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Cambodia - travelling solo

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Thinking of travelling solo to Cambodia
15 years ago, November 20th 2008 No: 1 Msg: #55171  
B Posts: 11
Hi there ... thinking of travelling solo to Cambodia for a couple of weeks. I was in Thailand in May by myself and had no issues. Just wondering about the safety of women travelling alone in Cambodia. Reply to this

15 years ago, November 21st 2008 No: 2 Msg: #55217  
Hi,

I see there is no trouble when traveling in Cambodia but you should pay attention to some related health and safety issues.

Cambodia is a safe and friendly country, with the usual exception for large cities late at night, particularly Phnom Penh, and unobserved luggage or wallets. Bag snatching, even from those on bicycles and motorcycles, is a problem in Phnom Penh. Be discreet with your possessions, especially cash and cameras, and as always, take extra care in all poorly lit or more remote areas.

Most medical services in Cambodia are not up to Western standards, and the rest are few and far between and very expensive. Should you become seriously ill or injured while in Cambodia, evacuation to Thailand or Singapore will be the most likely result. Because this can be incredibly costly, adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must while in Cambodia.

There are presently no vaccination requirements to enter Cambodia, unless arriving directly from Africa. Border officials have from time to time operated scams whereby travellers were "fined" for not having proof of vaccinations, however this now appears to have stopped completely.

Before visiting Cambodia, be sure to discuss prevention with a qualified specialist / travel clinic. It's especially important to review the relevant vaccinations (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, rabies, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid, etc) well in advance; in addition, both malaria and dengue fever are endemic in some parts of Cambodia, particularly in heavily forested areas for malaria, though dengue fever can be found throughout the country.

HIV/AIDS is widespread and on the increase, with some surveys showing as many as 40% of commercial sex workers being HIV positive. If you intend to engage in such activities, be sure to use protection.

Tap water in Cambodia is not suitable for drinking. Phnom Penh municipality claims that its water is treated and cleaned and this is probably true; however by the time it gets to your tap, it's most likely been contaminated anyway. Bottled water is the only thing you should ever drink or brush your teeth with. Be careful with ice in your drinks, as it has often also come from the tap out the back.
Reply to this

15 years ago, November 21st 2008 No: 3 Msg: #55232  
B Posts: 11
Thank you so much for that. Pretty much what I thought with respect to personal safety of which I am always very conscious of regardless of what country. The same with vaccinations and such ... I always verify before leaving what I will be needing. I was thinking of spending quite a bit of time at the Ankgor Wats, Siem Reap and Phnom Pehn so was not really thinking of doing very remote areas anyways. All in all ... it's just good common sense. Thanks again for that information and taking the time to detail it for me. Reply to this

15 years ago, November 21st 2008 No: 4 Msg: #55234  
Hello Caroline 😊

I have never heard of anyone complain of the usual problems(sexual harassment, risk of assault) that women travellers face in many countries happening in Cambodia.

Mel Reply to this

15 years ago, November 28th 2008 No: 5 Msg: #55979  
N Posts: 13
Hello Caroline,

When do you plan to travel to Cambodia? I plan to go there myself and if the timing is right, perhaps I'll join you 😊 Reply to this

15 years ago, December 28th 2008 No: 6 Msg: #58493  
At the risk of being indelicate, let me suggest that you bring your own feminine hygiene products. I was unable to buy tampons, and pads were very expensive. Reply to this

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