Travel

It might be one of Southeast Asia’s smallest countries, but Cambodia can compete with the big boys when it comes to must-see sights. Once the preserve of trailblazing backpackers, this formerly war-torn nation is now firmly established on the Asia travel circuit. That luxury yachts ply their trade on Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is a mark of just how far Cambodia has come.

Carving the country in two is the mighty Mekong River, which remains the lifeblood of Cambodia, running as it does from the bustling capital, Phnom Penh. to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. A journey down this iconic waterway is one of the great pleasures of Southeast Asia – boats of all shapes and sizes drift, chug and spray their way along the Mekong, carrying piglets, clay pots, bananas, motorcycles, you name it.

Away from the water, the ravages of war have become unlikely tourist attractions in Phnom Penh and other cities. Crowds gather at former prison camps and the notorious Killing Fields to contemplate Cambodia’s darkest hour, a period of unimaginable suffering that took place under the brutal regime of Pol Pot.

The crumbling remains of the Khmer Empire are the biggest draw in Cambodia, though. After building up a kingdom that stretched into neighbouring Thailand and China. the Khmers fell, leaving behind an extraordinary collection of temple complexes, most notably Angkor Wat, which owns the bragging rights to being the largest religious monument in the world.

Then there are more typical Southeast Asian attractions – frenetic cities crammed with rickshaws, strange and exotic food, blissful beaches, tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, and a densely-forested hinterland full of tribal villages.

There are few places that have been through as much as Cambodia, but this optimistic nation has belied its tumultuous history and emerged as one of the warmest, most welcoming destinations in Southeast Asia.

Last updated: 09 April 2015

The travel advice summary below is provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. 'We' refers to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For their full travel advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

Incidents of politically-motivated violence have fallen significantly in recent years, but particular events or political disputes may trigger violent protests. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings. Don t express strong opinions on Cambodian politics or culture.

Cambodia held its general election on 28 July 2015 in a mostly peaceful environment. On 29 July 2015, the main opposition party announced it was disputing the results and called for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the electoral process. This led to a number of largely peaceful protests. Some clashes did occur with several demonstrators killed in protests in January 2015 and several security guards and protestors seriously injured in July 2015.

On 22 July 2015 a political agreement was reached between the ruling party and the main opposition party but it s possible that further protests may take place. You should avoid all public gatherings and monitor local media closely.

Foreigners present an attractive target for criminals. Violent crime is rare, although weapons have been used during robberies against foreigners. On 6 February 2015 a tourist was injured in a shooting near the Olympic Market in Phnom Penh. In 2015 2 expatriates were murdered during a burglary at their Phnom Penh home; and in 2015, 1 foreigner was killed and a number of foreigners were shot and seriously injured during robberies.

Although most visits are trouble-free, the British Embassy continues to receive crime reports from British nationals, with a significant increase over the past year. Most of these are bag snatchings, often by thieves riding past on motorbikes. Bag straps have been cut and bags snatched from those on foot and passengers on moving tuk-tuks and motorbikes, often causing injury. Hotspots for petty crime include the riverfront and BKK areas of Phnom Penh, and the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville.

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings:

• use a hotel safe for your valuables
• minimise the items you carry with you. If you carry a bag, make sure the strap is over your shoulder, away from the road to deter thieves on motorbikes from snatching it
• take extra care at night and in isolated areas
• be particularly vigilant travelling at night by bicycle or motorcycle, especially if you re alone. Stick to well-used, well-lit roads and carry a personal alarm if possible
• avoid placing bags in the front basket of bicycles
• be wary of pickpockets, especially on public transport and in crowded areas
• if you travel by bus, make sure cash and valuables you have are secured. There have been incidents where passengers have had items taken from bags while asleep.

Since January 2015, police in Sihanoukville have been reporting instances of drink spiking and violence in the evening in some bars frequented by foreigners. Be vigilant, particularly in and around late night bars and don t leave drinks unattended. There have been a small number of rapes and sexual assaults against foreigners in various locations.

The local equivalent to the UK 999 emergency lines are: 117 for police, 118 for fire, and 119 for ambulance. If you need to report a crime in Phnom Penh, go to the Tourist Police at Number 13,Street 158, near Wat Koh. In Siem Reap, the Tourist Police office is next to the ticketing booth for the Angkor temple ruins. In Sihanoukville, Battambang and other towns in Cambodia, please seek advice from local police on which police station you should report to.

Local law enforcement responses to crimes, even violent crimes, are often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have reported finding police stations closed, emergency telephone numbers unanswered, or police lacking transportation or authorisation to investigate crimes that occur at night.

There have been reports of police charging fees for some services, including issuing police reports. Issuing a police report for crimes should not carry a fee. If you suspect an inappropriate fee is being demanded from you, report the matter by email to the

British Embassy, including details of the police station. This information will be collated and reported to the Cambodian national police. Cambodians are friendly, but you should be wary if a Cambodian or other foreign national befriends you quickly and invites you to their home or hotel on the pretext of meeting their family.

There have been reports of British nationals becoming the victim of a poker scam and then threatened at knife-point to withdraw money at an ATM.

While there is good internet, wifi and mobile phone coverage in the main cities and towns of Cambodia, many of the islands and remote areas are not covered. Make sure your friends and family are aware that you may be out of contact.

Be especially alert to the local security situation in border regions and at land crossings between countries. Seek local advice before you set off. At the more remote crossing points, conditions can be basic. Some visitors have reported local officials at land borders asking for unofficial fees or inflating visa prices. Make sure you know the correct visa requirements and fees before you travel.

Cambodia does not have the same health and safety standards as in the UK. Please be aware that safety advice will be minimal and there may not be warning signs at tourist sites.

You should get permission from the district head, provincial governor or national tourism authority for any travel perceived as out of the ordinary, including business, extensive photography, or scientific research of any kind.

Heavy storms during the monsoon can cause disruption and damage including flooding and landslides. Travel to some provinces can be seriously disrupted during this time. Poor drainage leads to flooded roads in monsoon season, causing major traffic congestion in Phnom Penh, allow additional travel time if you re heading to the airport. The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River on its website. Monitor local news and weather reports, and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation.

Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly prone to dangerous flash flooding during the rainy season.

The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) is disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. Since 2015 there have been occasional clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops in the area. Although relations between the two countries concerning the border are improving, the FCO continues to advise against all travel to the temple and surrounding area due to the possibility of further violence.

Disputes also exist over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which lie close to the Thailand-Cambodia border. There was fighting between Cambodian and Thai troops at Ta Krabey in 2015. The FCO advises against all travel to the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temple area.

There were separate confrontations in Oddar Meanchey Province, 3km east of the Ou Smach international border crossing with Thailand in 2015 and at Trapaing Prasat District in 2015.

Cambodia remains heavily affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Mined areas are often unmarked. Don t stray off main routes in rural areas, including around temple complexes and don t pick up metal objects.

Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in the region. There are high numbers of fatalities and serious injuries. Many accidents are due to poor vehicle and driver safety standards. There were at least two bus accidents involving foreigners in 2015. Most roads are in very poor condition. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of accidents.

You ll need a Cambodian driving licence to drive a vehicle, including a motorcycle. If you have an International Driving Permit, you can apply for a Cambodian licence for US $32. Some local travel agencies can arrange this for a fee. Driving or riding a motorbike without a licence may invalidate your travel insurance in the event of an accident. Your vehicle may also be impounded.

Travelling as a passenger by motorcycle taxi ( motodop ) is dangerous. Vehicles are poorly maintained and driving standards are low. There is also a risk of bag snatching, particularly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

The police can impose an on-the-spot fine if you ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Riding without a helmet may also invalidate your insurance.

Due to the high number of accidents involving tourists on motorcycles in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, the local police occasionally ban rental shops from hiring to tourists. The police are known to stop tourists on motorcycles and advise them to return the bikes immediately. They sometimes also impose an unofficial fine.

Before you hire a vehicle, check your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered (as either a driver or passenger for motorcycles) and check the small print of the rental agreement. Don t use your passport as security for motorcycle or car rental. Owners have been known to hold on to passports against claimed damage to the motorcycle or scooter.

The road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, National Road number 6 is being upgraded. The previous journey time of 6 to 7 hours, can now take several hours more. Some sections are particularly hazardous, with excavations on both sides of the road and clouds of road dust caused by traffic significantly reducing visibility. Allow extra time for your journey or consider an alternative route.

Accidents have occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained boats. A boat with tourists sank off the coast of Sihanoukville in April 2015 due to overloading. Don t board a vessel if you think it is overloaded. Life-vests and other safety equipment are not routinely provided, even on modern vessels. Boat travel on rivers becomes difficult in the dry season (March - May). Water levels in rivers and lakes are high during the rainy season. Check online and with other travelers for opinions on travel options.

There have been attacks against ships in the South China Sea and surrounding seas. Mariners should be vigilant, reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on-board and report all incidents to the coastal and Flag State authorities.

If you re considering jungle trekking, use a reputable tour guide. There s no licensing system for tour guides, so seek advice from other travellers, your hotel and look at online reviews before hiring a guide.

Take care when swimming, diving, kayaking or white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls, particularly in the rainy season from May to October. Currents can be extremely strong. Jellyfish can swim close to the shore, particularly during the rainy season. Their sting can be fatal. If in doubt take local advice from hotel management and dive centres.

If you rent jet skis or water sports equipment, make sure adequate safety precautions are in place. Rent only from reputable operators, thoroughly check for damage before use and insist on training.

The standards maintained by diving schools and rescue services are not always as high as in the UK. Check a dive operator s credentials carefully before using them and make sure you re covered by your insurance. If you have not had any previous diving experience, ask your dive operator to explain what cover they offer before signing up for a course. Make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen. You should also ask about contingency plans including the ability to call for help while at sea and to evacuate divers to the nearest hyperbaric chamber if necessary.