I’ve spent time in Cambodia, and while it wasn’t my favourite destination on a personal level, it had nothing to do with safety. I picked up a respiratory virus while I was there, and the pollution in places like Phnom Penh hit me hard. The air quality index was worse than Delhi while I was there. That definitely coloured how I felt about it, but not the safety itself.
Because when it comes to solo female travel, I actually felt very safe in Cambodia. I walked around on my own during the day, explored unfamiliar towns, and never had an issue. The people are warm, the history is deep and complex, and there’s a quiet strength to the country that stays with you. It doesn’t try to impress you, it just is. And that’s part of what makes it so compelling.
So if you’re thinking of heading to Cambodia, here’s a list of the safest places for solo female travellers, based on experience, research, and the reality of what it’s like on the ground.
General Safety Tips for Solo Travel in Cambodia
While I was travelling solo in Cambodia, these were the things I did to feel safe:
- Didn’t go out alone at night
- Stuck to drinks that were opened in front of me
- Booked tuk tuks or taxis through my accommodation or used trusted apps
- Read accommodation reviews carefully, especially from other solo travellers
- Felt fine walking around during the day, just stayed aware of my surroundings
- Kept valuables in a zipped cross-body bag and split my cash between bags or pockets
- Shared my location with a friend and checked in regularly while I was there
Safest Places in Cambodia for Solo Female Travellers
1. Siem Reap
Type of place: Cultural city and gateway to Angkor Wat
Safety summary: One of the safest and most tourist-friendly cities in Cambodia. Walkable, relaxed, and full of cafés, markets, and temples
Best for: Exploring Angkor Wat, night markets, the Kulen Mountains, and solo city wandering
2. Battambang
Type of place: Small riverside town with a local vibe
Safety summary: Feels quiet and authentic. First impressions can be a bit intimidating, but it’s generally very safe and welcoming once you settle in
Best for: The Killing Caves, the bat caves at dusk, Phare Circus, and a glimpse of everyday Cambodian life
3. Phnom Penh
Type of place: Capital city with heavy traffic and history
Safety summary: Busy and a bit overwhelming, but not unsafe in tourist areas. Petty theft happens, so stay aware, especially at night or on tuk tuks
Best for: Museums, recent history, city atmosphere
4. Kampot
Type of place: Laid-back riverside town
Safety summary: Calm, slow-paced, and popular with long-term travellers. Safe to walk around during the day, and people are friendly and helpful
Best for: River views, pepper farms, local markets
5. Kep
Type of place: Small seaside town near Kampot
Safety summary: Very quiet and extremely low-crime. Great for a peaceful stop, especially if you want to escape the cities
Best for: Seafood, coastal walks, national park hiking
6. Koh Rong Samloem
Type of place: Island escape with basic infrastructure
Safety summary: Much quieter than Koh Rong. No major crime concerns, though power cuts and limited services mean you need to be self-reliant
Best for: Beaches, digital detox, hammocks and sunsets
7. Koh Rong
Type of place: More developed island with a party scene
Safety summary: Generally safe but busier than Koh Rong Samloem. Stay in quieter areas if you’re not into the party crowd
Best for: Beach parties, snorkelling, nightlife
8. Kratie
Type of place: Mekong riverside town
Safety summary: Very quiet and safe. Known for the Irrawaddy dolphins and a more local feel. Great for solo travellers who like slow travel
Best for: Dolphin watching, sunsets, rural cycling
9. Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri Province)
Type of place: Mountainous jungle town in the east
Safety summary: Very safe and community-based. Eco-tourism and ethical elephant projects are the main draw. Roads can be rough, but the vibe is calm
Best for: Nature, trekking, ethical wildlife experiences
10. Banlung (Ratanakiri Province)
Type of place: Remote jungle town
Safety summary: One of the most remote places on the list, but considered safe if you’re used to basic travel. Homestays are common and welcoming
Best for: Crater lakes, waterfalls, local markets
11. Preah Vihear
Type of place: Northern temple complex
Safety summary: Not overly visited, but safe for solo travellers. Best accessed with a tour or private guide. Basic infrastructure
Best for: Temple exploring, off-the-path travel, historical interest
12. Bokor Hill Station (near Kampot)
Type of place: Abandoned colonial site in the hills
Safety summary: Safe for day trips. Can feel eerie if you’re solo, but not unsafe. Popular with domestic tourists
Best for: Day exploring, misty mountain views, abandoned buildings
13. Tonle Sap Lake (floating villages)
Type of place: Vast lake with stilted and floating homes
Safety summary: Boat tours are safe when booked through reputable guides. Very tourist-oriented in parts like Chong Kneas, so expect some touting
Best for: Water-based culture, photography, unique experiences
14. Otres Beach (near Sihanoukville)
Type of place: Coastal beach area south of Sihanoukville
Safety summary: Sihanoukville itself has changed drastically and is best avoided, but Otres Beach remains a safe and chilled alternative
Best for: Quiet beaches, budget bungalows, calm sunsets
Final Thoughts on Solo Female Safety in Cambodia
Cambodia might not have been my favourite place personally, but it’s still one of the most fascinating countries I’ve been to. It’s not trying to sell itself to you with perfection. It’s layered, sometimes confronting, but filled with heart. And while the pollution and a respiratory virus hit me hard, safety was never the issue.
As a solo female traveller, I never felt threatened. I didn’t go out at night, and I kept to the usual safety habits, but I walked alone, took buses, explored new cities, and always felt okay doing so.
If you’re thinking of visiting, Cambodia is absolutely worth your time. The history runs deep, the temples are unforgettable, and the people are quietly brilliant. Just be prepared for the rawness, go in with respect, and you’ll come out with stories you wouldn’t trade.
I hope this post on the safest places in Cambodia for solo female travellers helps you feel more confident about planning your trip. If you want to talk through routes or get advice while you’re travelling, check out the Solo Travel Lifeline.
If you’re vegan and reading this (or just interested in the food side of travel), I run a whole blog for that over at Vegan Verity. It’s where I put all the good eats, product finds, and tips for plant-based life on the move.
Before You Go…
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might also enjoy my posts about Phu Quoc and Siem Reap.
If you’re planning a solo trip to Southeast Asia take a look at my safest places to stain Thailand and Vietnam.
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