Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The expat district with international restaurants and trendy cafes. Safest area with English everywhere, but more expensive and less authentically Cambodian.
This is where embassies, NGO offices, and expats are concentrated. Streets 240 and 310 stay busy on weeknights with people meeting for dinner or working from cafes. You'll see women eating alone with books or laptops constantly. Embassy presence means more security and better street lighting into the evening. Staff speak English since they serve international customers all day. Food ranges from Khmer to Mexican to Japanese. Everything costs more than local neighborhoods but still reasonable by Western standards. It doesn't feel very Cambodian, but the tradeoff is comfort and lower crime.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Excellent"Felt completely safe walking around at night in this area"
"So many good cafes where you can work for hours without feeling rushed"
"Everyone speaks English which made solo dining easy"
"More expensive than other areas but worth it for the safety"
"Doesn't feel very Cambodian but perfect if you want comfort"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Bassac Lane has the trendy restaurant and cocktail scene. More local feel than BKK1, safer than Riverside. Bars close at 11pm due to nearby residents. Good for eating alone somewhere with atmosphere.
Real neighborhood built around a local market. Has trendy cafes that digital nomads like. Less English than tourist areas. Quiet at night. Good if you want authentic feel without being completely isolated.
Main tourist strip with historic sites and river views. Good during the day, but has the city's highest petty crime rate after dark. Use tuk-tuks at night.
Help other women stay safe in BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.