Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Cambodia?
No, tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink, including in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Bottled or boiled water is essential throughout your trip.
Water Source
Phnom Penh's water authority has improved treatment significantly in recent decades, but distribution infrastructure and inconsistent standards elsewhere in the country mean tap water isn't considered safe to drink directly.
Contaminants & Concerns
Bacterial and parasitic contamination risk from inconsistent treatment and aging or absent distribution infrastructure, especially outside Phnom Penh.
Regional Variations
Not safe anywhere, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat area), and Sihanoukville.
Water Hardness
Not centrally published; not relevant given universal bottled/boiled use..
Do Locals Drink Tap Water?
No, most Cambodian households boil water or use bottled/filtered water rather than drinking from the tap.
Tips for Travelers
- •Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth
- •Avoid ice from informal street vendors; opt for reputable restaurants
Recommended Precautions
- •Drink only bottled or boiled water
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP)
- •National and municipal water utility public quality reports