Vaccinations for Cambodia

Planning a trip to explore the stunning Angkor ruins includes the important aspect of vaccinations for Cambodia. As necessary as they are unpleasant, vaccines can prevent a slew of diseases and illnesses. While Cambodia doesn’t have any localized viruses or problems, its tropical climate is ideal for a few diseases you should be vaccinated for. Read our article on Vaccinations in Cambodia to get an idea of the vaccines, as well as a few other important points.

Look at a Two Week Cambodia and an One Week Cambodia itinerary 

Ensure the heat doesn’t get in the way of you exploring Cambodia’s amazing ruins.

Vaccinations for Cambodia- Things to consider

We recommend visiting your GP/doctor/ private travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you travel to Cambodia. Certain vaccines need to be administered well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. Additionally, other vaccinations have multiple doses over several weeks or months.

You will be at greater risk of contracting certain diseases if you are staying off the beaten path in rural areas or staying for a long duration. These play a factor in which other vaccinations you may need so keep them in mind.

If you intend on staying in offtrack places like the Kompong-Phluk village, you may need a few more vaccines.

Recommended Vaccinations for Cambodia

While we always guarantee that our blogs cover everything you need, we must take a step back here. These vaccinations are but recommendations. We strongly advise approaching your doctor to find out which of the following vaccinations for Cambodia you ought to take. They can help you best decide, depending on your travel plans and medical history.

Hepatitis A and B

You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Cambodia, regardless of where you will be living or eating. This is a vaccine commonly recommended for anyone undertaking international travel. Hepatitis B on the other hand, is acquired through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products. Getting inked from a not-so-established parlour can put you at risk.

Typhoid

Acquired from contaminated food or water, this disease is definitely something you’d want to avoid. This vaccination for Cambodia is recommended for most travellers, particularly those who will live with locals, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, and foodies.

Dengue and malaria

It is only natural that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases would be present in a nation with tropical climate. The risk is present across the country, though the chances of actually getting it are low. Dengue has no vaccine, but you can always take precautions as you see fit. Malaria has prevention pills that you can take. However, be aware that these come with a range of side effects, from nausea and dizziness to the more rare anxiety, depression and hallucinations. Contact your doctor at least six weeks before your trip to enquire about these, and the risk of their side effects. 

Japanese encephalitis

You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Cambodia and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Cambodia or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month.

Cambodia is a great value for money destination, read on the understand the cost of travel

Rural Cambodia is authentic and pretty, but also comes with more mosquitoes.

Other recommended tips to stay safe in Cambodia

Apart from vaccinations, there’s a few other things you can do to ensure you stay safe in Cambodia.

Medical Assistance and Insurance

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, the emergency number to dial is 119. Make sure you immediately contact your insurance/medical assistance company if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Unfortunately, the healthcare facilities provided in Cambodia are less than ideal. When in need, privately run facilities are recommended over public healthcare facilities. 

Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore if needed. Consult your local health authority for more information.

When in Cambodia…

… follow these tips. Cambodia is hot and humid throughout the year. Even the monsoon and winter provide little respite from the heat. Make sure you have light cotton wear and a hat. Stock up on electrolytes and keep hydrating to deal with the heat. Cambodian cuisine is delicious, and street food is a big part of the local culture. As much as we recommend exploring it, avoid food that doesn’t look fresh. Always eat from places that attract crowds, especially locals. Carry a few meds for your tummy in case you find yourself facing ‘traveller’s diarrhea’. Pack a good store of mosquito repellent, and carry a mosquito net if you’ll be venturing away from the main cities. 

If you plan on exploring Cambodian cuisine to the fullest, carry some meds for ‘traveller’s diarrhea’.

Once you’re done with your vaccinations for Cambodia, you can really start to look forward to this exciting nation. Make sure you have other details like currency, cost of travel and visa in place. Hit Plan Your Trip so we can help you plan the ideal Cambodian itinerary.