Practical travel information on Health in Sihanoukville

Health & safety

Contents

Dangers & annoyances
While you're there

Dangers & annoyances

Sihanoukville is not as dicey, security-wise, as its reputation of recent years may imply, but crime is certainly not unknown here. The most common problem is theft on the beaches while people are out swimming, often by drug addicts or children. Don’t take anything valuable to the beach unless you have someone to keep an eye on it at all times.

Lone women should exercise caution when walking on Occheuteal and Otres Beaches after dark, as there have been assaults and at least one highly-publicised rape in recent years. There have also been a number of violent incidents along Victory Hill’s main drag.

As in Phnom Penh, drive-by bag snatchings happen and are especially dangerous when you’re riding a moto. Shoulder bags are an attractive target, so on a moto it’s common sense to hold them tightly in front of you, especially at night. Never put a bag or purse in the front basket of a motorbike. Motorcycle theft is also a popular pastime in Sihanoukville. If you rent wheels, make sure they come with a padlock.

Night-time robberies sometimes occur, particularly around the ‘chicken farm’ red-light district near the container port and on the poorly lit parts of Ekareach St between the city centre and Victory Hill.

Take care with the currents off Occheuteal during the wet season as they can be deceptively strong.

One annoyance for locals is underdressed foreigners wandering about town. Cambodia is not Thailand; Khmers are generally more conservative than their neighbours. Just look at the Cambodians frolicking in the sea – most are fully dressed. Wearing bikinis on the beach is fine but cover up elsewhere. Topless or nude bathing is a definite no-no.

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While you're there

Medical services

Travellers have reported that a few guesthouses charge exorbitant rates for house calls by doctors.

CT Clinic (934222; ct_clinic@yahoo.com; 47 Boray Kamakor St, City Centre; 24hr for emergencies) All the expats and NGO workers head here when they need care, including emergency trauma treatment and rabies shots. Staff will tell you if you need to be evacuated to Phnom Penh and will help you contact your embassy. Has a reliable in-house pharmacy.

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