Travel smart to Cambodia with health and immunisation in mind

Why health planning matters for travel

Travelling to Cambodia can be a rewarding experience for holidays, work, study, or visiting family. Thoughtful health planning helps protect that experience by reducing avoidable illness and disruption. Most travel-related health concerns involve common infections, routine immunisation gaps, food and water safety, mosquito exposure, and access to care rather than rare or extreme risks. A calm, practical approach supports preparation without unnecessary anxiety.

Common illnesses travellers may encounter

Cambodia has a warm climate, busy urban centres, and frequent regional travel. As a result, common respiratory and gastrointestinal infections occur throughout the year. Colds, influenza, COVID-19, and viral gastroenteritis are among the most frequent causes of illness in travellers. Close contact in airports, buses, markets, accommodation, and group settings increases exposure risk, particularly during peak travel periods. Most infections are mild, but prevention remains worthwhile.

Immunisation and routine protection

Before travelling, it is important to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. This commonly includes protection against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, influenza, and COVID-19.
Depending on your itinerary, length of stay, and activities, your GP may also recommend additional vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or typhoid. Japanese encephalitis vaccination may be discussed for longer stays or travel to rural and agricultural areas, particularly during wetter months. Rabies vaccination is generally considered for travellers with prolonged stays or likely animal exposure. Immunisation advice should always be individualised rather than assumed to apply to everyone.

Food, water, and everyday hygiene

Food and water-borne illness is a common cause of travel disruption in Cambodia. Drinking bottled or appropriately treated water, avoiding ice from uncertain sources, and choosing food that is freshly cooked and served hot help reduce risk. Regular hand hygiene and allowing time for meals, hydration, and rest support gastrointestinal comfort and overall wellbeing while travelling.

Mosquito exposure and environmental risks

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue are present across Cambodia, including urban areas. There is no routine vaccine for dengue for most travellers, making bite prevention essential. Using insect repellent, wearing light long-sleeved clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation reduce exposure.
In some rural or forested regions, malaria risk persists, and your GP may discuss preventative medication depending on your travel plans. Avoiding freshwater swimming and taking care in hot, humid conditions further supports health and safety.

Managing existing health conditions

If you live with a chronic medical condition, advance preparation is important. Carry enough medication for your entire stay in original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions and a brief medical summary if needed. Heat, humidity, long travel days, and routine disruption can affect sleep, blood glucose control, pain levels, and fatigue. Planning ahead supports continuity of care and reduces stress if illness occurs while overseas.

Medical care, insurance, and emergency planning

Access to high-quality medical care is limited outside major cities in Cambodia. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended. Carrying a basic first-aid kit and being cautious about purchasing medications locally helps reduce risk. Any animal bite or scratch should be treated urgently due to the presence of rabies in local animal populations.

When to speak with your GP before travel

A GP appointment six to eight weeks before travel allows your health history, medications, immunisation status, and itinerary to be reviewed together. This discussion focuses on practical preparation rather than restriction and supports informed planning for a safe and enjoyable trip.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.