Cambodia

At a Glance

Cambodia blends ancient wonder with modern adventure—from sunrise at Angkor Wat to life on the Mekong. Travellers’ diarrhoea, typhoid, and mosquito-borne illnesses are common, especially outside Phnom Penh. Healthcare can be limited, so pack a solid travel kit. Use bottled or boiled water and be cautious with street food. Helmets for motorbikes are a must, and road trauma is a leading cause of serious injury for visitors.

Temples, tuk-tuks, and tropical charm—Cambodia is rich in culture and warm hospitality. Safe food choices and mosquito protection go a long way here.

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Go-to travel health essentials — practical, proven, and always packed.

🦟 Mosquito Protection
Strong repellent (look for one with DEET 30–50% for maximum effectiveness), anti-itch cream, breathable long sleeves, and mosquito nets in rural or jungle areas. Consider permethrin-treated clothing if you're headed off the beaten path.

💩 Tummy Troubles Toolkit
Bring an antidiarrhoeal (like loperamide), oral rehydration salts (ORS), and a basic antacid. Cambodia’s delicious food and street eats can be spicy, new, and sometimes... challenging.

☀️ Sun & Skin Care
Pack a high-SPF sunscreen (50+ is ideal), SPF lip balm, and hand sanitiser with 60–70% alcohol. Gel formats often absorb better in humidity, but avoid heavily perfumed ones — they can irritate skin and attract bugs.

🩹 First Aid & Docs
A small first aid kit, medical summary, regular prescriptions, and travel insurance documents are must-haves. Keep digital copies, too — just in case.

💊 Comfort & Care
Include paracetamol or ibuprofen, an antihistamine for bites and allergies, and something for cold & flu symptoms. Travel can be tough on your immune system — especially with air-con and long travel days.

🔥 Extra Tip
If you're heading into remote provinces or planning jungle treks, stock up before you leave Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. The heat and humidity can be intense — electrolyte tabs can be a lifesaver.

Prep Well. Travel Well. Know the Risks.

Small Bites, Big risks

Mosquitoes- The World’s Deadliest Traveller

The most common health concern in Cambodia is dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day—particularly early morning and late afternoon. Dengue is present year-round and peaks during the rainy season (May–October). Chikungunya and Zika virus have also been detected, while Japanese encephalitis (JE) is endemic and a consideration for travellers spending a month or more in rural areas or engaging in extended outdoor activities.

Malaria risk is low in urban and major tourist areas, but Plasmodium vivax remains a concern in remote, forested regions near the northeastern borders. Travellers visiting these areas should seek pre-travel advice on malaria prevention and take mosquito bite precautions such as using DEET-based repellent, sleeping under treated nets, and wearing protective clothing.

Rabies Risk

Rabies is endemic in Cambodia, with over 100,000 reported dog bites annually and an estimated 400 related deaths. Monkey scratches are also a known risk, particularly in tourist areas like Angkor Wat. Travellers should avoid touching or feeding animals.

If bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek urgent medical care. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available at facilities such as the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, but may be difficult to access in rural areas. Pre-travel rabies vaccination is advised for those staying long-term, travelling remotely, or at higher exposure risk.

Eat Adventurously, Not Regretfully

Travellers’ diarrhoea, typhoid, and other enteric infections are common in Cambodia. Tap water is not safe to drink. Always use sealed bottled water or properly boiled water, and avoid drinking water served with ice in rural areas. In cities, commercially produced ice is generally safe.

When eating out, choose hot, freshly cooked meals from busy vendors where food turnover is high.

Popular local dishes like amok (steamed fish curry), lok lak (stir-fried beef), and bai sach chrouk (grilled pork and rice) are generally safe if served hot and freshly prepared. Be cautious with raw salads, unpeeled fruits, smoothies made with tap water, and Western-style dishes like sandwiches or dairy-based desserts, which may involve unrefrigerated ingredients.

Hidden food risks include undercooked seafood, shellfish harvested from contaminated waters, and home-made ice creams or yoghurts in rural areas, which may not meet safe hygiene standards.

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever remain endemic, with rising antibiotic resistance. Vaccination is recommended for extended stays or travel to rural regions. For self-treatment of travellers’ diarrhoea, azithromycin is the preferred antibiotic due to widespread fluoroquinolone resistance in the region.

Beyond the Basics: Unique Health Risks

Every destination has its own surprises. Here are the health risks that don’t always make it into standard travel advice—but are important to know before you go.

The Infections You Didn’t See Coming
Leptospirosis, melioidosis, and schistosomiasis sound obscure—but in Cambodia’s rainy season, they’re worth knowing about.

Leptospirosis and melioidosis are present in Cambodia, especially during the rainy season when exposure to floodwaters, muddy ground, or rice paddies increases.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated with animal urine, often after flooding. It may cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, liver or kidney problems.
Melioidosis is a serious infection from bacteria found in wet soil, more common in people with diabetes, chronic illness, or open wounds. It can cause fever, chest infections, skin ulcers, or even life-threatening sepsis.

Travellers engaging in adventure travel, farming, or trekking should avoid walking barefoot, wear protective boots, and clean cuts or abrasions promptly with antiseptic.

Schistosomiasis, caused by tiny parasitic worms in freshwater, is found in parts of the Mekong River basin, especially around Kratie Province. The worms enter through the skin. Symptoms can include a rash, fever, or abdominal pain days to weeks after exposure. Swimming in lakes, rivers, and ponds is discouraged. If a rash or fever appears after freshwater contact, travellers should seek medical advice for acute schistosomiasis.

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When it doesn't go to plan

Healthcare Access and Medicines in Cambodia

Healthcare standards in Cambodia are variable. According to SmartTraveller and the CDC, public hospitals and rural clinics often lack basic resources and may not meet international standards. A small number of internationally managed clinics and hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can provide basic care and emergency stabilisation, including:

Royal Phnom Penh Hospital
Royal Angkor International Hospital (Siem Reap)
International SOS Clinic (Phnom Penh)
U-Care Medical Centres (Phnom Penh & Siem Reap)

For serious illness, injury, or surgery, travellers are generally advised to seek care in Bangkok or Singapore. It is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as costs can be significant.

Pharmacies are widespread, but the quality and authenticity of medicines can be unreliable. The CDC warns of counterfeit drugs in circulation, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. Stick to larger, reputable chains such as U-Care Pharmacy, and bring a full supply of any regular medicines, with scripts and generic names included.

Refer to SmartTraveller.gov.au or the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh for updated health and safety advice before you go.

Before you go

Vaccinations for Travelling to Cambodia

Before you travel to Cambodia, it’s important to check that your vaccinations are up to date. Some are required for entry, while others are strongly recommended for your safety—especially if you’re visiting rural areas, staying longer, or doing adventure activities.

Essential Routine Vaccines

All travellers should be up to date with the following before departure:

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Tdap)
Polio
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Influenza (seasonal flu)
COVID-19 (including booster doses if eligible)

Infants aged 6–11 months may be advised to receive an early dose of MMR or Hepatitis A before travel. This dose doesn’t replace the standard childhood schedule but offers protection during travel.

Recommended Travel Vaccines

These vaccines are strongly recommended for most travellers to Cambodia, especially if you’re eating street food, visiting smaller towns or rural areas, or staying for an extended time:

Hepatitis A – Common in food and water. One dose offers good short-term protection.
Hepatitis B – Spread through blood, medical procedures, or sexual contact.
Typhoid – A risk from contaminated food and water, especially in rural or local areas.
Rabies – Recommended if you’ll be spending time in rural areas, working with animals, or visiting temples where monkeys roam.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) – Consider vaccination if staying a month or more in rural areas, travelling during the wet season, or doing lots of outdoor activities.
Chikungunya – A new vaccine may be considered for older travellers or those staying six months or more.
Malaria – There is no vaccine, but malaria tablets may be needed if travelling to certain forested or border regions. Speak to your doctor about the right medication.

Yellow Fever – Entry Requirement

Cambodia does not have yellow fever. However, a yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, including long stopovers or airport transits in those regions.

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Traffic Trouble: More Than Just a Travel Inconvenience

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of serious injury among travellers in Cambodia. Road conditions are often poor, with potholes, limited signage, and unpredictable traffic, especially outside major cities. Local road rules are inconsistently followed, and right of way is rarely observed.

Motorbike accidents are common. Avoid hiring or riding motorbikes unless highly experienced, and always wear a quality helmet. Check your travel insurance carefully — many policies exclude motorbike accidents without a valid license or proper safety gear.

Tuk-tuks are a convenient way to get around, but safety standards vary. Choose modern, well-maintained tuk-tuks, sit well inside the carriage, and keep belongings secure to avoid opportunistic theft, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Try to avoid road travel after dark, when vehicle lighting is poor and drunk driving incidents increase. For longer trips, consider booking private drivers through reputable services.

Weather

Weathering the Climate: Health Risks & Tips

Cambodia has a hot and humid climate year-round, with the hottest months between March and May. During these times, travellers are at increased risk of heat exhaustion, sunburn, and dehydration. Plan physical activities for early morning or late afternoon, wear sun protection, and take frequent breaks in the shade.

Air quality can be poor during the dry season due to dust and burning. Travellers with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should check air quality forecasts and limit outdoor activity when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is high.

Exploring Without Limits: Travel and Chronic Conditions

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Travel Well Extras

Adventurous travellers may be tempted to try fried insects, spiders, or even scorpions, which are sold as snacks in Cambodian markets. While many of these are deep-fried and served hot (reducing bacterial risk), hygiene standards can vary widely. Be cautious about how and where these foods are prepared — avoid items that have been sitting out, and choose stalls that cook food to order.