Can You Vape in Cambodia? 2026 Laws, Rules & Traveler's Guide

Can You Vape in Cambodia? The Short Answer

Officially no, but practically it's complicated. Cambodia has a unique situation:

• Officially banned since 2014 under Circular No. 001/14
• No criminal penalties - no fines or imprisonment for users
• Maximum consequence - device confiscation
• Minimal enforcement - especially in tourist areas
• Increasing attention - 2024-2025 saw stricter rhetoric

Cambodia is often described as "vape-friendly" by travelers because enforcement is lax compared to Thailand or Singapore. However, it's important to understand that vaping IS technically illegal, and the situation can change.

Is Vaping Legal in Cambodia? Understanding the 2014 Ban

The Legal Framework

Cambodia banned e-cigarettes in 2014 through Circular No. 001/14 issued by the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD).

The ban prohibits:

• Import of e-cigarettes and e-liquids
• Sale and distribution
• Advertising and promotion
• Use of vaping products

In 2021, the ban was extended to include heat-not-burn products (IQOS, glo, etc.).

Key Difference from Other Bans

Unlike Thailand or Singapore, Cambodia's vaping ban:

• Has no specified fines for users
• Has no imprisonment provisions for personal use
• Only allows confiscation as the enforcement mechanism

This is why Cambodia has a reputation for lenient enforcement.

2024-2025 Enforcement Changes

The Cambodian government has signaled stricter enforcement:

• June 2024: E-cigarette manufacturing added to Negative Investment List
• November 2024: Ministry of Tourism threatened license revocation for businesses allowing vaping
• Youth concern: 82% of Cambodian vapers are students aged 15-35

The situation may be tightening.

What Are the Penalties for Vaping in Cambodia?

Current Enforcement Reality

Situation	Typical Outcome
Personal use (tourist)	Warning or ignored
Device found by police	Possible confiscation
Vaping at Angkor Wat	Removal, possible fine
Selling vapes	Business closure risk
Large-scale import	Potential prosecution

What Actually Happens

In practice for tourists:

1. Most vaping goes unnoticed - Police have other priorities
2. If approached - Typically asked to stop
3. Confiscation - Possible but not guaranteed
4. No fines issued to tourists for personal use (typically)
5. No arrests for simple possession

Important caveat: This can change. Don't assume Cambodia will always be lenient.

How Strictly Is Cambodia's Vaping Ban Enforced?

General Enforcement: Minimal

Cambodia's enforcement is notably relaxed:

• Limited resources - Police prioritize other issues
• Tourism dependence - Strict enforcement could hurt economy
• No penalty structure - Hard to enforce without fines

Location-Specific Enforcement

Angkor Wat & Temples (STRICT):

• No-smoking zone since 2012 (WHO-supported)
• Guards actively patrol
• Vaping treated same as smoking
• Removal from park possible
• Don't vape at the temples

Siem Reap (Moderate):

• Pub Street - Generally relaxed
• Night markets - Low enforcement
• Hotels - Policy varies
• Temple area - Strict (see above)

Phnom Penh (Low):

• Riverside area - Relaxed
• BKK1 (expat area) - Very relaxed
• Malls - May ask you to stop
• Night markets - Low concern

Sihanoukville (Low):

• Beach areas - Minimal enforcement
• Party areas - Very relaxed
• Hotels - Varies

Kampot (Low):

• Riverside - Relaxed
• Tourist areas - Minimal enforcement

Airport Enforcement

Phnom Penh International (PNH):

• Historically relaxed screening
• Many travelers report no issues
• Confiscation possible but uncommon

Siem Reap International (REP):

• Similar to Phnom Penh
• Low enforcement historically

Note: This could change with new airport regulations.

What Should Travelers Know About Vaping in Cambodia?

The Realistic Situation

Many tourists vape in Cambodia without issues, but understand:

1. It's technically illegal - You're taking a risk
2. Enforcement can change - Especially at borders
3. Angkor Wat is different - Strict no-smoking zone
4. Be discreet - Don't blow clouds in crowded areas
5. Respect locals - Especially in religious areas

If You Decide to Bring a Vape

• Pack discreetly in your luggage
• Bring reasonable quantities for personal use
• Be prepared for confiscation (don't bring expensive gear)
• Don't vape at temples - This is strictly enforced
• Be respectful in public

Nicotine Alternatives

If you prefer to play it safe:

• Cigarettes - Widely available, cheap
• Nicotine patches - Limited at pharmacies
• Nicotine gum - Some pharmacies stock it

Where Can I Buy Vapes in Cambodia?

Despite the ban, underground sales exist:

The Reality

• Facebook/Telegram groups - Active vape sales
• Underground shops - Phnom Penh has some
• Tourist area vendors - May know sources
• Online delivery - Operating illegally

Important Warnings

1. All sales are illegal - No consumer protection
2. Quality is questionable - Counterfeit products common
3. Prices are inflated - Limited competition
4. Legal risk for sellers - 2024 crackdowns targeting businesses
5. Ministry of Tourism threats - Businesses can lose licenses

Recommendation: Bring what you need rather than buying locally.

Why Did Cambodia Ban Vaping?

Official Reasons

1. Youth protection - Concerns about student adoption
2. Health uncertainty - Unknown long-term effects
3. Anti-tobacco influence - WHO and NGO pressure
4. Regional alignment - Following neighbors like Thailand

The Enforcement Gap

Why isn't it enforced more strictly?

1. No penalty structure - The law lacks teeth
2. Resource limitations - Police prioritize crime, drugs
3. Tourism economics - Don't want to deter visitors
4. Corruption factors - Enforcement varies by situation
5. Limited public concern - Not a major domestic issue

Will Cambodia Legalize Vaping? 2026 Outlook

Unlikely to change significantly either way:

• No legislative effort to legalize
• No major enforcement campaign either
• Tourism interests favor status quo
• Health Ministry rhetoric increasing

The "tolerated but illegal" situation may continue indefinitely.

Cambodia Vaping Laws vs. Neighboring Countries

Country	Status	Penalties	Enforcement
Cambodia	Banned	Confiscation only	Minimal
Thailand	Banned	10 years prison, heavy fines	Strict
Vietnam	Banned (2025)	Fines, prison	Building
Laos	Legal	None	N/A
Malaysia	Restricted	RM5,000 fines	Moderate

Cambodia is notably more relaxed than Thailand, but less free than Laos.

Vaping in Cambodia: Key Takeaways

1. Officially banned since 2014 - but enforcement is minimal
2. No fines or jail for personal use - only confiscation risk
3. Angkor Wat is different - Strict no-smoking zone, enforced
4. Tourist areas are relaxed - Siem Reap, Phnom Penh generally tolerant
5. Don't assume it's safe - Laws can be enforced anytime
6. 2024-2025 saw stricter rhetoric - Situation may be changing
7. Underground market exists - But quality and legality are concerns
8. Be discreet - Especially in public and religious areas
9. Bring your own supplies - Better than buying locally
10. Different from Thailand - Much more relaxed, but still illegal

References

• Circular No. 001/14 – Ban on E-Cigarettes and Shisha (Unofficial Translation)
• Cambodia E-Cigarette Main Policies – Tobacco Control Laws
• Cambodia Expands Ban to HTPs – WHO FCTC Implementation Database
• Cambodia Legal Summary – Tobacco Control Laws

Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more countries.