Malaria

The decision is yours but I would not take Malaria tablets if you are only visiting Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville as the risk of Malaria is low.

If you are going in to the countryside or out of major towns then I would consider using them.

Protecting yourself against mosquitoes would be the best advice as Dengue fever victims are quite high this year which is also transmitted by the mosquito.

Siem Reap General information

In terms of side effects which may affect travel, I suffered from no side effects when I took Larium but I agree with sydneyangkor, you probably don't need anti-malarials if you stick in the main centers.

Check online updates for recent malaria break outs.

Have fun!

One persons account of side-effects doesn't mean much, as everyone will react differently. By far the most common drug taken is doxycycline (it is also the only one available locally) and it can give you stomache aches and increased sensitivity to the sun. I hated taking it (stomache so messed up it really made me unhappy) and in 10 years visiting SEA have only taken it once (the 1st/last time). I took Larium once and it made me go psycho (more than normal). Bite avoidance is the best strategy in main areas. Meds only needed if you intend to sleep nightly in a bush hammock or join the forestry police.

Try obtaining the drugs early and trying them out before you go! That way you will know what to expect and if you suffer any side effects.

I'm in a similar situation, altho we'll be in Cambodia and Laos in October. Have traveled in SEA for the past ten years and never took antimalarials, but because of the warnings about outbreaks of dengue this year we're being more cautious this trip. It sounds to me that the rainy season will be over, or at least on its final leg in October, and we will only be in PP, and SR in Cambodia. Will be in Pakse and surrounding areas as well as LP and Vetienne in Laos. CDC recommends Deet 30-50% for Cambodia and Laos this year and I got 40%. There is no evidence that Deet in concentrations greater than 50% is any more effective according to the CDC. we'll be using the pretreat stuff for our clothes for the first time this trip too. Don't plan on taking antimalarials, but will deet up, wear approprite clothes and use coils at night and netting if provided in hotels. I feel pretty safe doing it this way, and based on what I have read from people who live in Cambodia and Laos it sounds unlikely we will get Malaria or Dengue. we will also have medical evacuation insurance, but we always do anyway.

For Doxy it is critical that the directions be followed as to how its taken. Its quite detailed. Reading is fundamental..

I could not resist sharing my unfortunate tale with Doxy.

On return from cambodia after taking it in total for three weeks, I began to get uncomfortable heartburn/indigestion (one of the side-effects).

Without thinking I took some Mylanta (antacid) and within hours I had broken out in hives over my entire body.
After a sleepless night of itching and scratching I purchased antihistamine and problem solved.
Doxy went in the bin and I continued on.

For the record - spent a week in Mondulkiri, where despite taking precautions suffered many bites from various insects including mozzies and leeches.

Oh well no fever yet.

PS... been told by a Dr that Larium is no longer effective as prophylaxis in SE Asia. Malarone is now the drug of choice.

Again, prevention is better than cure. Stop yourself getting bitten and vastly reduce your chances of getting Malaria.

I spent june surfing in java and sumbawa then july in laos and cambodia and did not worry about the tablets. Haven't got anything yet so fingers crossed. Just use spray and cover up in the evenings and you should be sweet. I hear that alot of the strains in SE Asia are becoming drug resistant anyway.