Safety & Landmines

General Safety

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. What does occur:

• Pickpocketing: In Phnom Penh (Riverside, markets) and Siem Reap (Pub Street). Wear your backpack in front, don't keep your phone in the outer pocket.
• Bag snatching: In Phnom Penh, motorcyclists snatch bags from shoulders. ALWAYS carry bags towards the building side, never the street side. Or: Use a crossbody bag.
• Scams: Overpriced tuk-tuk fares, fake Angkor guides, "my restaurant is closed, come to my friend's" tricks. Agree on prices beforehand, stick to your line.
• Nightlife: Pub Street in Siem Reap and the bars in Phnom Penh are safe, but watch your drinks (spiking is rare, but there are reports).

Landmines — The Invisible Danger

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Between 1970 and 1998, millions of landmines and cluster bombs were laid — by all sides of the conflict (Khmer Rouge, Vietnamese, Cambodian army, US bombings). An estimated 4–6 million mines remain in the ground.

The good news: All tourist areas are demined. Angkor, Phnom Penh, the coast, main roads — all safe. The mines are in remote rural areas, border regions, and off-trail areas in the northwest.

Golden Rule

Stay on marked paths! Never venture into unknown terrain, especially not off-trail in rural areas. Red and white mine signs (skull symbol) mark mined areas — they are not decoration, but deadly serious.

Landmine Museum (Siem Reap)

The Cambodia Landmine Museum (16 km north of Siem Reap, on the way to Banteay Srei) is an impressive small museum, founded by Aki Ra — a former child soldier of the Khmer Rouge who has dedicated his life to demining. 5 USD entry, which goes directly to demining efforts.