What actually happens to travelers here.
Road safety is poor. Leading cause of foreign traveler death. Avoid night travel on rural roads.
Dengue urban/rural; malaria only in forested border regions (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri) — see a travel doc about prophylaxis if visiting these.
Outside Phnom Penh + Siem Reap, medical facilities are basic. Plan on evacuation to Bangkok for anything complex.
The system.
System: Fragmented. Public healthcare system exists but is under-resourced. Private clinics and hospitals, particularly in Phnom Penh, offer better care. International clinics serve tourists and expats. No universal health coverage.
Quality: ★★☆☆☆ Limited
Healthcare quality varies dramatically. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international clinics with decent care (Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sunrise Japan Hospital, Angkor Hospital for Children). Rural areas have very limited facilities. Serious medical conditions require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. English is commonly spoken in tourist-oriented medical facilities.
Cambodia is not a medical tourism destination — healthcare is insufficient for serious conditions. Medical tourists typically come for affordable dental care or minor procedures at international clinics in Phnom Penh. For serious medical needs, go to Bangkok or Singapore.
Where to actually go.
Best private hospital in Cambodia. Part of Bangkok Hospital group. Direct billing with some insurers.
Japanese-managed hospital with high standards. English and Japanese speaking staff.
Nearest quality hospital to Angkor Wat temples. Part of Bangkok Hospital network.
French-run clinic popular with expats. Good for non-emergency care.
Finding what you need.
Access: Moderate
Hours: Pharmacies are widely available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, typically open 8am-9pm. Rural areas have fewer pharmacies with limited stock. Look for 'Pharmacy' or 'Store' signs — many medications are sold in general stores.
Prescription rules: Prescription requirements are not strictly enforced. However, carrying your prescription and doctor's letter is recommended. For controlled substances, a Cambodian doctor may need to re-prescribe. Counterfeit medications are a serious concern — use reputable pharmacies.
Many medications available by prescription in Western countries are available OTC in Cambodia. Antibiotics, pain medications, and other drugs can often be purchased without prescription. Quality of medications varies — counterfeits are a known problem. Stick to reputable pharmacies in cities.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen
- paracetamol
- cold medicines
- antihistamines
- antacids
- anti-diarrheals (Imodium)
- mosquito repellent (DEET)
- antimalarial medication (limited availability — bring your own)
- first aid supplies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- ខ្ញុំត្រូវការថ្នាំពេទ្យសម្រាប់ឈឺក្បាល
- ខ្ញុំឈឺពោះ
- ខ្ញុំត្រូវការគ្រូពេទ្យ
- ឱសថស្ថានជិតបំផុតនៅឯណា?
Chains you'll see
- U-Care Pharmacy — Orange and white U-Care signage (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, popular with expats)
- Pharmacie de la Gare — French-style farmacie storefront (Phnom Penh)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Panadol or Tylenol
Panadol is the most common brand throughout Southeast Asia. - ibuprofen → Brufen or Nurofen
Available at most pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in English listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. Bring all medications you might need — supply chains are unreliable. For any serious condition, bring a complete supply for your trip plus extra.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Codeine · CBD · Tramadol · Xanax
Controlled. Requires prescription. Carry your foreign prescription and doctor's letter. Quantities for personal use are permitted with documentation.
Controlled. Some codeine products may be available OTC. Bring your prescription and doctor's letter.
Controlled opioid. Requires prescription. Bring your documentation.
Controlled. Requires documentation and possibly Cambodian doctor consultation. Contact your embassy for guidance.
Cannabis is illegal in Cambodia. Despite some leniency toward small amounts for personal use in practice, it remains illegal. Do not bring cannabis products.
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care is available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Quality varies widely. International clinics offer acceptable care for basic procedures.
Cost range: $10-30 for consultation; $20-80 for fillings; $20-60 for extractions
For anything beyond basic dental work, consider traveling to Bangkok. Phnom Penh has some expat-oriented dental clinics (Roomchang Dental, European Dental Clinic). Quality control is limited.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Required for entry Strongly recommended, and some travel insurance is required for visa-on-arrival for some nationalities. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation — critical for serious conditions.
Average cost: $25-45/week
Medical evacuation to Bangkok costs $10,000-30,000+. This is the single most important coverage. Public hospitals are inadequate for serious conditions. Private clinics are better but still limited. Carry your insurance contact numbers. Phnom Penh has some good private hospitals but serious conditions need evacuation.
Filing a claim
International hospitals accept some direct billing. Most facilities require upfront cash payment. Keep all receipts and get English-language medical reports. For medical evacuation (the most common large claim in Cambodia), contact your insurer immediately — evacuations to Bangkok cost $10,000-30,000+.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Bangkok
Secondary destination: Singapore
Typical cost band: $15,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Medical evacuation insurance is essential for serious cases. Bangkok (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital) and Singapore (Mount Elizabeth, Raffles) are the regional medical hubs. Actual costs depend on distance, aircraft type, and whether ICU-level care is required in transit.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural stays)
- Rabies
- MMR (ensure current)
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. However, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies are strongly recommended due to variable healthcare and food/water safety. Ensure routine vaccinations are current. Consider Japanese Encephalitis vaccination for extended rural stays.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-Only — Do NOT drink tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water is essential — always drink sealed bottled water. Use bottled or purified water for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks outside reputable establishments.
Food safety
Be very cautious with food. Eat at reputable restaurants. Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you're confident in the establishment. Peel fruits yourself. Only eat cooked foods served hot. Street food can be risky — only eat from busy, clean-looking stalls. Diarrhea is very common.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: findahelpline.com for international resources
English-speaking therapists: Very limited. Some expat counselors available in Phnom Penh. TPO Cambodia provides some mental health services.
Mental health services in Cambodia are extremely limited. For serious mental health concerns, medical evacuation to Bangkok is recommended. Some NGOs provide community mental health support.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Cambodia has very limited accessibility infrastructure. Roads are rough, sidewalks are often blocked, and most buildings lack wheelchair access.
Hospital accessibility: International hospitals in Phnom Penh are reasonably accessible. Rural health facilities have minimal accessibility.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Tuk-tuks and taxis are the main options. Wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance. Uber not available — use Grab or PassApp.
Angkor Wat's main temple has very steep steps. The outer grounds are manageable with a sturdy wheelchair. Hire a guide for assistance. Hotels in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are generally more accessible than those in rural areas.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry.
Mask policy: No mask mandates.
Testing availability: Tests available at hospitals and some pharmacies in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia removed all COVID entry restrictions. Dengue fever and gastrointestinal illness are more significant health concerns for tourists.
Cambodia travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- Cambodia Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- US Embassy Phnom Penh