Top 5 Dangers and Annoyances in Cambodia
1) Evening lawlessness in Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh’s safety at night has improved dramatically over the years, but do heed our advice. At night, you’ll want to travel in groups, stay away from darkened streets, and go to well-lit clubs with plenty of motorcycle taxis ready to whisk you back to your hotel. As a rule, only carry an amount you can afford to lose.
2) Landmines are still ubiquitous in the countryside, and you’re strongly advised never to leave marked trails, even when you need to answer the call of nature. Many areas are marked with warning signs, so pay strict attention.
3) Potholes are part and parcel to every country road in Cambodia, and city streets aren’t a whole lot better. Fixing potholes is not on the national agenda, so ensure you’re well-strapped down when riding in a vehicle, as you most certainly will encounter a bone-jarring bump or two.
4) Aggressive panhandling plagues many areas in Cambodia, and we chose to leave the wonderful temple of Ta Prohm early because we were constantly harassed by a motley crew of beggars that weren’t chased out by National Park officials (we suspected a kickback). We’d like to see Cambodia make an effort to provide an enjoyable experience for those who pay the freight through park fees. We encourage you to be part of the solution by not giving to panhandlers in National parks, but instead buy liberally from vendors, pay kids to shine your shoes, and be generous with the large numbers of disabled musicians who provide a wonderful service of keeping Cambodia’s musical traditions alive.
5) Cambodians don’t, as a rule, read maps, one of the many unfortunate outcomes of the Khmer Rouge era, during which nearly all of Cambodia’s educated people were killed. Transportation in Cambodia is very much by motorcycle taxi, and each driver will insist he knows where you’re going. Much of the time he doesn’t, and tries to wing it. Your best bet is to ask your hotel to write your destination in Khmer, and give it to your driver.
