Cambodia, home to the majestic Angkor Wat and vibrant cultural heritage, is poised to welcome over 7 million tourists in 2025, bolstered by initiatives like the “Cambodia-China Year of Tourism” and reduced visa fees for ASEAN visitors. However, travelers to this Southeast Asian gem face significant challenges, including border conflicts, safety concerns, infrastructure limitations, and environmental risks. As Cambodia strives to recover from a post-pandemic tourism slump, here’s a look at the hurdles tourists may encounter and how to navigate them.
1. Border Conflict with Thailand Disrupts Travel
An escalating border dispute with Thailand, centered around the Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples, has severely disrupted cross-border travel. Since May 28, 2025, armed clashes, including Thai F-16 airstrikes and Cambodian rocket fire, have resulted in at least 14 deaths, including 13 civilians, and led to the closure of all land border crossings. On July 24, 2025, both nations exchanged heavy artillery fire, prompting Cambodia to ban Thai imports and downgrade diplomatic ties. The U.S. and other nations have issued travel advisories, urging tourists to avoid areas within 50 km of the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Impact: The border closures have halted popular land routes from Thailand to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, forcing tourists to rely on costly flights. Key border temples like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom are closed, disrupting itineraries for those planning multi-country trips. The conflict has also eroded tourist confidence, with Cambodia’s tourism sector, contributing 9% to GDP in 2024, facing potential losses.
Tips for Travelers:
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Avoid border areas in provinces like Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey.
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Use flights to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh instead of land routes from Thailand.
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Monitor travel advisories from sources like the U.S. Embassy (www.travel.state.gov) or Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfaic.gov.kh).
2. Safety Concerns and Prevalence of Scams
Safety perceptions have been a significant hurdle for Cambodia’s tourism recovery, particularly following negative media coverage of scams and kidnappings. High-profile incidents, such as those depicted in films about regional crime, have deterred Chinese tourists, who made up 33% of Cambodia’s 6.6 million visitors in 2019 but dropped to 586,771 in the first half of 2025 despite a 50.7% year-on-year increase. Common scams include credit card fraud, ATM skimming, and fake tour operators, especially in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Bag snatchings by motorbike thieves and drink spiking in bars are also reported, with incidents of sexual assault noted in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Impact: These safety concerns have particularly affected Chinese visitors, a key demographic, leading to a slower recovery compared to neighbors like Thailand. Tourists may feel unsafe in urban areas or at night, especially in Sihanoukville, which has lost appeal due to casino-related crime.
Tips for Travelers:
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Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas and check for skimming devices.
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Book tours through reputable operators like Journey Cambodia or those endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism (www.tourismcambodia.org).
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Avoid leaving drinks unattended and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering invitations to private locations.
3. Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance Risks
Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) posing risks in rural areas, particularly in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap (outside the town and Angkor temples), Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces. The border region with Thailand is especially hazardous due to ongoing conflict and historical landmines.
Impact: These risks limit safe exploration of Cambodia’s countryside and ecotourism sites, such as the Cardamom Mountains or Dangrek Mountains. Tourists unaware of these dangers may inadvertently enter hazardous areas, especially during jungle trekking or off-road adventures.
Tips for Travelers:
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Stick to marked paths and avoid straying off main routes in rural areas.
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Hire licensed local guides for trekking, available through reputable agencies like Siem Reap Tours (www.journeycambodia.com).
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Contact the Cambodia Mine Action Center (+855-12-800-473) if you encounter suspicious objects.
4. Infrastructure Limitations and Overtourism
Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure struggles to keep pace with its ambitions to attract 7 million visitors by 2025. Limited long-haul and direct flights, especially from non-Asian markets, make access challenging, with Siem Reap’s new Angkor International Airport primarily serving regional hubs like China. Poor road conditions outside major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap complicate travel to emerging destinations like Kampot or Mondulkiri. Overtourism at Angkor Wat, which saw 848,952 Chinese visitors in 2024, strains facilities and leads to environmental degradation, with plastic waste buildup reported at sites like Phnom Kulen.
Impact: Overcrowding at Angkor Wat diminishes the visitor experience, with long queues and restricted access during peak seasons (November–February). Inadequate infrastructure in rural areas limits access to Cambodia’s natural attractions, such as Tonle Sap Lake or the Mekong River dolphins.
Tips for Travelers:
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Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and consider lesser-known temples like Banteay Srei or Koh Ker.
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Use tuk-tuks or taxis in cities, but opt for reputable operators for inter-city travel to avoid unsafe buses or motos.
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Plan trips to rural areas with agencies offering guided tours to ensure safe transport.
5. Cultural Sensitivities and Local Backlash
Cambodia’s cultural norms emphasize respect and modesty, which can challenge tourists unfamiliar with local customs. Wearing revealing clothing at temples like Angkor Wat, touching monks (especially by women), or discussing sensitive topics like the Khmer Rouge can lead to offense or ejection. The 2022 eviction of 10,000 families from the Angkor Archaeological Park, deemed squatters by the government, has fueled local resentment toward tourism-driven development, with some communities feeling marginalized.
Impact: Cultural missteps can result in restricted access to sites or negative interactions with locals. Overemphasis on Angkor Wat overshadows modern Khmer culture, perpetuating outdated narratives and causing friction with communities seeking sustainable tourism.
Tips for Travelers:
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Dress conservatively (covering shoulders and knees) at temples and government sites.
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Avoid touching monks or people’s heads and refrain from discussing politics or war unless guided by a local expert.
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Support community-based ecotourism, such as homestays in Kampot, to contribute directly to local economies.
6. Environmental and Weather Risks
Cambodia’s rainy season (May–October) brings heavy rainfall and flooding, with Tropical Storm Wipha in July 2025 causing disruptions in coastal areas like Sihanoukville. Strong river currents in the Mekong and Tonle Sap, along with jellyfish risks in coastal waters, pose dangers for water-based activities. Environmental degradation, including deforestation and plastic waste, affects sites like Phnom Kulen and Sihanoukville’s beaches, once a tourist draw but now marred by casino-driven development.
Impact: Weather disruptions can cancel boat tours or outdoor activities, while environmental issues reduce the appeal of coastal destinations. Unsafe water activities have led to fatalities, particularly during the rainy season.
Tips for Travelers:
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Check weather updates via the Cambodia Meteorological Department (www.cambodiameteo.com) and avoid water activities during storms.
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Rent water equipment only from recommended operators and heed local advice about currents and jellyfish.
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Support eco-friendly tours to minimize environmental impact, such as those offered by Globe Aware (www.globeaware.org).
Looking Ahead
Cambodia’s tourism sector, contributing 9% to GDP in 2024, is rebounding with a 50.7% surge in Chinese visitors and new infrastructure like the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. However, the challenges of border conflicts, safety concerns, landmine risks, infrastructure limitations, cultural sensitivities, and environmental issues require careful planning. By navigating these hurdles, tourists can experience Cambodia’s rich heritage, from the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat to the serene landscapes of Kampot and the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh.