Cambodia Security is an extremely hard susceptible to talk
about. Be aware that all of the following terms regarding security in Cambodia derive
from personal experience and observation. It's not to be used as official, gospel
or even the last word. Whenever one truism concerning safety assistance it's
that it all arises from restricted information, a specific perspective and has
bias of some type. Whenever looking for information regarding security and
safety, look for multiple sources, seek out common threads and then try to look
at the bias that many source could be conveying. For instance, advice from
embassies and international organizations is commonly conventional and
politically driven.
Advice from tourist books and guides is virtually usually
seriously out-dated. Advice from other travelers is up to date and first-hand
but arises from narrow, individual experience is frequently not so serious, springing
from the specious rationale. In a nutshell, knowing security and safety needs
your own active involvement. You should consider and look at the advice
obtained. And whatever the advice, you should apply it with reason and sound
judgment.
Safety & Security
By comparison with other major holiday destinations all over
the world, Cambodia
currently is a fairly safe travel destination. Provincial destinations in Cambodia like Siem Reap and also the temples of Angkor are particularly safe in comparison.
Khmer Rouge
The Khmer Rouge, like a practical political, military as
well as criminal force in Cambodia ,
is dead and hidden. The Khmer Rouge is not a security concern and has not been
for several years.
Landmine Security
When the subject is landmines, Cambodia is normally the primary
nations to be mentioned, but luckily, mines aren't an issue to the common
visitor. The rest of the mines are targeted in border areas (especially the
Thai border), a few mountain areas along with other old war zones. There aren't
any mines in major towns and cities where most tourists frequent. Other
locations close to intensely touristed temple ruins in Siem Reap had been
demined long ago which is usually regarded as really safe. If you are planning
to visit less-frequented, faraway temple ruins it is advisable to stay with
paths. Experience travelers to remote parts of Cambodia have to take additional
mine safety measures.
Disease and Vaccinations
Remember that AIDS/HIV and Hepatitis B are extremely
prevalent amongst Cambodia 's
sex workers.
Traffic and Transportation
Traffic accidents aren't unusual within the disorderly
traffic of Cambodia , especially
Phnom Penh . The
most prevalent and convenient type of public transportation is the motorcycle
taxi, Everyone uses them at some time but you will find safer methods for
getting around. The moto drivers are often not licensed. Car taxi is the safest
method to navigate around the city and traffic security.
Transportation: Phnom
Penh
In Phnom Penh ,
moto-romauks ('tuk-tuks') and cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) offer somewhat safer
protection (though not as safe as a car) option to mototaxis. In case you
insist upon using motorcycle taxis, try to choose your driver carefully. If he
seems drunk, careless or drives too fast don't hesitate to get off (pay him a
bit) and get another moto. There are lots to pick from. For people who decide
to rent a motorbike and drive by themselves, be forewarned that traffic in Phnom Penh is chaotic
within the extreme. Only very experienced riders should attempt driving in Cambodia .
Transportation: Siem Reap
Ferry to Siem Reap The safety security from the popular
ferries that ply the Tonle Sap between Phnom
Penh and Siem Reap can be of some concern. Though by
third world standards the public ferries are relatively fast and modern, they
by no means meet international safety standards. Little if any safety equipment
is available. If you're looking for international standards of safety, don't
take the local ferry. If you're familiar with traveling on ferries in southern Asia , you will likely look for the Siem Reap ferry being
a somewhat tame adventure. Compagnie Fluviale du Mekong offers deluxe/luxury
ferries that meet international safety standards.
Criminal Activity
Like the majority of countries all over the world, criminal
activity has become the greatest risk towards the visitor after traffic
incidents. Security Outside of Phnom Penh, chaotic criminal activity directed
towards overseas visitors is almost unusual. There are a few bag snatchings and
some night-time robberies and attacks in Sihanoukville and today Siem Reap but,
at least at this point in time, these are exceptions rather than the rule. In
most cases, provincial capitals like Siem Reap, Battambang and others are
exceptionally safe.
Road robberies of tourists in Phnom Penh , though not common, are reported
with a few frequency. Most occur at nighttime, around common tourist
destinations and usually to tourists on the back of the motorcycle taxi or on
foot. The robbers are occasionally equipped with a handgun in most cases only
want money. Though they often avoid applying violence, they will become violent
if challenged. The surest way to avoid robbery is to take a car taxi when
traveling at night. If you decide to take a motorcycle taxi, I suggest you
stick to main roads instead of dark side streets. It's best never to travel
long distances by foot after dark. In case you are faced with robbers, don't
resist. For security, give up your money quickly and they will probably leave
as quickly as they showed up.
Tourists also report snatch and grab robberies by which
their bag, camera or necklace is grabbed by a passing motorcyclist. When
walking down the street, keep your camera/bag on your inside shoulder. Most tuk-tuk
drivers will advise you to keep your camera and bags in front of you in the
middle of the tuk-tuk, not near outside where it can be grabbed. Also keep in
mind that whenever riding on the back of a motorcycle taxi, keep your bag or
backpack directly between you and the driver, or let the driver place it in
front of him.
Nightclubs Security:
Some posh Cambodian night clubs draw an unsafe group of the
rich, connected and armed. A combination of alcohol and guns can and too often
does lead to violent confrontations and gun-play, inside and immediately
outside the clubs. Typically, it's not the case at foreigner and tourist
oriented clubs and bars. Do not leave money or valuables in your hotel room
unattended. Do not leave money or valuables unattended on the beaches in
Sihanoukville. Do not leave your bags in a taxi or on a motorcycle or cyclo
while you go into a hotel to check in.
Be very careful of your belongings if you take a prostitute
to your hotel room. Be cautious about pickpockets in tourist areas, in crowded
discos and clubs, particularly clubs full of prostitutes, and also at the
traditional markets such as Phsar Toul Tom Pong and Phsar Kandal in Phnom Penh Cambodia
