Vaccinations in Cambodia

No vaccination is officially mandatory or essential in Cambodia, however the Pasteur Institute recommends the following vaccines:

1. Japanese encephalitis: for any rural stay, particularly near rice paddies, justified for extended travels in rural areas or for expatriates
2. Yellow fever: for those who have never received this vaccine and have previously stayed in Africa or South America
3. Hepatitis A: recommended for stays with limited hygiene facilities
4. Hepatitis B: in case of unprotected sexual contact
5. Malaria: preventive treatment against mosquito bites carrying disease
6. Rabies: recommended for adventurous and isolated travelers
7. Typhoid: transmissible through water, food, or poor hand hygiene

First Aid Kit

Most medications available in Cambodia come from China. Their contents and dosages are not always clear. However, it is possible to obtain French medications in urban pharmacies, such as Doliprane for example. It is still advisable to have a first aid kit on hand in case of emergency, especially if you travel to rural areas. Here is a list of medications we recommend bringing with you on your trip to Cambodia:

1. Paracetamol, Aspirin and/or Ibuprofen: for pain and fever (depending on your preferences)
2. Throat lozenges: with pollution and temperature changes from air conditioning, it's easy to catch a cold
3. Anti-diarrheal and decongestant medications: our stomachs and intestines are not accustomed to Asian food, which can cause digestive issues
4. Eye drops: there is a lot of dust in Phnom Penh for example, and if you have sensitive eyes this is essential!
5. Insect repellent and antihistamine cream such as Anthisan or Systra: in case of insect bite allergies
6. Antihistamine tablets: in case of cold, allergies, insect bites, or motion sickness
7. Small first aid kit (sterile gauze and bandages with small scissors, tweezers, antiseptic solution, etc.): this is not essential unless you're trekking or having adventures in rural areas
8. Thermometer: if you don't feel well, it's important to monitor your temperature preventatively
9. SPF 50 sunscreen and burn relief cream if you're prone to sunburns: even if you're not used to burning, UV levels in Cambodia are very high, so it can happen to anyone
10. Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal cream: due to humidity

Hospitalization and Travel Insurance

It's important to know that hospitals and clinics in Cambodia do not provide the same quality of care. In case of a serious condition or accident, you may need to travel to Bangkok to receive more appropriate medical care.

This is why it's important to have basic medical supplies with you, and we recommend you subscribe to travel insurance in case you need hospitalization or medical evacuation. Many bank cards (Visa or others) include travel insurance if you use them to pay for your airline ticket. Check in advance what is covered or not to avoid unpleasant surprises, or conversely to avoid subscribing to additional insurance that would offer identical coverage.

If you find yourself in such a situation, remember to keep calm (even if that's easier said than done) and contact your embassy or consulate, then your insurance company.