How has the number of reported scam crime incidents involving our citizens in Cambodia changed, and what are the main methods used by scam organizations?

In the first half of this year, the number of reported incidents of our citizens being victims of scam crimes, including confinement, in Cambodia decreased by 94% compared to the same period last year. Scam organizations primarily lure victims with job offers promising high monthly returns, such as ~$7,402, and then abduct them by car directly from the airport.

During your approximately 10-day stay in Cambodia, what were your observations regarding the number of Korean tourists and the local atmosphere?

During my approximately 10-day stay in Cambodia, I only encountered Koreans twice. 99% of the East Asian tourists were Chinese. The local atmosphere was not significantly different from Vietnam or Thailand, with a moderate amount of touting and begging, but it was generally not forceful.

Is Cambodia Safe to Visit in 2026? Travel Advisory Update

Q: As of July 9, 2026, how have the travel advisory levels for Cambodia been adjusted, and which areas require particular caution?

As of July 9, 2026, the Level 4 travel advisory (Travel Ban) has been lifted for certain areas of Cambodia. Currently, areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border, Sihanoukville, Bokor Mountain, and the Bavet area on the Vietnam-Cambodia border are designated as Level 3 (Caution) areas. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are at Level 1 travel advisory.

Recently, a question frequently pops up in the comments section of my travel YouTube channel, similar to these:

I've rarely seen a sane person who uses overly familiar language with strangers.

Respond kindly to kind comments, curtly to rude ones, and strangely to odd ones.

I anticipated these concerns. For a period, Cambodia was designated a 'Do Not Travel' country due to alarming issues like kidnappings, torture, and large-scale scam operations, which understandably caused a stir.

I prioritize safe travel destinations. Why would I intentionally seek out dangerous places just to create clickbait? It costs a fortune, and you endure endless hardships. It simply doesn't make sense.

After multiple incidents of pickpocketing in Spain, I became so fed up that I've largely given up on European travel. If a trip causes more stress than enjoyment, it's better not to go. For me, taking several shorter trips to nearby countries is far more rewarding than one long, arduous journey.

Travel Advisory Adjustment

As of July 9, 2026, the Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) has been lifted for certain regions of Cambodia.

Currently, areas requiring Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) caution include regions within 30 miles (50 km) of the Cambodia-Thailand border, Sihanoukville, Bokor Mountain, and the Bavet area near the Cambodia-Vietnam border.

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, popular destinations for tourists, are currently under a Level 1 Travel Advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions).

For most general tourists, is there truly a need to venture beyond Phnom Penh and Siem Reap?

Now, I'm not here to act as a tourism promoter, claiming, "Cambodia is safe because it's a Level 1 advisory," or "I visited Cambodia, and it was no big deal," or "There are plenty of foreign tourists in Cambodia."

For those who question why anyone would visit Cambodia, perhaps their idea of travel is limited. I haven't ventured into a war zone; many parts of South America, for example, often carry higher risk warnings.

So, when exactly do you plan to visit Cambodia? Are you waiting for news that all scam organizations have been completely eradicated? These groups have already crossed borders into Laos and have spread to places like Dubai and Kazakhstan. They also operate in Myanmar and the Philippines.

If a Level 1 advisory isn't reassuring enough, are we waiting for a world completely free of any travel warnings?

That's simply unrealistic. Take a look at other countries with a Level 1 advisory: Vietnam, Thailand, the United States, and China are all included.

Having first visited Angkor Wat in 2015, I returned eleven years later in 2026, eager to see it again.

During my approximately ten-day stay, I only encountered other American or Western tourists twice. I saw a group tour at the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, and I met a couple descending the steps of Angkor Wat.

About 99% of the Asian tourists I saw were Chinese. Japanese and Korean visitors were quite rare. The majority of other travelers were Westerners.

The local atmosphere felt no different from other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam or Thailand. There was a moderate amount of touting and begging, but it never felt pushy. I mostly encountered genuine people working hard.

"Considering that Cambodia has seen a significant improvement in the situation, with reports of kidnapping and other related crimes involving our citizens in local scam operations decreasing by 94% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year..."

It's true that scam organizations haven't been completely eradicated. Risks still lurk, especially in border areas including Sihanoukville, and there's always a small chance, even 0.1%, of encountering an unforeseen incident while traveling.

But isn't that true for any travel destination? Accidents can happen after a night out, you might get pickpocketed, or experience theft – these things occur everywhere. It's always wise to be cautious.

What I mean is, you're not going to be randomly snatched by a van in a tourist area. The scam crimes typically involve luring individuals with absurd job offers, like a guaranteed monthly income of ~$7,400, and then transporting them from the airport in a vehicle.

Those who don't want to go can simply choose not to travel there, and those who do can make their own informed decision and travel responsibly.

📍 Cambodia
Cambodia