The main problems in Cambodia are entrenched corruption, weak governance, and severe economic disparities. These systemic issues drive human trafficking, land disputes, and a lack of freedom of expression. Additionally, high-interest debt, poor healthcare access in rural areas, and persistent environmental issues, including unexploded ordnance, present critical challenges.
Overview. Cambodia and Thailand have long disputed several non-demarcated areas along their shared 800-kilometre land border. Tensions escalated in May 2025 following a fatal clash between soldiers, sparking a diplomatic crisis and increased military buildup on both sides.
The country's organized crime landscape is influenced by transnational networks and weak governance, with issues such as human trafficking, environmental crimes, and drug trafficking prevalent, while efforts to combat these problems are hindered by a lack of enforcement and accountability.
Robbery. Petty crime is common, with tourist areas often targeted. This includes snatch theft and pick-pocketing. Perpetrators are usually stricken with poverty, and as a result are driven to steal from foreigners with the knowledge that they bring about a significant amount of money and other valuable items.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
The security situation remains unpredictable. We continue to advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to recent armed conflict between Thai and Cambodian forces, which included military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordinance.
Some important laws to be aware of include: Drugs: Cambodia has strict drug laws, and possession or trafficking of illegal substances can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Overstaying visas: Overstaying your visa is a serious offense and can result in fines, detention, and deportation.
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!
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.
Cambodia is technically a third world country and is one of the poorest nation's in the world. About a third of its citizens live on less than a dollar a day. Farming is the main industry for these people and there is a level of subsistence living where they grow what they need and have trouble affording extra items.
Tucked between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is often overshadowed by its neighbors. But those who make the journey discover something truly unique—a country where ancient temples, kind-hearted locals, and serene landscapes blend into one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding travel experiences.
Yes, Cambodia is generally considered a very friendly, welcoming, and safe destination for foreigners, with locals known for their warmth, but travelers should remain aware of petty crime like phone snatching and potential drink spiking, especially at night in tourist areas, and take standard precautions against scams. Tourist zones are often peaceful, and there are tourist police to help, but general caution regarding personal belongings and nightlife safety is advised.
Thailand and Cambodia are fighting due to a century-old territorial dispute over their shared border, particularly around ancient Khmer temples like Preah Vihear, fueled by differing interpretations of French colonial maps, nationalism, and recent clashes over temple registration and landmines, leading to deadly skirmishes and displaced civilians despite international calls for peace.
Cambodia is a land deeply intertwined with Angelina Jolie's most cherished memories. Following the filming of Tomb Raider (2001), the actress developed a profound bond with this Southeast Asian nation, ranging from humanitarian efforts to the establishment of her own charitable foundation.
Cambodians consider the head as highest part of the body and the focal point of intelligence and spiritual substance. The head is sacred. Therefore, it is an extreme insult to touch or to pat an individual's head. Feet, on the contrary, are considered the lowest part of the body and unclean.
Do Not Use Your Left Hand. The left hand is considered impure and even dirty, which is used for daily hygiene in Cambodia. So, for the Cambodian, it will be impolite to give and receive from others only with the left hand. Local people do not use it to eat, touch people, or hand anything to anyone.
Capital punishment in Cambodia is prohibited by the Constitution of the country. Cambodia abolished the death penalty in 1989. Cambodia is one of only two ASEAN countries (the other being the Philippines) to have abolished capital punishment.
What is the best currency to take to Cambodia from UK?
Although Cambodia's official currency is the Riel, the US Dollar is used in many transactions. We therefore recommend taking some US dollars in cash, which avoids the fees charged locally to withdraw money from an ATM. Alternatively, you can take British pounds and change this on arrival.
👉 Cambodia vs Thailand Verdict: Cambodia wins for less visited, less touristy experiences. Thailand has much easier access to nature and a lot more development into areas such as adventure tourism and jungle trekking though, so you'll find it easier to have those experiences if that's what you're looking for.
