Before travelling to Cambodia, or indeed any destination, it is good practise to check the travel advice pages of your own government’s website for up to the minute advice on travel and especially for specific threats to your safety based on your nationality, gender, race, religion or sexual persuasion. 

Aside from the usual precautions recommended for global travel generally, there is no indigenous terrorist threat in Cambodia. However, the Thai border area is the focus of territorial dispute between the two countries and is not recommended to visit. 

Earthquakes are unknown in Cambodia. Flooding is an annual event along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, during the monsoon period (mid-June to mid-October) and is a key element of the country’s ecosystem and economy. In some years, however particularly heavy rains, especially if reinforced by wet weather upriver in Laos and China can result in severe floods causing loss of life.  

Tourist crime is a problem in Cambodia, particularly in the busy tourist haunts of the Boeung Keng Kang and waterfront areas of Phnom Penh, mostly taking the form of the theft of portable technology, handbags and luggage, purses, wallets and passports. Some snatches have been carried out on motorcycles, which can be very dangerous, especially if the victim becomes entangled with the targeted item. 

Violent attacks against tourists are very rare, but there are several instances of weapons being used as leverage in robberies. It is recommended to avoid isolated areas at night. 

In Sihanoukville, special attention is required with drinks, which should never be left unattended, as several instances of drugging foreigners as a prelude to robbery and rape have occurred. Never accept drinks from strangers. 

Be careful where you point your camera. Never photograph the police, military personnel and installations, or demonstrations, which you should in any case avoid. 

Never use illegal drugs. Prison sentences are long and extremely unpleasant.  

Non-commercial Homosexuality is legal in Cambodia, though under Cambodian law, there are no protective rights and disapproval amongst the populace may be encountered. In traditional and ethnic areas it is best to be discreet and respectful of local traditional views for your own security.