City in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia
Is Sihanoukville safe?
Fine for a short stay on the beach, but the city has seen construction, casino crime and scam-compound activity.
Is Sihanoukville safe?
Fine for a short stay on the beach, but the city has seen construction, casino crime and scam-compound activity. Snatch theft and late-night drunk crowds are the risks for visitors.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-07-24.
- Homicide rate in Cambodia: 1.8 per 100,000 people (2011, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Cambodia: 19.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118.
Safety in Sihanoukville at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag snatching from motorbikes, theft from beach huts, drink spiking, and occasional fights around Serendipity at night. |
| At night | Serendipity is rowdy late. Use a ride app or hotel-arranged transport and keep phones inside pockets near roads. |
| Solo women | Fine in daytime on beaches. At night use app taxis, avoid the Serendipity strip alone, and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Rough seas and currents; few lifeguards; Motorbike and tuk-tuk crashes; Construction dust and noise |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake job offers leading to scam compounds; avoid any 'easy online job'
- Boat touts overcharging ferry tickets
- Tuk-tuk drivers quoting double fares at night
Take care
- Serendipity Beach Road after midnight: snatch theft, spiked drinks
- Casino districts: avoid unmarked buildings and unfamiliar invites
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Zero tolerance on drugs, including cannabis; police raid bars and run urine tests.
- Cover shoulders and knees at Angkor and other temples or you can be refused entry.
- Don't photograph military sites; ask before photographing monks.
How Sihanoukville compares in Cambodia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Rong | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kampot | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Koh Rong Samloem | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Battambang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kep | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Phnom Penh | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Sihanoukville | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Sihanoukville safe for solo female travelers?
Fine in daytime on beaches. At night use app taxis, avoid the Serendipity strip alone, and watch drinks.
Is Sihanoukville safe at night?
Serendipity is rowdy late. Use a ride app or hotel-arranged transport and keep phones inside pockets near roads.
What is the crime rate in Sihanoukville?
Bag snatching from motorbikes, theft from beach huts, drink spiking, and occasional fights around Serendipity at night. Nationally, Cambodia records 1.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2011).
What number do I call in an emergency in Sihanoukville?
Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118.
More about Sihanoukville
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- Solo travelin Sihanoukville
Going to Sihanoukville solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Cambodia Ministry of Tourism
- Cambodia Airports
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cambodia
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.