A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits visitors to Cambodia, a nation renowned for its lively culture, breathtaking scenery, and rich history. But for a worry-free trip, knowing about healthcare and safety is essential, just like for any destination. Although there has been a steady improvement in Cambodia’s healthcare system, visitors should still be well-informed and prepared. Here, we go over the important health and safety factors in Cambodia that you should think about before visiting the alluring Kingdom of Cambodia.
Recent political situation in the Kingdom of Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia follows a constitutional monarchy, implements a multi-party regime and develops towards a market economy. The head of the State is the King. The power system is clearly divided between legislative, executive and judicial, including: King, King’s Council, Senate, National Assembly, Government, Court, Constitutional Council, and administrative agencies levels.
In recent years, Cambodia’s political and security landscape has largely stabilized. For the first time since the country’s transition to a multiparty system, the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is in control of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
The CPP is committed to leading and advancing party-building initiatives, such as internal reforms, bolstering unity within the Party, and bringing the next generation of leaders into the fold.
Additionally, the CPP supports reforms to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, streamline domestic management agencies, reach out to more voters to hear their concerns, implement social security policies, carry out administrative reforms, implement economic reforms to boost domestic businesses’ competitiveness, and put forth a number of fresh ideas for the country’s development.
Understanding the current political situation is one way to keep health and safety in Cambodia
Laws and cultural differences
To keep safety in Cambodia and show respect for the country, there are a few laws and cultural differences you should be aware of.
Visits to places of worship
An official code of behavior for visitors to Angkor Wat and other sacred sites has been released by the Cambodian authorities. This includes following the clothing code, which states that you should cover your shoulders and knees when you visit places of worship. If you have bare shoulders or are wearing skirts or shorts that fall below the knee, you might not be allowed entry to the locations. Along with showing respect for the monuments, you should also make sure that nothing inside the temples is moved and that you never touch, sit, or lean on any of the buildings.
Never snap pictures on or close to military installations. Prior to taking any photos of anybody, especially monks and other religious leaders, get their permission.
LGBT+ vacationers
It is legal for same-sex couples to get married in Cambodia. Due to the efforts of certain human rights organizations, gay clubs, club nights, and other events, the LGBT+ community is becoming increasingly visible.
Data and phone connections
While mobile phone networks and wi-fi are widely available in Cambodia’s major cities and towns, many of the country’s islands and outlying areas lack coverage. Make sure your loved ones know that you might not be in contact.
Khmer New Year
From Saturday, April 13 to Tuesday, April 16, Cambodia will celebrate Khmer New Year. A lot of people are anticipated to travel during this time. It is important for guests to be mindful of their personal safety and belongings and to exercise caution. Notify the local authorities if you witness suspicious activities or unattended baggage. There will be more traffic in Cambodia than usual, along with subpar road conditions and driving standards.
Understanding Healthcare in Cambodia
Public and private healthcare facilities coexist in Cambodia’s healthcare system. Internationally certified clinics and hospitals can be found in major towns including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. On the other hand, basic medical facilities may exist in remote locations. Having comprehensive travel insurance that covers health in Cambodia is advised for tourists.
Private clinics and hospitals: For high-quality care, private clinics and hospitals are your best option. Notable mentions include Bangkok Hospital Phnom Penh, International SOS Medical & Dental Clinic, Royal Angkor International Siem Reap, and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital.
Pharmacies: Generally accessible in cities. Make sure you purchase authentic medications from reliable pharmacies like Ucare.
Rural healthcare: Rural healthcare is frequently limited. In cases of extreme severity, a medical evacuation to a nearby city or nation may be required. In remote locations, it is recommended to carry a cell phone with a local SIM card, albeit reception may be spotty.
Vaccinations and Health Precautions: See a travel health specialist prior to departing for Cambodia. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccinations are advised, particularly if you intend to travel extensively or embark on rural adventures.
Health Advice:
Guard against malaria and dengue fever. In high-risk locations, use repellents and think about taking antimalarial medication.
Remain with well-cooked meals and bottled water to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Even though it may seem appealing, street food should be handled carefully.
Notes when participating in outdoor activities and adventure travel
Remember the following to ensure your health and safety in Cambodia
Treks through the jungle
Use a trustworthy tour guide if you’re thinking of going jungle trekking. Before hiring a guide, ask your hotel for guidance and check online reviews as there is no licensing system in place for tour guides.
Activities involving water
When rafting, jet-skiing, swimming, or kayaking:
Exercise caution. Watch out for river currents during the rainy season, which runs from May to October. These currents can be very powerful, and people have died as a result of them.
When near the coast, be cautious with jellyfish because their sting can be lethal.
Pay attention to the hotel management’s local advice and only rent equipment from reputable companies.
Prior to operating any equipment, inspect it for damage, demand training, and urge the operators to go over safe procedures.
Diving
Before embarking on a diving trip, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and preparedness. Start by verifying the dive operator’s qualifications to ensure they are certified and experienced. Confirm that you have appropriate insurance coverage for diving activities. Check that the dive boat is equipped with essential safety supplies, particularly oxygen. It’s also important to inquire about the safety measures in place, such as the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber in case of an emergency. If you’re new to diving, ask your instructor to thoroughly explain the coverage they provide before you commit to the dive. Additionally, verify the emergency procedures, including how to call for assistance while at sea, to ensure you are well-prepared for any unforeseen situations.
Transport risks
In Southeast Asia, Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road accidents, frequently resulting in serious injuries and a high death toll. Inadequate rules about driver and vehicle safety are a major contributor to these collisions. Traveling after dark significantly increases the chance of accidents, which makes night travel more hazardous.
Boat accidents that involve overloading or improper maintenance are a significant concern. Weather warnings are frequently disregarded by tourist boats, particularly while cruising between Sihanoukville and the other islands. Faster and more dangerous currents are caused by high water levels in rivers and lakes during the rainy season, which runs from June to October. On the other hand, boat passage on rivers is difficult during the dry season (March to May) because of the exposure of sandbars and other hazards that might damage boats or lead them to go aground.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
The road network is disrupted and damaged by strong storms that occur from June to October, during the monsoon season. Landslides at this time of year can substantially hinder travel to some provinces. Inadequate drainage causes roads to flood, which leads to severe traffic jams and delays in Phnom Penh (even on the way to the airport).
Particularly vulnerable to hazardous flash flooding during the rainy season, which runs from June to October, are lakes, caves, and waterfalls.
Scam
Passengers have reported receiving counterfeit dollar bills as the change in stores and nightclubs. Make sure the notes you receive are authentic and undamaged or ripped.
Emergency services and assistance
To ensure your health and safety in Cambodia, keep these things in mind:
Reporting a crime
To report a crime:
– Go to the Tourist Police in Phnom Penh at Street 598, 12107 (Tel +855 (0)12 942 484).
– Go to the Tourist Police office in Siem Reap; it’s located near the Angkor temple ruins ticket office.
– Find out from the local police in Sihanoukville, Battambang, and other Cambodian towns which police station you should report to.
The reaction of local law enforcement to crimes, particularly serious ones, is frequently insufficient. When foreigners try to report crimes, they discover:
– Closed police stations
– Unanswered emergency phone numbers
– Police unable to communicate in English Police unwilling to look into
The expense of a police report should be covered by the police. Should the police request payment, get in touch with your Embassy in Phnom Penh and provide the police station’s data.
Assistance and Services for Emergencies
Emergency Number: 118 for fire, 119 for ambulance, and 117 for police.
Embassies and Consulates: Keep the phone number of the embassy in your nation close to hand in case of need.
Travel Insurance: Make sure your travel insurance includes evacuation, hospitalization, and medical care.
No matter where or what country you travel to, there are potential dangers, so please read our article carefully to have the best health and safety in Cambodia when traveling.
Vietnam tour 247 – Your trusted companion on your trip to Cambodia
Organizing a journey to Cambodia from Vietnam may be a thrilling experience, and Vietnam Tour 247 is here to make sure everything goes smoothly and keeps your best health and safety in Cambodia. How we may help you is as follows:
Vietnam Tour 247 can assist you in designing the ideal travel schedule for your trip to Cambodia by providing individualized travel planning services. We can plan every part of your trip, whether your goals are to see the historic temples of Angkor Wat, take a trip to the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, or just unwind on the beaches of Sihanoukville. To guarantee a hassle-free journey, we can arrange for flights, bus tickets, lodging, and tours.
Securing the ideal lodging is essential for an amazing journey. Vietnam Tour 247 provides a variety of lodging choices in Cambodia, ranging from high-end hotels to low-cost guesthouses. We’d like to make suggestions depending on your tastes and spending capacity to make sure you have a relaxing and pleasurable stay.
Explore Cambodia to the fullest with our carefully chosen local tours and excursions. We provide customized guided tours that suit your interests, whether they be discovering historical landmarks, immersing yourself in the local way of life, or engaging in outdoor sports. Our experienced guides make sure you get the most out of your trips to well-known locations such as Tonle Sap Lake, the Royal Palace, and Angkor Wat.
You may be able to travel with confidence knowing that Vietnam Tour 247 will provide you with dependable on-the-ground assistance during your trip. Our staff is here to help you with any problems or inquiries you might have around the clock. We may be reached by phone if you have any questions about your schedule, need help navigating the local region, or run into an emergency.
Are you prepared to start your trip in Cambodia? Reach out to Vietnam Tour 247 right now to begin organizing your journey. Allow us to be your dependable travel companion, ensuring a safe, entertaining, and remarkable trip to this intriguing nation.
Read more: Top 10 Things To Do In Cambodia
