Moderate riskAsia · South-Eastern AsiaCambodia Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Cambodia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Cambodia. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
November to February is dry and cooler. March to May is extremely hot; the rainy season (June to October) brings dengue peaks and lush but muddy temple access.
Travel health in Cambodia
Cambodia's tourist heartland of Siem Reap and Angkor, Phnom Penh and the southern coast is malaria-free, but the country's rural and forested provinces still carry malaria, some of it resistant to standard drugs. Dengue is endemic and peaks in the rainy season, typhoid and hepatitis A are real risks, and travelers' diarrhea is very common. Rabies is present in dogs throughout the country. Healthcare is thin outside the capital, and most serious problems are evacuated to Bangkok, so insurance with evacuation cover is part of the packing list.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Cambodia who haven't been vaccinated. Even infants 6-11 months should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may choose to get vaccinated.
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine, including infants 6-11 months who need an early dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Cambodia, especially if staying with locals or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended if you're staying long-term, frequently traveling to the area, or doing outdoor activities in rural areas without proper protection from mosquitoes.
Rabies
Rabies-infected dogs are common in Cambodia. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll be doing activities that increase animal exposure or might have difficulty getting prompt medical care.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for Cambodia itself, but is required for entry if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. No risk in major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Angkor Wat. Take antimalarial medication if visiting rural/forested areas.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas except Phnom Penh; high risk from local food and water.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
Malaria risk exists primarily in rural and forested areas of Cambodia. No risk in major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Angkor Wat. Take antimalarial medication if visiting rural/forested areas.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
May to October
Dengue
Nationwide including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Large outbreaks occur every few years.
Peak
Year-round, highest in rainy season
Malaria
Rural and forested provinces, especially the northeast (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri) and border areas. Drug resistance is a concern; atovaquone-proguanil is preferred.
Peak
May to October
Japanese encephalitis
Rural areas nationwide. Vaccination for longer rural stays.
Water & food safety
Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere; check seals. Ice in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh restaurants is generally factory-made and safe.
Food
Cooked Khmer food from busy restaurants and stalls is generally safe. Be careful with raw vegetables and herbs washed in tap water, unpeeled fruit, and prahok (fermented fish) outside reputable kitchens.
Medications
Pharmacies in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (U-Care, Pharmacie de la Gare) stock common medications, but counterfeit and expired drugs are a documented problem elsewhere. Bring everything you need, including malaria prophylaxis if your route needs it and a standby antibiotic.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Phnom Penh has a few international clinics (Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Raffles Medical) suitable for stabilisation. Siem Reap has the Royal Angkor International Hospital. For anything serious, evacuation to Bangkok is standard.
Travel insurance
Essential, with evacuation cover to Bangkok or Singapore. Check motorbike and tuk-tuk accident coverage.
Emergency numbers
Police
117
Medical / Ambulance
119
Fire
118
U.S. Embassy
+855-23-728-000
Cambodia travel health FAQ
Do I need malaria pills for Angkor Wat and Siem Reap?▼
No. Siem Reap, the Angkor temples, Phnom Penh and the area around Tonle Sap lake are malaria-free. Prophylaxis is advised for rural and forested provinces, especially in the northeast and along the Thai and Laotian borders.
Which vaccines do I need for Cambodia?▼
Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid for everyone; hepatitis B for most; rabies and Japanese encephalitis depending on how rural and how long your trip is. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a yellow fever country.
Is Cambodia safe for travellers with health conditions?▼
Yes with planning. Bring all your medications, carry a summary of your conditions, and hold insurance that covers evacuation to Bangkok. Healthcare outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is basic.
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Plan your Cambodia trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Cambodia — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Cambodia · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.