Health
Visit your GP several weeks before you travel to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. Some recommended vaccinations for travel to Cambodia are diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Hepatitis A and B, among others. If you are travelling from an area with Yellow Fever you must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate on arrival in Cambodia. Urban areas of Cambodia do not present a malaria risk, but you may need to take preventative medication if travelling in more rural areas.
Don’t drink tap water in Cambodia, stick to reputable brands of bottled water and don’t have ice in drinks. Avoid shellfish and meat that has been undercooked and be wary of street food, and make sure all vegetables and fruit are washed in purified water before consumption. Diarrhoea is a risk but if you take preventative measures it can be avoided. Medical care is basic in Cambodia, apart from a few private clinics in the capital city.
Safety
Despite the violence of its past, Cambodia is generally a safe country in which to travel. In remote areas, always stick to marked routes due to leftover landmines. Avoid the areas of Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey temple on the Cambodian/Thai border, where there is an ongoing dispute over border rights. Petty crime and theft are a problem in tourist areas, especially in areas of Phnom Penh and the beach region of Sihanoukville.
Roads are generally in poor condition in Cambodia and you should use reputable transport and avoid travel at night. Be aware that penalties for involvement with drugs, as in neighbouring Asian countries, can be extremely severe.