Introduction
Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, remains one of Cambodia’s most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and long-term residents. While the city offers a low cost of living, rich culture, and a vibrant expat community, safety concerns persist—particularly regarding petty crime, scams, road accidents, and limited emergency services.
This comprehensive safety guide provides data-driven insights into Siem Reap’s safety landscape in 2026, covering:
- Overall safety score (65/100) – What this means for expats
- Crime rates by neighborhood – Where to live and where to avoid
- Common scams targeting foreigners – How to spot and avoid them
- Safest neighborhoods for families and solo expats
- Areas to avoid at night (and why)
- Police quality and responsiveness – Can you rely on them?
- Emergency numbers and medical response
- Women’s safety – Harassment, nightlife risks, and precautions
- LGBTQ+ safety – Legal protections and social acceptance
- Natural disaster risks – Floods, storms, and heatwaves
- Health risks – Mosquito-borne diseases, food safety, and air quality
- Road safety – Why Siem Reap has one of the worst traffic death rates in Asia
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a realistic, no-nonsense understanding of Siem Reap’s safety challenges—and how to mitigate them.
1. Overall Safety Score: 65/100 (Moderate Risk)
Siem Reap’s safety score of 65/100 (based on Numbeo’s 2026 Crime Index, OSAC reports, and expat surveys) places it in the "moderate risk" category—safer than Phnom Penh (58/100) but riskier than expat hubs like Chiang Mai (78/100) or Da Nang (82/100).
What Does a 65/100 Safety Score Mean for Expats?
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✅ Pros:
- Low violent crime (homicides, armed robberies are rare)
- Affordable security (private guards, gated communities are cheap)
- Strong expat community (safety in numbers, shared advice)
- Tourist police presence (in high-traffic areas like Pub Street)
❌ Cons:
- High petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching, scams)
- Weak law enforcement (slow response, corruption, language barriers)
- Dangerous roads (motorcycle accidents are the #1 cause of expat deaths)
- Limited emergency services (ambulances are slow, hospitals are basic)
- Natural disaster risks (flooding, heatwaves, occasional storms)
How Does Siem Reap Compare to Other Expat Cities?
| City | Safety Score (2026) | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 65/100 | Petty crime, road accidents, weak police |
| Phnom Penh | 58/100 | Violent crime, scams, traffic chaos |
| Bangkok | 72/100 | Scams, protests, air pollution |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 68/100 | Motorbike theft, pickpocketing, floods |
| Chiang Mai | 78/100 | Low crime, but air pollution in dry season |
| Da Nang | 82/100 | Very safe, but occasional scams |
Verdict: Siem Reap is safer than Phnom Penh but riskier than Thailand or Vietnam for expats. Petty crime and road safety are the biggest concerns.
2. Crime Rates by Area (2026 Data)
Siem Reap’s crime is heavily concentrated in tourist-heavy and low-income areas. Below is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of crime risks, based on Cambodian National Police reports, expat surveys, and OSAC data.
Crime Heatmap of Siem Reap (2026)
(Higher score = higher crime risk)
| Neighborhood | Crime Risk (1-10) | Key Risks | Expat Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pub Street / Night Market | 9/10 | Pickpocketing, scams, drunk fights, bag snatching | High (tourists & short-term expats) |
| Wat Bo | 7/10 | Motorbike theft, burglaries, occasional muggings | Medium (budget expats, digital nomads) |
| Psar Chas (Old Market) | 8/10 | Scams, pickpocketing, overcharging | High (tourists) |
| Sivatha Blvd (Downtown) | 6/10 | Petty theft, occasional break-ins | Medium (mid-range expats) |
| Charles de Gaulle Blvd | 5/10 | Low violent crime, but some burglaries | Medium (long-term expats) |
| Krong Siem Reap (City Center) | 6/10 | Scams, drunk tourists, occasional theft | High (mix of expats & tourists) |
| Salakamreuk (North of Airport) | 4/10 | Low crime, but isolated at night | Low (local families) |
| Kok Chork (East of City) | 3/10 | Very safe, but far from amenities | Low (local residents) |
| Sok San Road (West of City) | 5/10 | Some burglaries, but generally safe | Medium (expat families) |
| Taphul Village (South of City) | 4/10 | Low crime, gated communities | High (wealthy expats, NGOs) |
| Chreav (North of Angkor) | 3/10 | Very safe, rural feel | Low (retirees, NGOs) |
| Nokor Krau (Rural Outskirts) | 2/10 | Extremely safe, but remote | Very low (farmers) |
Key Takeaways:
✔ Safest areas for expats:
- Taphul Village (gated communities, low crime)
- Chreav (quiet, rural, but far from city center)
- Sok San Road (mid-range, family-friendly)
- Salakamreuk (affordable, low crime, but limited nightlife)
❌ Highest-risk areas:
- Pub Street & Night Market (pickpocketing, scams, drunk fights)
- Wat Bo (motorbike theft, burglaries)
- Psar Chas (Old Market) (scams, overcharging, petty theft)
Best for families: Taphul Village, Chreav, Sok San Road
Best for solo expats/digital nomads: Sivatha Blvd, Charles de Gaulle Blvd, Wat Bo (with precautions)
3. Common Scams Targeting Foreigners (2026 Update)
Scams in Siem Reap are sophisticated, persistent, and often hard to spot. Below are the most common scams in 2026, with real prices (EUR) and how to avoid them.
A. The "Temple Ticket Scam" (Most Common in 2026)
How it works:
- A friendly local (or tuk-tuk driver) tells you that Angkor Wat is closed for a "Buddhist holiday" or "private event."
- They offer to take you to a "lesser-known temple" (often a fake or overpriced one).
- You end up paying €50-100 for a "special tour" that’s actually just a scam.
Real cost: €50-100 (official Angkor Pass is €37 for 1 day)
How to avoid:
✔ Only buy tickets at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket booth.
✔ Ignore anyone who says Angkor Wat is closed.
✔ Check the official website: www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh
B. The "Broken Meter" Tuk-Tuk Scam
How it works:
- You agree on a €2-3 ride, but the driver claims the meter is broken and charges €10-20 instead.
- Some drivers take you to a "friend’s shop" (where they get a commission).
Real cost: €10-20 (should be €2-5)
How to avoid:
✔ Use Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) or PassApp (fixed prices).
✔ Agree on a price before getting in.
✔ Avoid drivers who insist on taking you to shops.
C. The "Fake Police" Scam
How it works:
- A man in a fake police uniform stops you and asks for your passport and visa.
- They claim you owe a fine (e.g., €50 for "overstaying" or "not having a copy of your passport").
- If you pay, they pocket the money.
Real cost: €20-100 (no real fine)
How to avoid:
✔ Ask to see their police ID (real police will have one).
✔ Insist on going to the police station (scammers will back off).
✔ Never hand over your passport—only a copy.
D. The "Drink Spiking" Scam (Nightlife Risk)
How it works:
- A friendly local or expat offers to buy you a drink at a bar.
- The drink is spiked with sedatives or drugs.
- You wake up robbed, or worse.
Real cost: €100-1000+ (if credit cards are stolen)
How to avoid:
✔ Never leave your drink unattended.
✔ Watch the bartender pour your drink.
✔ Stick to bottled beer (harder to spike).
✔ Avoid "too good to be true" offers from strangers.
E. The "Gem Scam" (Still Happening in 2026)
How it works:
- A tuk-tuk driver or "friendly local" tells you about a "once-in-a-lifetime deal" on rare gems.
- They take you to a "government-approved shop" (which is fake).
- You buy "rare sapphires" for €500-2000, only to find out they’re worthless glass.
Real cost: €500-2000
How to avoid:
✔ Never buy gems from street vendors or "friends."
✔ If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
F. The "Fake Tour Guide" Scam
How it works:
- Someone approaches you at Angkor Wat and offers a "cheap, private tour."
- They take you to overpriced restaurants or shops (where they get a commission).
- The tour is rushed and low-quality.
Real cost: €30-100 (official guides cost €20-40)
How to avoid:
✔ Book guides through reputable agencies (e.g., Khmer Angkor Tour, Beyond Unique Escapes).
✔ Check reviews on TripAdvisor or Klook.
G. The "Motorbike Rental Scam"
How it works:
- You rent a motorbike for €5-10/day.
- When you return it, the owner claims you damaged it and demands €200-500.
- Some hide scratches before renting to you.
Real cost: €200-500
How to avoid:
✔ Take photos/videos of the bike before renting.
✔ Use reputable rental shops (e.g., Angkor Motorcycles, Happy Ranch).
✔ Never leave your passport as collateral.
4. Safest Neighborhoods for Expats (2026)
If you’re moving to Siem Reap, where you live will significantly impact your safety. Below are the safest neighborhoods for families and solo expats, ranked by crime rates, expat community, and amenities.
A. Taphul Village (Best for Families & Wealthy Expats)
✅ Safety Score: 9/10
✅ Crime Rate: Very low (gated communities, private security)
✅ Expat Community: High (NGOs, retirees, families)
✅ Pros:
- Gated villas with 24/7 security (€300-800/month)
- Close to international schools (e.g., International School of Siem Reap)
- Quiet, clean, and family-friendly
- Good restaurants & cafes (e.g., The Haven, Peace Café)
❌ Cons:
- Expensive (rent is €400-1500/month)
- Far from nightlife (10-15 min tuk-tuk to Pub Street)
Best for: Families, retirees, NGO workers
B. Chreav (Best for Peace & Nature Lovers)
✅ Safety Score: 9/10
✅ Crime Rate: Very low (rural, low population density)
✅ Expat Community: Medium (retirees, remote workers)
✅ Pros:
- Cheap land & rent (€200-500/month for a villa)
- Close to Angkor Wat (10 min drive)
- Quiet, green, and safe
- Good for long-term stays
❌ Cons:
- Far from city center (20 min tuk-tuk to downtown)
- Limited nightlife & restaurants
Best for: Retirees, digital nomads who want peace
C. Sok San Road (Best for Mid-Range Expats)
✅ Safety Score: 8/10
✅ Crime Rate: Low (some burglaries, but generally safe)
✅ Expat Community: High (digital nomads, families)
✅ Pros:
- Affordable rent (€250-600/month for a modern apartment)
- Close to city center (5-10 min tuk-tuk to Pub Street)
- Good mix of local & expat life
- Decent cafes & coworking spaces (e.g., Selantra, The Little Red Fox Espresso)
❌ Cons:
- Some motorbike theft (always park in secure areas)
- Can get noisy near main roads
Best for: Digital nomads, young professionals, small families
D. Sivatha Blvd (Best for Solo Expats & Budget Living)
✅ Safety Score: 7/10
✅ Crime Rate: Moderate (petty theft, occasional burglaries)
✅ Expat Community: High (digital nomads, backpackers)
✅ Pros:
- Cheap rent (€150-400/month for a decent apartment)
- Central location (walking distance to Pub Street)
- Lots of cafes, bars, and coworking spaces
❌ Cons:
- Higher crime risk (pickpocketing, scams)
- Noisy at night
Best for: Solo expats, digital nomads, budget travelers
5. Areas to Avoid at Night (And Why)
Siem Reap is generally safe during the day, but some areas become risky after dark. Here are the top places to avoid at night (or take extra precautions).
A. Pub Street & Night Market (Highest Risk at Night)
⚠ Why?
- Pickpocketing & bag snatching (crowds make it easy)
- Drunk fights & harassment (especially on weekends)
- Scams & overcharging (tuk-tuk drivers, bars)
- Drink spiking (rare but possible)
✔ Safety Tips:
- Don’t walk alone drunk.
- Keep your phone/bag in front of you.
- Avoid flashing expensive jewelry/cameras.
- Use Grab/PassApp instead of random tuk-tuks.
B. Wat Bo (Motorbike Theft & Burglaries)
⚠ Why?
- High rate of motorbike theft (€500-2000 loss)
- Burglaries in guesthouses (especially budget ones)
- Few streetlights, dark alleys
✔ Safety Tips:
- Park motorbikes in secure garages (€1-2/night).
- Use a heavy-duty lock (e.g., Kryptonite).
- Avoid walking alone at night.
C. Psar Chas (Old Market) After Dark
⚠ Why?
- Pickpocketing & scams (crowded, chaotic)
- Fake police & overcharging (common near market exits)
- Poor lighting in side streets
✔ Safety Tips:
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Avoid street money changers (use banks instead).
- Stick to well-lit main roads.
D. Charles de Gaulle Blvd (Late-Night Mugging Risk)
⚠ Why?
- Fewer people at night (easy for muggers)
- Some dark alleys near guesthouses
- Occasional bag snatching from motorbikes
✔ Safety Tips:
- Take a tuk-tuk after 10 PM.
- Avoid walking alone in dark areas.
- Keep valuables hidden.
6. Police Quality & Responsiveness (Can You Rely on Them?)
Cambodia’s police force is underfunded, underpaid, and often corrupt. Here’s what expats need to know about Siem Reap’s police in 2026.
A. Police Effectiveness (Low)
❌ Slow response times (30 min - 2 hours for non-emergencies)
❌ Language barriers (few English-speaking officers)
❌ Corruption (some officers demand "fees" to file reports)
❌ Low clearance rates (most petty crimes go unsolved)
✅ When they do help:
- Tourist police (near Pub Street) are more responsive to foreigners.
- Major crimes (violent assaults, armed robbery) get some attention.
- Traffic accidents (police will show up, but blame is often assigned to foreigners).
B. How to Report a Crime in Siem Reap
- Go to the nearest police station (not all have English speakers).
- Bring a Khmer-speaking friend (or use Google Translate).
- Insist on a written report (required for insurance claims).
- Expect delays (filing a report can take 1-3 hours).
- Avoid paying "fees" (some officers ask for €10-50 to "speed up" the process).
C. Best Police Stations for Expats
| Station | Location | English Spoken? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Police (Pub Street) | Near Night Market | Yes | Scams, theft, harassment |
| Siem Reap Municipal Police | Sivatha Blvd | No | General crimes |
| Angkor Police Station | Near Angkor Wat | No | Temple-related crimes |
D. What to Do If You’re a Victim of Crime
- Call the tourist police (012 969 991).
- Take photos of the crime scene.
- Get a police report (required for insurance).
- Contact your embassy (if passport/ID is stolen).
- Post in expat Facebook groups (e.g., Siem Reap Expats) for advice.
Verdict: Don’t expect much from the police. Prevention is key—avoid risky areas, secure your home, and don’t flash valuables.
7. Emergency Numbers & Medical Response
Siem Reap’s emergency services are basic but improving. Here’s what you need to know.
A. Emergency Numbers (2026)
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police (General) | 117 | Slow response, Khmer only |
| Tourist Police | 012 969 991 | English-speaking, better for foreigners |
| Ambulance | 119 | Slow, basic equipment |
| Fire Department | 118 | Limited resources |
| Royal Angkor International Hospital | 063 761 888 | Best private hospital |
| Siem Reap Provincial Hospital | 063 963 111 | Public, cheap but basic |
B. Medical Facilities (2026)
| Hospital | Type | Cost (EUR) | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Angkor International Hospital | Private | €50-500 per visit | Best in Siem Reap, English-speaking doctors |
| Siem Reap Provincial Hospital | Public | €5-50 per visit | Basic, long waits, Khmer only |
| Naga Clinic | Private | €30-200 per visit | Good for minor issues |
| Angkor Hospital for Children | Charity | Free/low-cost | Only for children under 16 |
C. Ambulance Response Times
- Private ambulance (Royal Angkor Hospital): 10-20 min (€50-100)
- Public ambulance (119): 30-60 min (free but slow)
- Tuk-tuk to hospital: 5-10 min (€3-5)
Verdict: For serious emergencies, go straight to Royal Angkor Hospital. For minor issues, Naga Clinic is a good option.
8. Women’s Safety in Siem Reap (2026)
Siem Reap is safer for women than Phnom Penh, but harassment, catcalling, and nightlife risks still exist. Here’s what female expats need to know.
A. Harassment & Catcalling (Moderate Risk)
- Common in: Pub Street, Night Market, Wat Bo
- Forms of harassment:
- Whistling, honking, "hello beautiful" calls
- Unwanted touching in crowded bars
- Aggressive tuk-tuk drivers
- How to respond:
- Ignore or firmly say "no."
- Avoid engaging with street vendors/hawkers.
- Dress modestly in local areas (cover shoulders/knees).
B. Nightlife Safety (High Risk in Some Areas)
⚠ Risky bars/clubs:
- Pub Street (drunk tourists, scams, harassment)
- Angkor What? Bar (known for drink spiking)
- Late-night clubs (e.g., Temple Balcony, Miss Wong Cocktail Bar)
✔ Safety tips for nightlife:
- Go with friends (never alone).
- Watch your drink being poured.
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
- Take a Grab/PassApp home (never a random tuk-tuk).
C. Dating & Relationships (Cultural Differences)
- Cambodian men may expect sex quickly (some see foreign women as "easy").
- Scams targeting single women:
- "Love scams" (men ask for money after a few dates)
- "Pregnancy scams" (fake pregnancy to extort money)
- How to stay safe:
- Take things slow.
- Meet in public places.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
D. Solo Female Travel Tips
✔ Accommodation:
- Stay in female-friendly hostels (e.g., Onederz Hostel, Lub d Siem Reap).
- Choose gated guesthouses (e.g., Tara Angkor Hotel, Golden Temple Villa).
✔ Transport:
- Use Grab/PassApp (avoid random tuk-tuks).
- Avoid walking alone at night (take a tuk-tuk even for short distances).
✔ Dress Code:
- Cover shoulders & knees in temples and local areas.
- Avoid tight/revealing clothes in non-tourist areas.
Verdict: Siem Reap is safe for women if precautions are taken. Harassment is common but rarely violent.
9. LGBTQ+ Safety in Siem Reap (2026)
Cambodia is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia, but social acceptance varies. Here’s what LGBTQ+ expats need to know.
A. Legal Protections (Minimal but Improving)
✅ Same-sex relationships are legal (no anti-LGBTQ+ laws).
✅ No legal recognition of same-sex marriage (but some hotels offer "symbolic weddings").
✅ Discrimination based on sexual orientation is technically illegal (but rarely enforced).
❌ Challenges:
- No hate crime laws (violence against LGBTQ+ people is rarely prosecuted).
- No adoption rights for same-sex couples.
- Transgender people cannot legally change gender markers.
B. Social Acceptance (Generally Tolerant)
- Siem Reap is more open than rural Cambodia (due to tourism).
- Gay bars & LGBTQ+ events exist (e.g., Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, The Station).
- Public displays of affection (PDA) are rare (even for straight couples).
⚠ Areas where LGBTQ+ people may face discrimination:
- Local markets & rural areas (conservative attitudes).
- Government offices (some officials may be dismissive).
- Religious sites (Buddhist temples may frown on PDA).
C. LGBTQ+ Nightlife & Community
✔ Gay-friendly bars/clubs:
- Miss Wong Cocktail Bar (lesbian-owned, popular with expats)
- The Station (LGBTQ+ friendly, drag shows)
- Temple Balcony (mixed crowd, occasional LGBTQ+ nights)
✔ LGBTQ+ events:
- Siem Reap Pride (small but growing, usually in June)
- Drag shows (at Miss Wong, The Station)
✔ Dating apps:
- Grindr, Tinder, HER (used by locals & expats)
D. Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Expats
✔ Avoid PDA in conservative areas (local markets, temples).
✔ Be cautious on dating apps (some scammers target LGBTQ+ people).
✔ Join LGBTQ+ expat groups (e.g., Siem Reap LGBTQ+ Expats on Facebook).
✔ Choose LGBTQ+-friendly accommodation (e.g., Golden Temple Villa, Onederz Hostel).
Verdict: Siem Reap is one of the safest places in Asia for LGBTQ+ expats, but social conservatism still exists outside tourist areas.
10. Natural Disaster Risks (2026)
Siem Reap faces several natural hazards, including floods, storms, and extreme heat. Here’s what expats need to know.
A. Flooding (High Risk in Rainy Season)
⚠ When? May - October (peak in September-October)
⚠ Why? Heavy monsoon rains + poor drainage = flooding
⚠ Affected areas:
- Wat Bo (low-lying, frequent floods)
- Psar Chas (Old Market area)
- Sivatha Blvd (some sections flood)
✔ How to prepare:
- Check if your rental is in a flood-prone area.
- Keep sandbags & water pumps if living in a high-risk zone.
- Avoid driving through flooded streets (hidden potholes, electrical hazards).
B. Storms & Lightning (Moderate Risk)
⚠ When? April - November (peak in May & October)
⚠ Risks:
- Power outages (common during storms)
- Falling trees/branches (especially near Angkor Wat)
- Lightning strikes (Cambodia has one of the highest lightning death rates in the world)
✔ How to prepare:
- Unplug electronics during storms.
- Avoid open fields & tall trees.
- Have a backup power source (power banks, generators).
C. Extreme Heat & Air Pollution (High Risk in Dry Season)
⚠ When? March - May (temperatures up to 40°C / 104°F)
⚠ Risks:
- Heatstroke (especially for those not acclimated)
- Dehydration (common among tourists)
- Air pollution (from agricultural burning, construction dust)
✔ How to stay safe:
- Drink 3-4L of water daily.
- Avoid outdoor activities between 11 AM - 3 PM.
- Use air purifiers at home (PM2.5 levels often exceed WHO limits).
- Wear sunscreen & a hat when outside.
D. Earthquakes (Low Risk but Possible)
⚠ Cambodia is not on a major fault line, but minor tremors (3.0-5.0 magnitude) happen occasionally.
⚠ Last significant quake: 2011 (6.1 magnitude, no major damage in Siem Reap)
✔ How to prepare:
- Know the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" drill.
- Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, TVs).
- Have an emergency kit (water, flashlight, first aid).
Verdict: Flooding and heat are the biggest natural risks. Prepare accordingly, especially if living in a flood-prone area.
11. Health Risks & How to Stay Safe (2026)
Siem Reap has basic healthcare, so prevention is key. Here are the top health risks for expats in 2026.
A. Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Dengue, Malaria, Zika)
⚠ Dengue fever (most common, no vaccine)
⚠ Malaria (rare in Siem Reap, but present in rural areas)
⚠ Zika virus (low risk, but pregnant women should take precautions)
✔ How to prevent:
- Use DEET-based repellent (30-50% DEET).
- Wear long sleeves/pants at dawn & dusk.
- Sleep under mosquito nets (especially in rural areas).
- Eliminate standing water (breeding grounds for mosquitoes).
B. Food & Water Safety (High Risk of Food Poisoning)
⚠ Common illnesses:
- Traveler’s diarrhea (from contaminated food/water)
- Hepatitis A (from uncooked food)
- Typhoid (from poor hygiene)
✔ How to stay safe:
- Drink bottled or filtered water (avoid tap water).
- Eat at busy restaurants (high turnover = fresher food).
- Avoid street food with raw ingredients (e.g., salads, unpeeled fruit).
- Peel fruits yourself (bananas, mangoes are safe).
- Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & Typhoid before arrival.
C. Air Pollution (Worsening in 2026)
⚠ Sources of pollution:
- Agricultural burning (March - April)
- Construction dust
- Vehicle emissions
⚠ Health risks:
- Respiratory infections
- Asthma flare-ups
- Long-term lung damage
✔ How to protect yourself:
- Check air quality on AirVisual or Plume Air Report.
- Wear an N95 mask on high-pollution days.
- Use air purifiers at home (e.g., Xiaomi, Blueair).
- Avoid outdoor exercise on smoggy days.
D. Rabies (High Risk in Siem Reap)
⚠ Cambodia has one of the highest rabies death rates in the world.
⚠ Stray dogs & monkeys (near Angkor Wat) can carry rabies.
✔ How to stay safe:
- Get a pre-exposure rabies vaccine (3 shots, €150-200).
- Avoid petting stray animals.
- If bitten, wash the wound with soap & water, then seek medical help immediately (post-exposure shots are available).
E. HIV & STIs (Moderate Risk in Nightlife Areas)
⚠ Cambodia has a high HIV prevalence (0.5% of adults).
⚠ Sex workers in Pub Street & massage parlors may have STIs.
✔ How to stay safe:
- Use condoms (available at pharmacies, €0.50 each).
- Get tested regularly if sexually active.
- Avoid unlicensed massage parlors (some are fronts for prostitution).
Verdict: Mosquito-borne diseases and food poisoning are the biggest health risks. Prevention (vaccines, repellent, safe food/water) is crucial.
12. Road Safety: Why Siem Reap Has One of the Worst Traffic Death Rates in Asia
Road accidents are the #1 cause of death for expats in Cambodia. Siem Reap’s roads are chaotic, poorly maintained, and deadly.
Safety essentials for expats: RFID Blocking Wallet | Portable Door Lock | Money Belt | Personal Safety Alarm
A. Road Accident Statistics (2026)
- Cambodia has the 2nd highest road death rate in ASEAN (after Thailand).
- Siem Reap’s fatality rate: 22 deaths per 1