Phnom Penh, formerly known as Krong Chaktomuk Serimongkul or shortly known as Krong Chaktomuk, is the capital and most populous city in Cambodia. Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonization of Cambodia and has grown to become its economic, industrial, and cultural center.
Warnings & Dangers in Phnom Penh
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Phnom Penh is not the safest city to travel to. However, there is usually no problem for tourists if they observe certain precautions. Keep track of your belongings and your surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport can be unsafe, and traffic on the roads is very chaotic and unsafe. Use a taxi to get around. Ask the taxi driver to turn on the taximeter or agree on the trip's price in advance.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Bag snatching is the most common crime on the streets of Phnom Penh. Keep your bags with you tightly. Be careful at intersections. Never leave personal belongings unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Typhoons, floods, and tsunamis are common in Cambodia, so there is always a risk of their occurrence, especially during the rainy season. Study the weather conditions before your trip to this city.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
There are usually no major robberies and kidnappings in Phnom Penh. However, due to problems with drug trafficking, a showdown of local gangs is possible. Never get involved in these arguments.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorist attacks is low, but tourists should follow the guide’s advice and be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Scammers often approach tourists with friendly questions and compliments. Their goal is to lull your vigilance and rob you. Be careful not to talk to them. They can also often rip off a triple price from tourists for services and souvenirs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women can travel to this city if certain precautions are taken. Better not to ride a tuk-tuk late at night. Wear modest clothing and don't draw undue attention to yourself.
How Safe Is Phnom Penh for Tourists?
Phnom Penh is a medium-security city.
The main problems here are associated with a high level of corruption, vandalism, drug trafficking.
In this city, you need to be especially careful at night.
Theft of bags and smartphones is common;
Western and local women are often targeted but also men.
Robbers often drive up behind you on a motorcycle and grab your bags as they keep moving.
Be aware of this type of theft and carry things in your anti-theft backpack.
Lock your hotel room or other accommodation carefully.
Don’t even trust your bags to the hotel staff.
Valuables, cash and important documents are best left in the hotel safe.
There is a certain type of scam in this city where a scammer comes up to you, praises your clothes or asks for a photo.
Remember that these are scammers and do not talk to them.
The best way to end this conversation is to tell these people that your flight is coming soon (give them a random time after an hour or two from the current time), or alternatively, tell them that your chauffeur is waiting outside while you just do some business.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Phnom Penh?
All tourists from Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines do not need to have a visa. All the other travelers to Cambodia need to pay for the tourist visa, which lasts for 2 months.
Which Currency Is Used in Phnom Penh?
The riel is the currency of Cambodia. There have been two distinct riels, the first issued between 1953 and May 1975. Between 1975 and 1980, the country had no monetary system.
How's the Weather like in Phnom Penh?
In Phnom Penh, the wet season is overcast. The dry season is partly cloudy, hot, and oppressive year-round. The abundant rain during the monsoon season, which lasts during September and October, can cause flooding.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh International Airport is the busiest and the largest airport in Cambodia, located 10 kilometers from its capital city. It has two terminal buildings for international and domestic flights.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is the populous capital of Cambodia, lying at the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers’ confluence. The city served as the administrative center of the Khmer Empire and the French colony. Lined with parks and open to restaurants and bars, Phnom Penh’s waterfront is home to the ornate Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum with exhibits from across the country. In the center of the city is the huge Art Deco Central Market.
Is the Water in Phnom Penh Safe to Drink?
The drinking water in Phnom Penh is not potable. Use bottled tap or boil tap.
Is Uber Safe in Phnom Penh?
There is an Uber taxi in Phnom Penh. The cost of the trip will depend on the time of day and distance. You can call a taxi from the application on your smartphone.
