Your Safety & Security in Cambodia

Cambodia has a reputation for being slightly more dangerous than its neighbouring countries.

A "wild west" feel is how some of the popular guidebooks describe it but this is misleading for current travellers and can frighten people unnecessarily.

Having said that, the unpaved, unlit backstreets of Phnom Penh are not the choicest of places to find oneself wondering aimlessly late at night, having had a couple of drinks. Remember, the people are very, very poor so let’s use some common sense here.

Exercise the same precautions you would anywhere in the world, including your own country, as far as your personal security and belongings are concerned.

The telephone number for the Tourist Police in Phnom Penh is 012-942484, but in cases of common theft there's not much they can do.

Medical facilities in Cambodia are fairly rudimentary and serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore.

Keep this in mind when embarking on trips, particularly by motorcycle. Traffic can be treacherous and road conditions difficult and, unless you are a confident and experienced rider, it can be dangerous.

The free, 2007 Editions of the on-line Thailand and Vietnam Travel Guides are now available in English. Other Travel Guides will be available in the near future.

In addition, Arikah now also features free, online encyclopedias in Dutch, English, German, French, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.