Cambodia or Vietnam .. anyone been there on holiday?

Question

I like unusual places but wondered whether it was worth a visit there with my 15 year old son. Is Cambodia dangerous - i.e landmines..? I want to go somewhere different but obviously not somewhere that's going to put my son's life at risk..

Answer 1

Visit Cambodia......I've been there many times!!!

Don't worry about landmines..You are not going to bring your son

to the wild country sides where the locals don't even visit, right?

I suppose you will spent your holiday mainly in the capital city or nearby suburb..right? If yes, here are my recommendation from personal experiences.

Cambodia..

1. In  Siem Reap, you must visit  Angkar Wat--one of seven wonders of the world..an awesome monument.

2. In Phnom Pen (capital city)

    In the city itself, you can enjoy the beauty of French colonial buildings, the King's Palace, the Bud hist temple at the city park, the rows & rows of rustic local shops... ..

...Take a short boat ride along the "Mekong River" and witness the poverty of the "country side immigrants" staying along the river banks

or enjoy the world go by at the many cafe along the main road facing the same river...

or enjoy the "wild animal" cuisines at restaurant along the river bank opposite the cafe.....

At night, visit the modern casino or the "crazy" disco (without your son) to let your hair down...

you may want to check other fun places with Planet Travel.

Final word...don't worry too much..there are many western tourists there.....I'm Singaporean.

Answer 2

cambodia isnt dangerous

just stick with a guide and ull b find (no landmines either)

vietnam is great i was there last year

15 year old mite get bored tho

Answer 3

Cambodia is not dangerous at all. I have been there on three differant trips.

The capital city is amazing and of course Angkor Wat is spectacular.

  If there is any worry about the Khmer, it is a waste of time. Yes, the khmer are still around, but they are as much a worry as a Canadien mountie.

  Instead of taking the time to worry, try taking the time to enjoy the people and the fine culture.

Answer 4

Here's the US State Department's official word about travel to Cambodia as of now.

Cambodia is a poor developing country with a constitutional monarchy and elected government.  King Norodom Sihamoni is the constitutional monarch and head of state.  Elections for Members of the National Assembly were last held in July 2003.  Two parties, the CPP and FUNCINPEC, have formed a coalition government, which the CPP dominates.  The country has a market economy, with approximately 80 percent of the population of 13 million engaged in subsistence farming.  The government has good relations with its neighbors, despite strains over residual border disputes and historic antagonisms.  The quality of tourist facilities varies widely in Cambodia with the highest standard found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Cambodia for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport and visa are required.  Tourists and business travelers may purchase a Cambodian visa valid for one month at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.  Both require a passport-sized photograph.  A departure tax is charged on all domestic and international flights.  This tax must be paid in U.S. Dollars.  Current information about entry/visa and other requirements may be obtained from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, 4500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20022, telephone number 202-726-7742, fax [phone].  Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia.

See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Cambodia and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia web site at http://embassy.org/cambodia for the most current visa information.

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: In the aftermath of bombings in Indonesia in the last two years, Southeast Asia remains a possible target of terrorism.  The Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners.  Extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorist groups and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation events, hotels, resorts and beaches.  From time to time, the US Embassy places local establishments off limits to Embassy personnel due to safety and security incidents.  You can contact the Embassy for notification of the current restrictions in place for Embassy personnel.

The formation of a coalition government in 2004 has eased political tensions considerably.  However, American citizens should be aware that Cambodian political activities have turned violent in the past.  In November 2000, an anti-government group based in the U.S led an attack against government buildings in Phnom Penh.  In January 2003, there were anti-Thai riots, during which the Royal Embassy of Thailand and Thai commercial establishments were attacked.  While the current situation is relatively stable, the possibility for politically motivated violence remains.  Grenade attacks and bombings have been used as a form of retribution to settle business and personal disputes.  Therefore, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance can be found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, but especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces.  At no time should travelers walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide.  Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous.  Travelers who observe anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordnance should not touch it.  They should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 023-368-841/981-083 or 084.

The town of Siem Reap and the vicinity of the Angkor Wat temple complex remain officially open to tourists.  The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to travel to these locations by air or to exercise caution if traveling by road or boat and to limit their movements to the city of Siem Reap, the main Angkor Wat temple complexes, and the main national auto routes.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-317-472-2328.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:  The Diplomatic Security Service rates the overall crime threat in Cambodia as critical.  Street crime remains a serious concern in Cambodia.  Military weapons and explosives remain readily available to criminals despite efforts by authorities to collect and destroy such weapons.  Armed robberies occur frequently in Phnom Penh, and while not specifically targeted, foreign residents and visitors are among the victims.  Victims of armed robberies are reminded that they should not resist and should surrender their valuables as any perceived resistance may be met with physical violence, including lethal force.  Local police rarely investigate reports of crime against tourists and travelers should not expect to recover stolen items.

The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel who travel to the provinces to exercise extreme caution outside the provincial towns during the day and everywhere at night.  Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing.  Individuals should avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, and especially along the waterfront.  Some of the beaches are secluded, and post has received reports in the past of women being attacked along the Sihanoukville waterfront during the evening hours.  These security precautions should also be taken when visiting the Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) area.

Pickpockets and beggars are also present in the markets and at the tourist sites.  Persons visiting Cambodia should practice sound personal security awareness by varying their routes and routines, maintaining a low profile, not carrying or displaying large amounts of cash, not wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and not walking the streets alone after dark.  Travelers should be particularly vigilant at tourist sites in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where there have been a marked increase in motorcycle “snatch and grab” thefts of bags and purses.  In addition, we recommend that Americans travel by automobile and not use local moto-taxies or cyclos for transportation.  These vehicles are more vulnerable to armed robberies and offer no protection against injury when involved in traffic accidents

To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to carry photocopies of their U.S. passport, driver's license or other important documents.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.  

See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards.  Adequate care for basic emergencies is limited in Phnom Penh.  Siem Reap, the major tourist attraction of Cambodia, currently has one facility that can provide basic medical care.  Otherwise, medical care outside the capital is almost non-existent.  Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription and over the counter medications, but because the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly travelers should bring adequate supplies for the duration of their stay in Cambodia.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad including Avian influenza, consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.  

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Cambodia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor

Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor

Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor

Availability of Roadside Assistance: Non-existent

Driving at night in Cambodia is strongly discouraged.  In both urban and rural areas, road maintenance is sporadic.  Roads between major areas are adequate; however, those leading to more rural areas are poor.  During the rainy season, both urban and rural road conditions deteriorate considerably.  Roadside assistance is non-existent.  The safety of road travel outside urban areas varies greatly.  Cambodian drivers routinely ignore traffic laws and vehicles are frequently poorly maintained.  Intoxicated drivers are commonplace, particularly during the evening hours and penalties for DWI offenses vary greatly.  Even on heavily traveled roads, banditry occurs, so all travel should be done in daylight between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Serious flooding occurs both in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia starting at the end of July, early August.  Heavy flooding continues into November.  The unimproved highways to Prey Veng, Battambang, Pailin, Stung Treng and Poipet become more difficult and dangerous during this time of the year, and travel to the provinces is virtually impossible.  The highway to Sihanoukville is the only road that can be traveled, with caution, during this time of the year.

The U.S. Embassy advises Embassy personnel not to travel by train because of low safety standards and the high risk of banditry.  Travel by boat should be avoided because boats are often overcrowded and lack adequate safety equipment.  In February 2004, two American tourists had to be rescued when the boat on which they were traveling capsized on the Mekong River.  Owners of the boats accept no liability for accidents.  Moto-taxis and cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles) are widely available; however, the Embassy does not recommend using them due to safety concerns and because personal belongings can be easily stolen.  Organized emergency services for victims of traffic accidents are non-existent outside of major urban areas, and those that are available are inadequate.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Cambodia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cambodia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's Internet web site, http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initi...

Domestic air travel from Phnom Penh to Ratanakiri has resulted in several safety incidents since 2005, and maintenance and operational procedures may be inadequate to ensure passenger safety.  At present, the U.S. Government does not recommend the use of domestic air carriers for flights to Ratanakiri by Embassy personnel.  No such restriction applies for flights to Siem Reap (Angkok Wat) and/or Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s two international airports.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cambodia of items such as drugs, firearms, antiquities, or ivory.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Cambodia in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.  Please see our information on Customs Regulations.

Dual nationality is not prohibited under Cambodia's 1996 nationality law.  In addition to being subject to all Cambodian laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who possess Cambodian nationality may also be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Cambodian citizens.

The U.S. dollar and Cambodian Riel are both widely used, although U.S. dollars are preferred, especially for larger transactions.  Except in major hotels, credit cards are not widely accepted within Cambodia, although a number of banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa cards for cash advances.  Bank and major hotels accept travelers' checks, but usually charge a service fee.  The only ATM machines in Cambodia require a local account with the bank.  Personal checks are not generally accepted.  There are Western Union offices in Phnom Penh and one in Siem Reap to which funds can be wired.  Information on Western Union can be found at http://www.westernunion.com.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences.  Persons violating Cambodian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cambodia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  For more information visit our Criminal Penalties page.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Cambodia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Cambodia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at No. 1, Street 96 (near Wat Phnom), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  The telephone number is (855-23) 728-000; fax [phone].  Additional information about American Services can be found at http://phnompenh.usembassy.gov/.

Answer 5

in 1970 with 82 airborne

Answer 6

We went to Vietnam this summer with our kids (aged 12 to 16) and they all loved it. Never felt in any danger, actually quite the opposite most of the time since the people are very friendly and public displays of anger etc are seen to be a loss of face. People don't hassle you to buy things too much once you've gone through the "no thanks with a smile" routine a few times.

Did get offered drugs near the chinese border by a woman who was 85 if she was a day. No pressure though, just say no and they don't hassle you.

We found the North (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Nimh Binh, Mai Chau) to be much more interesting than the South (Saigon). But the coast in the middle of the country is well worth it for a few days of rest on great beaches in nice hotels that don't cost anything like their equivalent in Europe. Try Hoi An, and I've heard Nha Trang is good as well.

Answer 7

Cambodia every time.... I found very little to do in Vietnam, unless you like firing an AK47 gun or looking at underground tunnels.  Cambodia has lots of things to see and has some nice beeches in the south.  Cambodian people are very friendly and relaxed.  Vietnamese will hassle you all the time.

Good luck

Answer 8

No don' t go there, they are the favourite places for pedophiles!

Answer 9

Have been to both. Personally Cambodia was the only place i did not feel 100% safe, with billboards of kids with guns headed, "we don't need guns anymore". I am not sure why, but there was an undelying uneasyness felt by me when i was there

I loved Vietnam, and met some locals and helped a couple with English, in fact i wanted to get a job there and learn't a lot of the language. One of my teachers being the 70 year old lady who served coffee on a platsic table on the pavement- the people are very friendly out there, and of course there are nasty peope everywhere selling books or coke or heroin, but i avoided them

Of all the places i have been to my favourite has been India. You would have a blast, as I am sure would your son. One day you could be at the beach, then an hours flight later be in a busy city, or ancient heritage flight, realy is fantastic and afordable, and teh people are the nicest i have ever met. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself (and back to the original question, unless you go wandering through fields ec you should be land mine free)