Question by Jenna: How safe is it to travel in Cambodia as an American?
I’m really interested in a study abroad program that would take me to Siam Reap/Phnom Penh for two months during the summer. I would be taking classes centered at Paññasastra University of Cambodia. I do not speak any Khmer (yet, though I would try to learn as much as possible before going, as well as learning there) and I would clearly stand out as a Westerner. How do the Cambodian people feel towards Westerners? Would I be safe traveling there?
Best answer:
Answer by casey
First off, a study abroad program should never put you in a dangerous city. If they do then that is a sub par program. Look up blogs and such of people who have actually been as see what they think about Cambodia.
Secondly, and I hate to tell you to do this, but pretend you’re not American. Of course, this is mostly when its a safety issue or you just don’t feel comfortable speaking the truth. You can claim Canadian citizenship and people won’t know the difference. To back this up maybe look up a city in Canada and learn a little bit about it to make your story a little bit more believable.
Sorry I don’t know anything about Cambodia but I do know what its like to travel abroad as an American when a lot of countries/people don’t like us very much.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Posted in 
Tags: 
when I was there last month, I saw a lot of caucasians – europeans and americans alike; there are many NGO’s and international organizations, and of course white tourists.
I guess it’s safe, but then it would always help to be careful.
You are actually going to be safer in Cambodia than you are in the US. I am an American and visit Cambodia 3 or 4 times a year. While there are places where you can get into trouble… Its just like the States in that regard. If you are white you don’t go into the projects at night. In Phnom Phen you don’t wander the streets late at night. Other wise its business as normal. You take standard precautions and if you see trouble you cross the street and avoid it. I have yet to be in a dangerous situation and I probably run with a slightly more adventurous crowd than you will be with. So don’t worry. You will meet new friends and have great experiences. I envy you your youth and the many opportunities that you will have in the future. And most Cambodians love Americans and westerners. But be careful with your finances. They are some of the best con artists in the world. Never give anyone money without thinking about it for a few days first. lol you’ll have a ball!
I found Cambodia to be perfectly safe,
although I ve been there only for 5 days as an individual tourist.
Most of Cambodians in tourist areas can speak English.
There are quite a lot of Western tourists there – Angkor alone receives 4 mln tourists a year.
So I d reckon it is pretty safe there, would you be American or anyone else.
(I am Russian. Their younger ones can hardly remember where it is.)
Next week the US Navy is coming to Sihanoukville to pay a port call during wich the 300 sailors will be engaged in training the local firefighters and the local Coast Guard . The frequency of these port calls is quite high: just 3 months ago an huge hospital ship, the USS Mercy, moored on the Kampong Som bay for one month free medical assistance to the kingdom’s poorest and remotest areas.
USAID is engaged in hundreds of humanitarian projects in Cambodia, and US citizen working or living here are quite a number.
A lot of Cambodians live in USA and many of them are returning here every year to rejoin their families. And, judging by the daily queue in front of the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, many Cambodians apply for a US visa to visit their relatives living there.
Hillary Clinton has been in Cambodia two weeks ago.
Around half million US tourists alone visit Angkor Wat every year.
Overall, Yankees are very well considered and respected over here ( except for a very few pedophile assholes who are promptly jailed anyway)
So, what is that worries you as an American in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a tourism country. Millions people come and visit Cambodia every year. You can find the foreigners, especially the American like you everywhere. It’s safe and and unsafe like you are in Your country. Cambodian people prefer to use US$ to Khmer Riel. Cambodian people can speak English, even not so good, but you can understand them. Cambodian people always think the foreigners are richer than them, so they might sell the goods over price. Some people are bad, they want your money only, but some people need your friendship and love to be company with you. Be kind, friendly, patient and understanding.
……
High quality info here!I really love the tactual sensations being carried .Interesting layout on your blog . I really enjoyed reading it and also I will be in the past to take more in the future.I also make a link back here……