What is the Legal Drinking Age in Cambodia? [2024]

I had a bit of a whirlwind few weeks in Cambodia when I was living in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and was required to make semi-regular visa trips to Phnom Penh (and sometimes just the Cambodian border) to apply for a new visa and re-enter. Sometimes, I’d make a several-week trip out of it and post up in the country’s capital, Phnom Penh, for relaxation, gluttony, and cultural exploration. 

What I found was a country with a surprisingly cosmopolitan alcohol and gastronomic landscape, boasting everything from countless live music and billiards bars blasting classic rock hits to throwback colonial lounges and bustling rooftop bars to Shanghainese speakeasies and international craft beer haunts. And that’s just the beginning. Cambodian casinos (well…they are actually owned by the Chinese), beach bars, and cigar bars are also at your fingertips.

As a popular destination for newly minted high school graduates on gap years, backpackers of all ages and creeds, university students from surrounding Asian countries, and other thrill seekers who enjoy a pint or two (or a bucket), a common question that pops up is “What is the legal drinking age in Cambodia?” 

Here’s everything you need to know about the legal drinking age in Cambodia, along with other important alcohol laws in Cambodia. 

What’s Cambodia’s Legal Drinking Age?

As of 2024, there is no official legal drinking age in Cambodia. However, an alcohol law governing the sale and consumption of alcohol in Cambodia was proposed in 2015 by the Health Ministry. The law aims to establish a minimum purchase age of 21 for alcohol in an effort to curb underage drinking in the country. As of the date of publication, Cambodia’s proposed alcohol law has not yet been enacted. 

Cambodia’s private sector, including restaurants, bars, and other establishments serving alcohol, have in recent years pledged to support the establishment of a minimum drinking age of 18 in Cambodia. 

However, some speculate that because of close ties between national and international breweries (and beer importers) and government officials, and the current status quo that sees large import tax revenues, the passage of any sort of law curbing consumption is unlikely to manifest anytime soon. 

Do They Check Your ID in Cambodia When Buying Alcohol?

Simply put, there is an infinitesimal chance that a bar, restaurant, convenience store, or supermarket will check your ID when buying alcohol in Cambodia. 

While I generally recommend carrying your passport or some form of identification when going out in most countries, I really don’t think it’s needed in Cambodia. The chances of losing it and the subsequent hassle just aren’t worth it compared to the minuscule chance that you are ever asked for your ID. 

However, if Cambodia’s underage drinking law does take shape in the next several years, then this may be a different case altogether and then it may be required to present your ID. 

How is Cambodia’s Legal Drinking Age Different From Thailand’s?

The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 while Cambodia does not have an official legal drinking age. Simply put, Thailand has an official, legal drinking age on its books that governs both the sale and consumption of alcohol. 

Important Alcohol Laws in Cambodia to Know

One of the few pictures I have remaining on my camera roll from Phnom Penh – from the Royal Palace Grounds.

While there is no official minimum drinking age in Cambodia, that doesn’t mean there aren’t several important alcohol laws you should be mindful of when traveling (or moving) to Cambodia. 

Drunk Driving in Cambodia

Cambodia’s ‘Traffic Law’ establishes a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.5 g/l or 0.5 mg/ml and an alcoholic rate of 0.25 mg per liter of air (breath). This is on par with other international blood and breath alcohol concentrations. 

For example, in the United States, the maximum BAC for motorcyclists and drivers is 0.08g/100ml, which is higher than in Cambodia. 

Penalties for drivers caught driving drunk in Cambodia may include imprisonment between one and six months and a fine between Riel 800,000 (USD 195) up to Riel 4,000,000 (USD 1,000). Drunk drivers will also face varying degrees of ‘marks’ on their driving record, corresponding with their blood alcohol or breath alcohol concentrations, before their license is revoked altogether. 

Imprisonment and fines are aggravated should a driver cause physical injury to another. Drunk drivers having an alcoholic “breath” rate of 0.40mg or more per liter of air or 0.80g or more per liter of blood may face imprisonment between one and three years and fines ranging from Riel 4,000,000 (USD 1,000) to Riel 15,000,000 (USD 3,700). Should they cause death to another individual, drunk drivers may be subject to imprisonment between two and five years and fines from Riel 10,000,000 (USD 2,500) to Riel 25,000,000 (USD 6,100). 

As a foreigner, many hospitals and medical facilities in Cambodia aren’t up to international quality standards and can surprisingly break the bank (they aren’t particularly cheap), so it’s best to avoid putting yourself in compromising situations that could lead to putting these facilities to the test.

Television Advertising & Alcohol in Cambodia

Cambodia is unlike any other country I’ve been to when it comes to alcohol advertising. It’s everywhere. And that’s coming from someone born and raised in the United States. The biggest difference is that some Cambodian alcohol companies and advertisements claim that it “improves sleep” and offer rewards (such as new vehicles) and sweepstakes for purchasing booze. 

While Cambodia does ban advertising of alcohol on television between the hours of 6 PM and 8 PM, this has led to a minimal (if any) impact on the reduction of alcohol consumption in the country. 

When Do They Stop Selling Alcohol in Cambodia?

There is no limit on the hours of alcohol sales or last call for bars and clubs in Cambodia. 

Cambodia has, however, in the past temporarily banned the sale and consumption of alcohol during general elections (for no more than several days) in an attempt to “promote social order” and limit violence or intimidation. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re traveling to Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to check out my in-depth article breaking down navigating the Moc Bai Border and the art of “visa running.”

What Alcohol is Popular in Cambodia?

Cambodian beer caught me off guard with actually just how delicious, crisp, and affordable it was. But it really should be no surprise considering that Cambodia’s alcohol scene is overwhelmingly dominated by both domestic and international beer brewers and importers. And, it’s on an exponential upward trajectory.

The key beer producers in Cambodia include Cambrew Brewery (behind ‘Angkor Beer’ – the most consumed beer in the country), Cambodia Brewery, Khmer Brewery, Kingdom Brewery, and Lao Brewery (behind Beer Lao). 

You can find one or more of these beer brands at almost every restaurant, bar, club, or watering hole in the country and they clock in at anywhere from $0.50 to $2.00 depending on your location. Every night out in Phnom Penh, I’d bring $20 to $30 with me, leave my credit cards at home, and be able to drink my fill – even ending up with money to spare for late-night snacks to sober up. 

Cambodia’s wine industry is small but still chugging away and steadily growing, with total estimated revenue in 2023 coming in at just under USD 12 million. What you will find, however, is a national love for ‘Sombai’, an infused rice wine and liqueur made from exotic fruits and spices that comes in various flavors (banana and cinnamon is my favorite), and ‘Sra Peang’ (more in Northeastern Cambodia, a glutinous rice wine stored in earthen vases and pots. 

Finally, ‘Muscle Wine’ is a must if you’re looking for a true Cambodian drinking experience. It’s a fortified wine concoction made from assorted herbs and deer antlers that is incredibly strong and a cheap favorite amongst Cambodian men and elders. This is perfect for travelers on a budget who really don’t care about the taste of the alcohol they’re drinking but rather “getting a buzz.”

Pale Ale Travel Note: One of the weirder travel experiences I had was in Cambodia. I was taking a stroll near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and stumbled on some festive celebration sponsored by “big alcohol.” The strange thing though is that because Cambodia is a developing country and tickets were roughly USD 10 almost no one was at the festival. It was an interesting reminder of how certain countries prioritize opulence and egregious shows of wealth over the welfare of their residents.  

Tips to Keep in Mind When Drinking Alcohol in Cambodia

Keep these tips in mind to ensure a safer drinking experience in Cambodia!

Always Watch Your Drink

As a major party destination, this brings individuals from all over the world and with varying intentions. Always make sure that you watch and cover your drink and do not leave it unattended. If you need to use the bathroom, finish your drink first and purchase a new one after you return. 

Further, don’t accept opened drinks from strangers, even friends as you don’t know if they may have been “gifted” an alcoholic drink with something in it. 

Do Not Drink & Drive

Look, I get it. The freedom of being able to rent a scooter and go anywhere, without a care in the world, is one of the best feelings there is. However, not having your head crushed like a watermelon by a semi-truck or scraping your entire body after swerving off the road due to losing your balance is infinitely better. 

Simply put, if you drink alcohol, don’t drive. You’re putting both yourself and others at risk. There is no shortage of tuk tuks, Grabs (download ‘Grab’ before traveling to Cambodia), and taxis that you can take to get home safely. 

Don’t Drink Bootleg Alcohol

Drinking unlabeled or bootleg alcohol runs the risk of exposing yourself to methanol, which, unlike ethanol, is highly poisonous and potentially fatal. There’s plenty of fantastic, bottled or canned beer and alcohol in Cambodia, so don’t risk potentially consuming damaging and poisonous substances due to carelessness or trying to ‘get an authentic experience’.

Drink Water (Seriously, Drink It)

If you’re anything like me then you’re going to be one sweaty, dehydrated Betty when you’re in Cambodia (or anywhere in Southeast Asia). This can take a toll on you while drinking and lead to dizziness, dehydration, and other alcohol-related illnesses. Make sure you alternate between one drink and one water if you want to give yourself a chance at being able to make it to Bayon Temple or the Royal Palace in the morning. 

Refrain From Any Hostile Encounters

This especially extends to the foreigners who make their way over to a country and think it’s their duty to help break up a fight between foreigners and locals. This is going to end poorly for you. If you see a hostile situation brewing, extract yourself as quickly as possible. 

Further, avoid being combative or escalating any encounters with both foreigners and locals – whatever pride is on the line isn’t worth being knocked out or worse, ending up in Cambodian jail.  

Final Thoughts on the Drinking Age in Cambodia

Just because there is no legal drinking age in Cambodia and it is a “relaxed” country when it comes to the enforcement of alcohol and drinking laws does not mean that you should throw all caution to the wind. This is not to scare anyone at all but a common theme I see when people travel abroad to a country that they’ve deemed in their head as ‘lawless’ is that they often get carried away and put themselves in compromising situations. 

Cambodia is a developing country that is still undergoing rapid development infrastructurally, socially, politically, and economically, and there are going to be growing pains associated with this. Minimizing exposure to any potential negative side effects of this development is crucial for safely navigating your travels (or move). 

Keep your wits about you, always watch your drink, and don’t drink to excess – especially in a foreign country you’re unfamiliar with. After all, do you really want to be hungover when watching the ethereal sunrise of Angkor Wat in the morning? I don’t think so.

If you’ve traveled or lived in Cambodia and have any interesting stories about your time there, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Further, if you have any questions about crossing the Moc Bai Border (Vietnam/Cambodia), don’t hesitate to reach out and I’ll do my best to answer any questions I can!

Drink responsibly everyone,

Big Body