Areas to Avoid in Phnom Penh
Cambodia
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Phnom Penh. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Phnom Penh is generally Use Caution
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Riverside, BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1), Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
Travel Insurance for Phnom Penh
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Phnom Penh are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Areas immediately surrounding the railway station
Can be gritty, less tourist-friendly, and potentially sketchy, especially after dark, with limited amenities for visitors.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Riverside
Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Some very remote industrial outskirts
Lack of tourist infrastructure, safety concerns due to isolation, and no points of interest for visitors.
🛡️ Stay here instead: BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
Trendy and cosmopolitan area known for its cafes, international restaurants, and expatriate community.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Phnom Penh
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Phnom Penh Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Phnom Penh on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Phnom Penh Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Phnom Penh with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Phnom Penh: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Phnom Penh's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Phnom Penh: Scenic Excursion
Escape Phnom Penh for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Phnom Penh Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Phnom Penh's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Phnom Penh
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Phnom Penh on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Phnom Penh safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Riverside
Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid deserted alleys.
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
Trendy and cosmopolitan area known for its cafes, international restaurants, and expatriate community.
Considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Phnom Penh, with good street lighting and regular police presence.
General Safety Tips for Phnom Penh
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. Tuk-tuk or Grab is recommended for getting around after dark.
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise vigilance, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
Emergency Number
117 (Police)
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Phnom Penh
- 1Tuk-tuk overcharging (agree on fare beforehand)
- 2Distraction theft (opportunistic snatching of phones/bags)
- 3Fake donation requests
Travel Insurance for Phnom Penh
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Riverside
Lively promenade along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, dotted with restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid deserted alleys.
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
Trendy and cosmopolitan area known for its cafes, international restaurants, and expatriate community.
Considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Phnom Penh, with good street lighting and regular police presence.
Chamkarmon (Russian Market Area)
A more local neighborhood centered around the bustling Russian Market, offering a glimpse into daily life with plenty of food stalls and shops.
Generally safe, but be cautious of petty theft in the market itself; street lighting can be poor in some side streets at night.
Safety in Phnom Penh
Exercise cautionSolo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise vigilance, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. Tuk-tuk or Grab is recommended for getting around after dark.
Emergency
117 (Police)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Tuk-tuk overcharging (agree on fare beforehand)
- 2Distraction theft (opportunistic snatching of phones/bags)
- 3Fake donation requests
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