When I said to my family I was going backpacking to Southeast Asia and visiting Cambodia along the way “is Cambodia safe?” was the first thing I got asked.

And I understand why.

Cambodia’s past still shapes how people see it. When you mention the country, conversations often turn to the Khmer Rouge, genocide, and the horrors that took place under Pol Pot in the 1970s.

That history is very real. You feel it when you visit places like Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. But modern Cambodia is not frozen in its past.

So is Cambodia safe for backpackers?

My honest answer: yes, overall — but it depends where you are.

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Is Cambodia Safe for Backpackers?

Cambodia is a hugely popular stop on the Southeast Asia backpacking route, particularly for:

• Siem Reap
• Phnom Penh
• Koh Rong
• Kampot

Violent crime against tourists is not common, but petty theft, scams and opportunistic crime do exist, especially in bigger cities.

Personally, my sense of safety shifted depending on where I was. If Cambodia is one of your first stops in Southeast Asia and you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed, I cover everything I wish I’d known before I started in my Newbie Backpacker Guide.

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Siem Reap: Where I Felt Most Comfortable

If you’re wondering “is Cambodia safe?”, Siem Reap is likely where you’ll feel most at ease. It’s heavily built around tourism thanks to Angkor Wat, and that infrastructure makes a difference. The streets are well lit. There are plenty of travellers around. Hostels and hotels are well reviewed. The vibe is relaxed.

I felt safe walking around here. It felt organised. Structured. Designed for visitors.

If Cambodia feels intimidating to you, Siem Reap is a gentle introduction.

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Koh Rong: Strong Backpacker Energy — But Be Cautious

Koh Rong felt very different again. It’s almost exclusively backpackers. There’s a real community feel – everyone arrives on the same boats, stays in the same handful of hostels, sees the same people at sunset. I felt safe socially there.

But there are things to watch out for:

1. Food poisoning

Island hygiene standards can vary. I know multiple people who got sick.

2. Hostel theft

Because it’s such a backpacker hub, petty theft can happen in dorms.

3. Infrastructure risks

This one is serious.

While I was there, a girl we had met on the bus crossing from Vietnam suffered severe burns when an electrical fire started at the plug socket near her bed. The bed caught alight and she was badly burned. It was awful.

Healthcare on the island is extremely limited. Serious injuries require transfer to the mainland. That incident didn’t make me feel unsafe in a crime sense, but it reminded me that Cambodia’s infrastructure is not the same as home.

Be mindful where you stay. Check sockets. Don’t assume Western safety standards.

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Phnom Penh: Where I Felt Most Aware

Phnom Penh felt different. It’s busy. Chaotic. Fast-moving. And you can really feel the wealth divide there. Luxury cars driving past extreme poverty. High-end rooftop bars next to struggling neighbourhoods.

I didn’t feel in immediate danger, but I was very aware of my surroundings.

There were moments where I definitely felt like some people were targeting tourists, especially around certain nightlife areas. If I had been travelling solo, I would have avoided walking alone in the dark.

That’s not to scare you — it’s just honest.

Phnom Penh requires a bit more street awareness than Siem Reap.

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Travel Insurance I Always Recommend
Backpacking is full of surprises—sometimes the best adventures come with unexpected hiccups. That’s why I never travel without comprehensive travel insurance. On my trips across Southeast Asia, I relied on True Traveller for peace of mind, whether it was lost luggage, sudden illness, or unexpected flight changes. It’s easy to set up, and I love knowing I’m covered no matter where the journey takes me.

If you’re planning a trip, check out True Traveller here—it’s what I personally use and recommend for fellow backpackers.

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Cambodia’s Past & Why People Still Ask “Is Cambodia Safe?”

Cambodia’s history deeply impacts how people perceive it. Under the Khmer Rouge between 1975–1979, nearly two million people died. Visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is confronting and unforgettable. Visiting Tuol Sleng and meeting a survivor of that regime changed the way I see the country entirely.

But modern Cambodia is not lawless. It is developing rapidly. It is tourism-dependent. And in major traveller areas, you are not walking into chaos.

The country’s tragic past doesn’t translate into present-day danger for tourists.

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Getting Around Safely: Why I Only Recommend Giant Ibis

Transport is one area where I strongly believe you shouldn’t cut corners. If you’re travelling between cities, I only recommend Giant Ibis Transport.

I wrote a full breakdown in my guide on how to get around Cambodia — but in short:

• They have better safety standards
• Drivers are more professional
• Buses are reliable and well maintained
• You avoid some of the more chaotic local bus situations

Road safety in Cambodia can be unpredictable. Paying slightly more for reputable transport is worth it.

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Is Cambodia Safe Compared to Thailand or Vietnam?

Cambodia feels less regulated than Thailand. Less polished. Less structured. You can feel the economic difference more visibly, particularly in Phnom Penh. But that doesn’t automatically mean unsafe.

It just means:

• Be aware of your belongings
• Don’t flash valuables
• Avoid walking alone late at night in certain areas
• Choose reputable accommodation
• Use trusted transport

Standard backpacker logic – just applied consciously.

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So… Is Cambodia Safe to Backpack?

Yes — Cambodia is safe for backpackers. I felt comfortable in Siem Reap. I loved the community in Koh Rong. I felt more alert in Phnom Penh. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? 100%. Would I wander around alone at 2am in Phnom Penh if I were solo? Probably not.

Cambodia is layered. Emotional. Complex. Still healing. Rapidly developing. It’s not a country to skip out of fear.

It’s a country to approach with awareness.

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Planning Your Cambodia Trip?

If you’re mapping out your route:

• Read my complete Backpacking Cambodia guide
• Check my transport breakdown on why I only recommend Giant Ibis
• And if you want to understand Cambodia beyond the backpacker surface, read about my visit to Tuol Sleng

Cambodia isn’t just “safe” or “unsafe.” It’s human. It’s confronting. It’s unforgettable.

And if you travel smart, it will likely be one of the most powerful countries you visit in Southeast Asia.

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

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