Vietnam and Cambodia: safety, drugs and scams, a couples guide

Vietnam and Cambodia are two of Southeast Asia's most inspiring destinations: the first for the energy of its cities, its food and its landscapes; the second for Angkor, a heritage that leaves you speechless. If you are travelling as a couple and plan to see both, it helps to know what the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice, consulted in November 2026, records. It is a summary and does not replace your own country's advice.

What the two countries share

Both apply zero tolerance on drugs, both have motorbike bag-snatching as a typical crime in tourist areas, both have seen fake job-offer scams and in both methanol-adulterated alcohol has caused deaths. The good news is that almost everything is prevented with simple routines: bag away from traffic, drink in sight, reliable transport and medical insurance.

Vietnam: the essentials

Drugs. Possessing, using, distributing or making drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties whatever the amount: long prison terms, heavy fines and, depending on severity, the death penalty. Police may test people at homes or parties when responding to a complaint, and a positive result can bring charges even if use was before entering Vietnam. The advice includes the nitrous oxide balloons sold in nightlife venues.

Alcohol and vaping. Methanol-laced drinks, even from licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas, have caused deaths: small amounts can kill. Avoid liquor or cigarettes from street vendors. Vapes are banned for sale and import.

Theft and transport. Pickpocketing and motorcycle bag-snatching are common in crowded areas; theft is more frequent on buses and overnight trains. Sexual assault and harassment have been reported, often linked to unlicensed taxi drivers. Use pre-arranged transport or apps such as Grab or XanhSM, and refuse free transfers you have not booked.

Motorbikes and traffic. Accidents are common, helmets are mandatory and a 1968 international permit is needed. After an accident you may face charges, compensation claims or a ban on leaving the country. Do not hand your passport to rental shops or landlords as security.

Other rules. Carry photo ID (a printed copy of the passport and visa is accepted). Changing money outside official counters is illegal. Photographing military installations is prohibited. Visiting villages near the border may require provincial police permission. Political criticism of the government can bring prison or an exit ban. Same-sex sexual activity carries no criminal penalty, but marriage is not recognised.

Cambodia: the essentials

The Thai border. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the land border with Thailand, border temples are closed (Preah Vihear, Ta Krabey and Tamone Thom) and there are landmines and unexploded ordnance in the area.

Landmines. Cambodia is heavily affected by landmines and unexploded weapons, with mined areas often unmarked. Do not stray off main routes in rural areas, even around temple complexes, and do not pick up metal objects.

Theft and assaults. Motorbike bag-snatching is the most common crime: hotspots are the riverfront and BKK areas of Phnom Penh and the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville and nearby islands. Sexual assaults have been reported in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, including by men posing as motorbike taxi drivers on Pub Street, and drink spiking in some bars. Carry your bag on the side away from the road, do not put it in a bicycle basket and use tuk-tuks with a metal grill. Check banknotes: fake dollar bills have been given as change.

Drugs and prisons. Possessing, trafficking or making drugs, including cannabis, is a serious offence; prison conditions are extremely poor, pre-trial detention can last months and there is no prisoner transfer agreement with the UK.

Dress and photos. You may be refused entry to temples such as Angkor Wat if you wear skirts or shorts above the knee; cover your shoulders and follow the official code. Never photograph military bases and ask permission before photographing people, especially monks.

Roads. Cambodia has one of the highest accident rates in Southeast Asia and night travel increases the risk. The 1949 international permit may be needed for motorbikes over 125 cc or cars, and police fine on the spot for riding without a helmet.

Job scams: the risk that is not on the postcards

Both advisories warn of "easy, high-paying job" offers, in the Mekong region, that lead to passport confiscation, poor living conditions and coercion into online scamming. For Cambodia, the advice links them to organised crime groups, with trafficking and restricted movement. Always verify offers, visas and work permits before signing, and never hand your passport to an employer, even "for safekeeping".

And couples' venues

We list no lifestyle venues in Vietnam or Cambodia: we could not verify any with a live official website and a checkable policy. We prefer to offer an honest guide focused on culture and safety. To travel better, read our pages on Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, and see the official Vietnam tourism videos we have verified.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a motorbike in Vietnam? It is risky: accidents are common; do it only with experience, a helmet and an international permit, and never leave your passport.

Is Angkor safe? The temples are safe if you respect the paths and dress code; the advice warns of mines off them and motorbike theft in the cities.

How do I spot a fake job offer? If it promises a lot for little effort, asks for your passport or takes you to another country, distrust it and check it through official channels.