No, it’s not safe to drink tap water in Cambodia. Contamination is a known concern in many areas.
Cambodia’s tap water is untreated or poorly filtered in many areas. Contamination from sewage and agricultural runoff makes it unsuitable for drinking without additional purification.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ❌ No, use bottled water Common Risks: Bacteria, parasites, viruses Brush Teeth? ❌ No, use bottled water Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ❌ No, use filtered or bottled water Use Ice in Drinks? ❌ No, avoid unless purified Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ✅ Strongly recommended
This advice is supported by CDC and WHO health recommendations, plus local water quality data.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
While we don’t sell water bottles, we’ve compared and reviewed top-rated options based on expert analysis and global traveler feedback. The right filter bottle keeps you healthy, saves money, and helps reduce plastic waste—and we’ve included our top picks further down the page.
Health Risks for Travelers
While locals may drink the tap water with no issues, tourists often face a higher risk of stomach infections and digestive upset due to unfamiliar microbes and variable water quality standards.
Watch out for:
- Traveler’s diarrhea from bacteria like E. coli
- Waterborne parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
- Viruses such as norovirus or hepatitis A in areas with low hygiene standards
- Potential chemical contamination from outdated pipes or industrial runoff
Risk factors include:
- Remote or underdeveloped regions without water purification
- Urban areas hit by flooding or water service interruptions
- Hotels or apartments with old plumbing or poorly maintained water tanks
Even if tap water looks clean, it could still carry invisible threats. To avoid gastrointestinal illness while traveling, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Cambodia, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in Cambodia
There’s a big gap in access to safe drinking water between urban and rural areas in Cambodia. As of 2020, only about 27% of households had access to safely managed drinking water. Around 43% had basic access, and 13% had limited access. Nearly 6% of the population still relied on untreated water sources, and about 9% used surface water like rivers and ponds.
In rural areas, boiling water is a common and long-standing habit—about 55% of households do this. Roughly 17% also use water filters, such as ceramic ones, to clean their drinking water.
FAQs About Tap Water in Cambodia
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Brushing your teeth might seem low risk, but even minimal exposure can lead to upset stomach while traveling.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
As long as you don’t swallow it, using tap water to wash your face is unlikely to cause problems.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Only use ice from places where they clearly use purified water or commercial ice machines with clean sources.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Even if the water isn’t drinkable, it’s usually fine for washing your body.
Sometimes hotel water can be hard on your hair or skin. A lightweight shower filter is easy to bring along and simple to install—if the showerhead’s exposed. Built-in showers don’t give you that option. According to most users, this is the go-to choice. Check the latest price here.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
It’s safer to rinse produce with bottled or filtered water, especially if you plan to eat it raw.
Is bottled water expensive in Cambodia?
It’s widely available and reasonably priced, making it a safe and simple choice for travelers.
Trips through mainland Southeast Asia often include Cambodia, along with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Reviewing the tap water standards across all these countries is a good travel habit.