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 2013 in a mostly peaceful environment. On 29 July 2013, 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 2014 and several security guards and protestors seriously injured in July 2014.
On 22 July 2014 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.
Crime
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 2014 2 expatriates were murdered during a burglary at their Phnom Penh home; and in 2013, 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 2014, 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.
Local travel
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.
Thailand Border
The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) is disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. Since 2008 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 2011. 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 2010 and at Trapaing Prasat District in 2010.
Landmines
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.
Road travel
Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in http://book.asiatravel.com/ 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 2012. 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.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni9b6mOkKJ0
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.
Sea/river Travel
Accidents have occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained boats. A boat with tourists sank off the coast of Sihanoukville in April 2011 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.
Adventurous activities and swimming
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.
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/cambodia
