Cambodia : Safety by CityOnce you mention Siem Reap, the first thought is about Angkor, the ancient temple where the Kmer people used to live from the 9th to 15th centuries.
However, Siem Reap is not famous just for that Archaeological Park, but for many other great things.
Siem Reap is the major tourist destination in Cambodia and the second most visited town.
Its economy is based on tourism since half of the population works in the tourism industry.
This resort town is full of expensive hotels and there is plenty to do in and around the city.
Besides being close to Angkor Wat, it is also not far away from the biggest sweet water lake, the huge Tonle Sap Lake.
Warnings & Dangers in Siem Reap
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Siem Reap is probably the safest place in Cambodia and that is why it has become a well-visited tourist destination. Petty crime, unfortunately, cannot be excluded, while some other major criminal acts are not very common. Tourists should never leave their valuables unattended anywhere because even a hotel room is not safe of thieves and they will find a way in even though it is locked.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
The traffic in this city is very chaotic and it is always suggested to take a taxi or a bus, which is a very cheap and fast way of going through the city, instead of driving. Many people decide to rent a motorbike, but they should be very watchful and always use a helmet.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Although this is not a place where groups of bag snatchers wait for their pray, pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent especially in public transport, markets, and night clubs.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The climate of Siem Reap is such that it includes the monsoon season which lasts from May to October and the flooding in that period is considered normal, as well as typhoons and tsunamis.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The risk of being kidnapped or mugged in Siem Reap is not at a high level. Nevertheless, travelers need to be cautious since that risk is possible anywhere in the world.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Regarding the fact that terrorism is a constant menace to the whole world, Siem Reap is not an exception. There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Cambodia, so tourists should remain vigilant.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams risks are frequent in Siem Reap and some of them are characteristic for that destination. In case you decide to rent a motorbike, your lock for securing it is the best solution since some companies tend to use a copy of the key and steal them. Banknotes should always be checked and tourists should be aware that tuk-tuk drivers may drive them around the town to make the price higher. Baby-milk scam is a common type of scam in Siem Reap when a poor woman begs for some milk powder for her baby.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cambodia is safe for solo female travelers as long as they practice their common sense and keep their possessions firmly. Sexual assaults are very rare, but the risk should not be ignored.
So... How Safe Is Siem Reap Really?
Although most visitors come here to see the ancient temple Angkor Wat, Siem Reap can offer plenty of things to do in and around the city.
For those who want to experience the markets, bars, and shops, the central area of Siem Reap is an ideal place.
The others who are interested in sightseeing can explore Wat Thmei Pagoda and Wat Preah Inkosei along with a National Museum.
Unfortunately, there is an unpleasant side to any other tourist destination.
The most frequent and reported crimes are pick-pocketing and bag snatching.
The drink spiking with the aim of theft is common in SiemReap, especially at night.
The land mines at Phnom Kulen and Koh Ker can be risky for those tourists who want to go off the path and visit outlying temples.
Siem Reap is safe when more violent crimes are concerned, so the only thing tourists need to do is to follow the advice, act as in any other tourist destination and enjoy their wonderful journey.
How Does Siem Reap Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 63 |
| Phnom Penh | 61 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines inhabitants do not need a visa to enter Cambodia. For all the other countries, it is necessary. Tourist visas cost 35$ for 2 months and they can get it once they arrive at the airport, or via the Internet.
Currency
The Cambodia Riel (KHR) is the official currency. Because Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, prices are higher than in the other places in Cambodia. Credit cards are accepted while ATMs charge a fee of 5$ per withdrawal.
Weather
A tropical wet and dry climate is characteristic of Cambodia. The city’s average high temperatures are over 30 degrees C in any month. The wet season lasts from April to November with approximately 1500 mm of rainfall per year.
Airports
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the busiest and largest airport with direct flights from many Asian cities and other countries. It is 7 kilometers away from the town.
Travel Insurance
The travelers are always advised to get travel insurance in case of medical difficulties, theft, and loss of personal items. Additionally, for Siem Reap, travelers are advised to check whether their insurance policy covers traveling by motorcycles since many tourists decide to tour Siem Reap on a motorbike.
Siem Reap Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 31 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 |
| High °F | 88 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 95 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F | 70 | 73 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 77 | 75 | 72 |
Cambodia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 61 |
| Siem Reap | 63 |
Not really.I am the one who live in Siem Reap and a lot of traveler come here and they use Tuk Tuk and cars as their vehicle not motor bike. I don’t comment motorbike to all tourism. Coz it’s really dangerous for who never experience driving in here.
for more safe you should have a tour guide, they can find you more experience and info about our ancient town.
Thanks with Regards,
Having gone to Siem Reap twice, I was never recommended to use a motorbike myself. I think people just take it upon themselves to want one in this area and you are right, it is dangerous. The roads are busy and you can easily injure yourself or others. Not worth the risk at all!
never go to siem reap
Two weeks ago, I had a bag snatch in siem reap and afterward they pulled me out of tuk tuk and now I am badly injured, I have bleeding face and bleeding eye.
this city is a combination of thieve and police collaborating with each other.
I had a bad experience too. I was just buying something in the market near Pub Street then suddenly a teenager stood beside me for few seconds. After that, my phone was gone.
Fatemeh are you man or woman?
Local guid
The picture is HoChiMinh city, Vietnam. Not Seam Reap
Good Get Away Location
I have been here in Siem Reap for two months, but during Covid, I lived in Siem Reap for eight months. Cambodia is a poor country. That tells you that theft of valuables like mobile phones, etc., will be prevalent, to be sure. Don’t carry your cell phone in a pouch attached to your belt, or it will be gone before you depart the country. Siem Reap is a safe place for men to walk alone at night. I can go out at midnight to get something to eat and walk around down dark streets without ever having a problem, not one problem. Now that Covid is over, many Cambodians come here to work, bringing issues. Those people are usually aggressive, so remember just to say no several times. Women who stand in front of you can be swept away. DON’T RENT A SCOOTER. Driver’s licenses are required, so you will always be wrong if you are in an accident. The Laws: If a water pot in your hotel room catches fire, you will be responsible for the repair! Unplug before leaving the room.