency number in Cambodia?
Police 117, ambulance 119, fire 118.