Health
Health care: Health insurance, including emergency evacuation, is absolutely essential. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payments for any medical treatment. The cost of medical evacuation is high. It is suggested that any visitors bring adequate supplies of any essential personal medication, since that medication may not be available in Cambodia.
Vaccination: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travelers arriving from infected areas. A cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Cambodia. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Immunization against typhoid is recommended. Polio vaccination should be up-to-date. Malaria risk exists all year outside the capital and close around Tonle Sap. Malaria does occur in the tourist areas of Angkor Wat. The malignant falciparum strain predominates and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Resistance to mefloquine has been reported from the western provinces. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine (including within the Angkor Wat area) but doxycycline in the western provinces.
Food and drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Giardiasis, dysentery, typhoid fever and dengue fever are common throughout Cambodia. Hepatitis A occurs, hepatitis B is hyper endemic. Japanese encephalitis occurs in rural areas from May to October and is relatively common in the highlands. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. HIV/AIDS is endemic and safe sex practices are essential.
Safety
Safety: Cambodia is a relatively safe country to visit. As a global rule, we recommend you never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. Valuables should be stored in the safety box in your room, if available, or at the reception. Avoid mopeds late at night. With regard to landmines, there are still many thousands of land-mines and unexploded ordnance in more remote areas of Cambodia. The chances of approaching these areas unknown to you are very small. In rural areas, always seek local advice and don't stray from that.