Do you need malaria pills for Cambodia?
Matthew Underwood
Updated on April 22, 2026
If you are visiting Phnom Penh or Siem Reap it is not necessary to take malaria prophylaxis, though it is necessary to take care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by applying a DEET-containing mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves if possible.
Beside this, do I need to take malaria tablets for Cambodia?
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Cambodia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
Also, are malaria pills necessary? It's usually recommended you take antimalarial tablets if you're visiting an area where there's a malaria risk as they can reduce your risk of malaria by about 90%. The type of antimalarial tablets you will be prescribed is based on the following information: where you're going. any relevant family medical history.
In this regard, how common is malaria in Cambodia?
Sixty percent of Cambodia's landscape poses a malarial risk. One million Cambodians are infected with malaria each year. Of those infected, between 1.5 percent and 10 percent in some remote provinces, die.
What vaccinations do you need for Cambodia and Vietnam?
Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.
Related Question Answers
What should you not wear in Cambodia?
Don't: Dress Too SkimpyLocal men typically wear collared, short-sleeved shirts and long pants. Although wearing shorts and a T-shirt is fine for tourists, you should try not to cause locals to feel embarrassed by your attire. Avoid short shorts, miniskirts, tight yoga pants, or other clothing that is too revealing.
What is the best time of year to visit Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, when there is very little rain. During this time you'll see clear blue skies, making it a great time to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the southern coast. Temperatures stay at a warm 68°F year-round.What are the most common diseases in Cambodia?
Here are some of the most common diseases in Cambodia:- Malaria. Cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are free of the risk of malaria, but the rest of Cambodia is exposed to it. Female Anopheles mosquitos spread the disease in Cambodia at night through their bites.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Dengue Fever.
- Tuberculosis.
How common is dengue fever in Cambodia?
In Cambodia, the peak of dengue epidemic period is in the rainy season from May to October. According to a health ministry report, there were 24,684 cases of dengue fever with 23 deaths last year compared with 6,372 cases with three deaths in 2017.Do I need shots to go to Cambodia?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cambodia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Cambodia?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers 1 year of age and older coming from - or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within - a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.Do I need malaria tablets for Siem Reap?
Malaria risk is present throughout the year in all areas except Phnom Penh, other main cities, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap and close to Tonle Sap. Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline is advised for those at risk. Low to no risk areas: antimalarial tablets are not usually advised.Is there Zika in Cambodia?
Cambodia has a history of previous Zika Virus transmission. There is currently no evidence of an ongoing Zika Virus outbreak.Can I drink tap water in Cambodia?
Drinking tap water generally isn't recommended in Cambodia. Water quality varies from region to region and there may be harmful bacteria or viruses present, so the safest option is to treat or purify your water, or opt for bottled water. So, for these environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water.Is it safe to travel in Cambodia?
Cambodia is pretty safe for travelers, but like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, it does have its share of petty crime – and troubles with the police. So long as you're aware of the issues, you'll no doubt have a safe trip. Cambodia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers to Southeast Asia.Is there rabies in Cambodia?
Rabies is endemic in Cambodia. In simple layman's term, it is very common. There are about 5 million dogs in Cambodia with rabies circulating widely among them. Dog bites are pretty common, about 600,000 incidents per year.What happens if you get malaria?
Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells. If not promptly treated, the infection can become severe and may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death.Do I need rabies vaccine for Cambodia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cambodia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cambodia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.Does Asia have malaria?
Malaria is present in 20 countries in the southern, eastern and south-eastern regions of Asia as well as in the Asia Pacific. Countries with malaria transmission in this region include: South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Eastern Asia: China, DPR Korea and Republic of Korea.What is CDC in Cambodia?
CDC in Cambodia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established an office in Cambodia in 2002. CDC works with the Cambodian Ministry of Health and other partners to address HIV/AIDS, global health security, malaria, influenza, and other urgent public health issues.Is malaria in Thailand?
In Thailand, only hilly or forested areas are endemic. There is no malaria transmission in urban areas. Most cases are from the borders especially Thai – Myanmar and Thai – Cambodia borders. There is no risk in municipal areas or major tourist resorts such as Bangkok, Chiangmai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui.Where is the Cambodia?
Southeast AsiaWhat are the side effects of taking malaria pills?
What side effects can Antimalarial cause?- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, insomnia, vivid dreams.
- Dizziness, loss of balance, and ringing in the ear.
- Rare side effects: acute anxiety, depression, restlessness, confusion, severe dizziness, hallucinations.
Which is the best anti malaria tablets?
When several different drugs are recommended for an area, the following table might help in the decision process.- Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
- Chloroquine.
- Doxycycline.
- Mefloquine.
- Primaquine.
- Tafenoquine (ArakodaTM)
Can I buy anti malaria tablets over the counter?
The only over the counter antimalarial is chloroquine, which is not suitable for travel in most malaria areas as the malaria parasite has developed a resistance to it.Is malaria medicine covered by insurance?
Malaria pills are generally not covered by insurance, and the price can vary widely, from just $20 up to $260 per pack. Pills should always be purchased in the United States, as the CDC warns that counterfeit malaria pills are sometimes sold in foreign countries.Can I take malaria drugs with antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be used in areas where parasites are resistant to standard anti-malarial drugs. This difference in modes of action also implies that antibiotics can be a good partner for combination.How much does malaria tablets cost?
Prices| Malaria pill type | Quantity (trip length) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Malarone Adult (Generic) | 65 tablets (8 week trip) | £78.00 |
| Malarone Adult (Generic) | 93 tablets (12 week trip) | £111.60 |
| Malarone Adult (Generic) | 193 tablets (6 month trip) | £208.50 |
| Malarone Adult ( Glaxo branded) | 16 tablets (1 week trip) | £46.90 |
