Cambodia This advice is current for Tuesday 07 November 2000 EDT The advice was issued on Wednesday 13 September 2000 EDT Australians are advised to exercise care and maintain a high degree of personal security awareness due to continuing concerns about security in Cambodia. Australians are advised to take care in moving around Phnom Penh, particularly at night. Australians should avoid areas with a heavy military or police presence and should keep away from large gatherings or political rallies. Banditry continues in some rural areas and travel in the countryside after dark should be avoided. Australians are advised that ill-disciplined members of the security forces constitute a potential threat. Travellers should also be aware of the risk of kidnapping. Travel by public transport in Cambodia is problematic due to poor maintenance of equipment and infrastructure and to the prevailing security environment. Travel to Siem Reap to view the Angkor Temple complex by air is recommended over other transport options. Travel by boat is possible. However, travellers should be aware that even fast, modern vessels can be overcrowded, lack basic safety equipment and, as occurred in March 2000, are susceptible to robbery by armed gangs. Travel to the temple of Banteay Srei outside the Angkor Wat complex is also possible, but we advise against visiting other outlying temples. Travel by road to a number of provincial centres should only be undertaken in full daylight hours, either by scheduled bus service or preferably with cars travelling in convoy. Visitors should be aware that internal air services can be unpredictable and flights are often cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. Travel by rail is not recommended due to poor maintenance of rail stock and infrastructure. There is no legal point of land entry between Laos and Cambodia. The two legal crossing points for foreigners at the Cambodia/Thailand border are at Koh Kong and Poipet. However, the Poipet border crossing is not recommended due to the uncertainty of safe onwards travel. Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. The area inside Cambodia along the border with Thailand is especially dangerous. Travellers are reminded that while drugs are easily accessible in Cambodia, the possession of even small amounts is unlawful. AIDS is endemic and safe sex practices are essential. Travel and medical insurance is essential. The Department strongly recommends that Australians visiting or resident in Cambodia register with the Embassy. Australians are also advised to inform the Embassy of any plans to travel outside Phnom Penh and to seek specific security advice. The Australian Embassy contact address is: Villa 11, Street 254, Chartamouk District, Phnom Penh - telephone (855-23) 213 470, fax (855-23) 213 413 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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