Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Siem Reap?

While the municipal water in Siem Reap is generally treated to safe standards, it is not recommended to drink it directly. For brushing teeth, using tap water is usually acceptable for short-term visitors, but using bottled or filtered water is safer to avoid potential bacterial issues from aging pipes.

Can I use tap water to brush my teeth in Cambodia?

Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water in Cambodia? In Cambodia's major cities, you can brush your teeth with tap water. However, in more rural locations, you should use bottled or filtered water to be safe.

Is tap water safe in Cambodia?

In short, no it's not recommended to drink tap water in Cambodia. While the country has made major improvements to its water systems, the tap water is not reliably safe for drinking.

Can I have ice in Cambodia?

In Cambodia, most ice is made with filtered water and delivered by ice-makers, so it's safe to use in drinks at restaurants.

Can you drink iced coffee in Cambodia?

Sweet iced coffee

Strong, sweet and super addictive, Cambodian iced coffee is beloved by both hardworking, early-rising locals and hungover backpackers stumbling out of hostels. Condensed milk softens the bitterness of Cambodian coffee and creates a rich, syrupy drink.

How to brush your teeth when you can't use the tap water

Can a woman wear shorts in Cambodia?

Yes, a woman can wear shorts in Cambodia for casual outings in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but it's essential to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or rural areas; for sacred sites, shorts must be longer (around the knee) or covered with a sarong, and sleeveless tops are generally not allowed.

What is considered impolite in Cambodia?

To touch someone on the top of their head, especially a baby or child, is taboo and insensitive. When standing or posing for a photograph, it is considered rude for a younger person to place their hand on an elder's shoulder. It is impolite for someone to walk over another person that is sitting or lying down.

How to avoid getting sick in Cambodia?

Diarrhoea and food-borne infections in travellers are common in Cambodia. To avoid getting sick it's important to avoid drinking water that has not been bottled or treated and ice, unless you know it has been made from safe drinking water. Avoid raw and undercooked food.

What not to bring in Cambodia?

Customs Regulations in Cambodia

Prohibited Items: You are not allowed to bring prohibited items such as narcotics, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and items that are considered detrimental to society.

Can I eat street food in Cambodia?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Is street food in Cambodia safe to eat?” The answer is yes—if you know what to look for. Stick to busy vendors with high turnover, as this ensures the food is fresh. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits, and always drink bottled water.

What is happening in Cambodia in 2025?

Cambodia's 2025 events feature major cultural celebrations like the Khmer New Year (April 14-16) and Pchum Ben (Sept 21-23), along with national holidays such as Independence Day (Nov 9) and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May 15), plus international events like the Angkor Wat Marathon (Dec), while also marking the 50th Anniversary of the Khmer Rouge takeover (April 17) with commemorative art events. Key highlights include significant religious festivals, royal birthdays, and major sporting events, with business operations potentially impacted during multi-day holidays. 

Can you wash your face with tap water in Thailand?

Yes, you can wash your face with tap water in Thailand. As long as you don't swallow a load of water in the process, you'll be fine. And if you are swallowing a load of water while washing your face, you probably need to improve your technique!

Why do dentists say not to rinse?

Therefore, to get the most out of your toothpaste, dentists recommend spitting out your toothpaste after brushing but not rinsing immediately after. This will maximize the time those ingredients like fluoride, sensitivity treatment, or teeth whitening have to act in your mouth.

Do you tip in Cambodia restaurants?

Tipping in Cambodia in restaurants & bars

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Cambodian restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Cambodia depends on the place, occasion, and order size.

What to avoid eating in Cambodia?

Always try and use restaurants that look clean, and make sure that all food is properly cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Avoid eating street food if you can. Fruit and vegetables should be washed or peeled.

Is it better to use riel or USD in Cambodia?

Tips with your Money in Cambodia

Carry a mix of USD and Riel. Use Riel for purchases under $10 — it's often cheaper. Don't exchange USD into Riel directly; you'll naturally receive Riel as change. Stick to $10 and $20 bills for everyday use.

What is Cambodia's best kept secret?

Banteay Chhmar is Cambodia's best kept secret. It's a huge but hidden temple complex around two hours from Siem Reap, shrouded in both jungle and mystery. Buried far off the beaten track, it's the perfect spot to live out all of your Indiana Jones fantasies. If you're lucky, you might even have the place to yourself!

Is traveler's diarrhea common in Cambodia?

Diarrhea and food-borne infections in travelers are common in Cambodia. Advise travelers to avoid water that is not bottled, ice, and food from street vendors.

What is the new virus in Cambodia?

After a decade of no reported human cases, Cambodia faces a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus infections, with an overall mortality of 38%.

Do I need malaria pills in Cambodia?

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Cambodia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

How to not get food poisoning in Cambodia?

Food and water safety

1. Eat where it's busy and turnover is high. Empty stalls = old food.
2. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood, especially during the hot season.
3. Stick to bottled water — the tap water isn't safe to drink. ...
4. Be careful with peeled fruit and salads — unless you've washed it yourself.

What is "thank you" in Cambodia?

Arkun (Ar-koon) / Thank you

Being polite will get you far in Asia!

What is the most eaten food in Cambodia?

Rice. Because of Cambodia's geographic location, rice together with fish, especially freshwater fish, are the two most important sources of nutrients in the Cambodian diet. Rice is a staple food generally eaten at every meal.