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Cambodia Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Yes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
No * |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
Yes |
| Yellow Fever |
No ** |
Healthcare standards in Cambodia vary widely between urban centres and rural areas. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have private hospitals and international clinics that provide a reasonable standard of care for routine treatment and minor emergencies. Facilities outside major cities are more limited, and serious medical conditions may require transfer to a private hospital in the capital or evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Pharmacies are widespread in cities and towns and are often the first point of contact for minor illnesses. Many medications, including antibiotics and painkillers, are available without a prescription, though quality and availability can vary. Visitors who rely on specific prescription medication should bring an adequate supply from home, along with a copy of the prescription, as brand names and formulations may differ.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include cover for medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Payment is usually required upfront at private facilities, even in emergencies. Visitors are advised to carry insurance details at all times and to familiarise themselves with their policy coverage before travel.
Tap water in Cambodia is not considered safe to drink. Visitors should use bottled or properly filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive throughout the country. Ice is generally safe in hotels and established restaurants, but caution is advised in smaller eateries where the source of the water may be unclear.
Food hygiene standards vary. In tourist areas and reputable restaurants, food safety is generally good, but visitors should take care when eating street food by choosing busy stalls where food is freshly cooked and served hot. Raw or undercooked meat and seafood should be avoided. Dairy products are less commonly used in Cambodian cuisine, but visitors should ensure that milk, yoghurt and cheese are pasteurised, particularly when consumed outside hotels or higher-end restaurants. Fruit that can be peeled is usually safe.
The main risks to visitors in Cambodia are related to traffic, climate and uneven infrastructure rather than serious crime. Road accidents are a significant concern, particularly involving motorbikes, tuk-tuks and buses. Pedestrians should take care when crossing roads, and visitors are advised to avoid travelling at night on rural roads where lighting is poor and livestock may be present.
Heat-related illness can occur, especially during the hot season from March to May. Visitors should stay hydrated, use sun protection and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Petty crime, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, can occur in busy urban areas, particularly in Phnom Penh, so valuables should be kept secure. Unexploded ordnance remains an issue in some remote rural areas, and visitors should stay on marked paths and follow local advice when travelling outside main tourist zones.
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