Best VPN for Cambodia in 2020: Privacy in Phnom Penh

On a visit to Cambodia, you can take in the beauty of Angkor Wat, dive deep into the country’s history and enjoy yourself in the back seat of a tuk-tuk. The country is bustling with tourists, but you can find hidden paradises where you can fall completely off the grid. Still, when you’re online, it’s a good idea to use one of our best VPN for Cambodia picks.

Virtual private networks are becoming a necessity nowadays due to the increase in censorship and surveillance all over the globe. By using one, you’ll be protected from any monitoring and other online dangers. It can also help you get around censorship and other restrictions, such as geoblocks.

For instance, Netflix’s library is different in each country where it’s available, thanks to the wonderful Netflix ban.

So, while Cambodia’s library may have some enticing shows, you may well be missing your country’s version. To get access to Netflix U.S., you’ll need a U.S. IP address, and a VPN can help you get one. If you want to skip the hoopla of choosing, just sign up for an account with ExpressVPN.

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Best VPN for Cambodia 2020

What Makes a VPN the Best for Cambodia

Our VPN reviews list has many decent providers to choose from, but you need to make sure it’s suitable to use in Cambodia. 

The country’s threat of online monitoring and increasing levels of cybercrime make security the top factor here. Having great security will protect you from any dangers and keep you hidden from prying eyes. Having a kill switch included is a good idea, too, as it will disconnect you completely if the VPN fails.

Your privacy is just as important, but having good security doesn’t mean it’s automatically included. Making sure the company doesn’t keep logs is a must. With that confirmed, it wouldn’t matter if authorities ask for information because there would be nothing to hand over.

To get around any censorship or geoblocks, you should choose a VPN that has a good server network. The more countries it has servers in, the easier it will be for you to circumvent any restrictions, and having a decent number to choose from is a good idea. Plus, if you want to access content restricted to Cambodia, you’ll want to make sure it has servers there.

Good speeds are beneficial to help you dodge annoying loading screens, as is unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to keep an eye on your limit. That’s because if you do hit a limit, the VPN will stop working and you’ll be unprotected. 

Those features come in handy for streaming, too. If that’s something you want to do, and you want to access Netflix, you’ll need to make sure that the VPN can barge past Netflix’s VPN detectors (read our piece on the Netflix proxy error). There aren’t many VPNs that can do that, but we’ve rounded up the ones that can in our best VPN for Netflix piece.

You may also want to consider what devices it’s compatible with, how easy it is to use, and how many connections it allows. Decent customer service is good to have, and VPNs have varying prices, so you’ll need to make sure you’re happy with the cost.

Best VPN for Cambodia: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the winner for Cambodia. It’s an excellent VPN that provides everything you need for a stress-free internet experience. 

It has fantastic security, which is set at 256-bit encryption by default. A kill switch is provided, and that is also enabled by default. Additionally, your privacy is in safe hands with its strict no-logs policy. 

All of its security features make it one of the best VPN services for China (read our guide on how to use ExpressVPN in China).

ExpressVPN has an impressive server network with more than 3,000 servers covering 94 countries. Plus, it has some in Cambodia, and we’ve found that not many VPNs do. 

If accessing Cambodian content is a must, you’ll need to pick ExpressVPN or our fifth recommendation, HideMyAss. There’s also the option of our dishonorable mention, too, but read that section to find out why it’s a bad idea. 

Going back to ExpressVPN, it’s the best VPN to combine good security with Cambodian servers, you won’t get anything better, period.

It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and you get unlimited bandwidth. Those features, and the fact that it can get into any streaming platform, earned it the top spot in our best VPN for streaming comparison. Read our ExpressVPN review for more about the service.

Other Reasons We Like ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN can be installed on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It allows five simultaneous connections, and there are browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome and Safari. 

It’s easy to use and a great choice for beginners due to its simplicity. That said, tech-minded peeps can tinker with the settings, too. Just make sure you know what you’re doing, first.

A useful knowledgebase is on hand if you get stuck. Plus, you can contact the support team through live chat and email, which is available 24/7. You should go the email route for more technical issues, though.

ExpressVPN is expensive, and there’s no hiding that downfall. However, you can reduce the cost by subscribing to one of its longer plans. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you don’t like it.

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NordVPN

NordVPN is another provider that offers excellent security. In fact, it has some of the best security on the market. It’ll keep you protected with its default settings, but it also offers the use of its double-hop servers, which add even more protection to the connection. It includes a kill switch, and there’s a solid no-logs policy in place.

Its server network is larger than ExpressVPN’s, with more than 5,600 servers available. However, it only covers 60 countries, and there are no servers in Cambodia, either.

Speeds are fast on certain servers, although the ones that are farther away often suffer from slower speeds. There are no limits to bandwidth, and it can easily get into all streaming services. Take a look at our NordVPN review for more details.

Other Reasons We Like NordVPN

You can use it on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Up to six devices can be connected at the same time, and there are browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome. The clients are easy to use, too.

If you run into any problems, there’s a knowledgebase that’ll help solve most common issues. Live chat and email support are also available 24/7. Either way, the help is good, but live chat will get you the fastest response.

NordVPN offers good value for your money. The monthly plan isn’t great, but longer ones work out cheaper in the end. There’s a 30-day refund window, so there’s nothing to lose.

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VyprVPN

Another decent choice for Cambodia is VyprVPN. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of our first two picks, it does have excellent security. It’s customizable, with different protocols to choose from, plus it has its very own Chameleon protocol for extra protection. A kill switch is included, and it has a no-logs policy.

With the Cambodian government monitoring private communications, it’s also worth noting that Golden Frog, the company that operates VyprVPN, has an additional service called Cyphr. It’s an app that ensures all your messages are protected through encryption. It’s compatible with Android and iOS, and it’s free, so definitely worth a go.

Its server network is small when compared to others, but there are more than 700 in 64 countries, which is still enough to choose from. There are no servers in Cambodia, though.

VyprVPNs speeds are ok, but not great. They should be fine for most activities, though, and it can get into most streaming services. You also get unlimited bandwidth. Read our VyprVPN review for more.

Other Reasons We Like VyprVPN

It works with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and you can connect up to five devices at the same time, depending on the plan you choose. It’s easy to use, and its mobile apps are some of the best available, making it one of our best VPN for Android picks.

A simple knowledgebase is available. Live chat is accessible 24/7, but it’ll initially connect you to a bot, which will just point you back to the knowledgebase. There is a button that will let you connect with a human, but the wait times vary. Email is available 24/7, too.

There are two packages to choose from, either “standard” or “premium.” The “standard” package gets you three connections, but the “premium” package provides five connections and use of the Chameleon protocol. 

Once you’ve chosen which package you want, you can choose from the monthly or yearly plan. The yearly one makes it more affordable in the long run, but there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you change your mind.

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CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another respectable service. It has good security by default and includes an automatic kill switch. Having an automatic one is good if you’re someone who would forget to turn it on. However, CyberGhost’s is permanently enabled, which some may see as a downside because you can’t control it. A no-logging policy is in place for privacy, too.

It has a large server network, but the server total can go up and down daily, so we’ll just say there’s more than 5,000 in over 80 countries. There are no Cambodian servers, though.

Its speeds are fast, but similarly to NordVPN, it can slow down over long distances. There are no bandwidth caps, and it’s capable of getting into most streaming services. Our CyberGhost review goes into more detail.

Other Reasons We Like CyberGhost

CyberGhost has clients for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and it lets you connect up to seven devices at the same time. That said, seven is the limit for how many you can install it on. There are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, as well. It’s easy to use, especially since its last update.

Its knowledgebase is great, offering extensive self-help. There’s also live chat that’s quick and available 24/7. However, if you have a more technical issue, you’re better off pointing it toward the email team.

It’s inexpensive, providing you don’t go with the monthly plan. There’s a free trial available for Android and iOS users. Plus, the monthly plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee, and longer plans have 45 days.

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HideMyAss

The last service we’ve picked is HideMyAss, and the choice is purely based on it being a second choice if you need servers in the country. 

It has good security set at 256-bit encryption by default. A kill switch is included, too. It has a no-logs policy, but it’s troubling because it does keep some logs. 

HMA says that it doesn’t log your IP address, but it does with other data, such as timestamps, the IP address of the server you’re using and other information. The data is stored for 30 days and, while the data itself is not a problem, it could be tied back to you because of your signup information. 

Although HMA doesn’t have a huge number of servers — currently with more than 1,000 — it covers 190 countries, which is way more than any other provider. There are two in Phnom Penh for Cambodian content, as well.

Its speeds are impressive, but not the fastest available. There are no bandwidth limits, and it can get into some streaming networks, including Netflix. Read our HideMyAss review for a better understanding.

Other Reasons We Like HMA

HMA supports Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It allows up to five simultaneous connections, and the interface is easy to use.

There’s a useful knowledgebase with lots of information and guides for self-help. Live chat and email are accessible 24/7. Live chat will get you the fastest response, but it’s best used for basic questions. If you have a more technical issue, the email route is best.

Its price isn’t great, and there’s no monthly plan option, so you’ll have no choice but to sign up to a longer one. The shortest plan available is for one year, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. There’s a seven-day free trial, too, but you’ll have to do some digging to find it.

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Online Censorship in Cambodia

Cambodia’s internet freedom has deteriorated under the authoritarian tendencies of Hun Sen, the longest-serving prime minister in the world. Websites are regularly blocked, especially if they publish information that threatens the ruling of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). Pornography and other explicit websites can also be blocked.

Many news websites have been blocked, most notably The Cambodian Daily. The news service uncovered many corruption scandals and human rights issues in the country, and its print edition and Phnom Penh office were shut down in 2017. However, it continues to publish content online from outside the country.

Other news websites were blocked just days before the 2018 general elections. Because of that, there was no coverage of the opposition, giving Prime Minister Hun Sen and the CPP the upper hand. 

In 2018, an inter-ministerial “prakas” was issued by the government, which ordered all ISPs to install software and equip themselves with surveillance tools so that websites and social media could be monitored. The ISPs tools would then filter and block anything deemed illegal, discriminatory or a threat to national security.

Social media and messaging apps are freely available. That includes YouTube and Facebook, which are an important news source for many.

Online Surveillance in Cambodia

The Cambodian government not only monitors citizens’ public online activity, they also monitor private communications. They can do that because the 2015 telecommunications law has provisions that allow it. 

For example, Article 6 requires telecommunications operators to provide such private communication information to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, without judicial oversight.  

Plus, although Article 97 makes eavesdropping by regular citizens a criminal offense, it allows secret surveillance, with approval from “legitimate authorities.” It pretty much authorizes unannounced monitoring of communications.

The same year that the government issued the 2018 inter-ministerial prakas — which allowed for excessive surveillance because of the required internet surveillance tools — the government ordered that all network traffic in the country go through the newly created Data Management Centre (DMC). We can’t find any updates to that information, though.

The government also requires SIM cards to be registered to their owners, but Cambodians — including some government officials — have resorted to using encrypted applications due to the risk of communications surveillance.

An identification initiative was previously announced by the government, too. With that, all citizens would be assigned a 10-digit ID number, but it has been criticized due to the lack of security for personal information. It was set to start in 2019, but there is no new information about it.

Freedom of Speech Online in Cambodia

Freedom of speech is provided for in the constitution’s human rights standards, but there are restrictions. Open criticism of the prime minister can result in punishment, and the installation of monitoring software by ISPs has made it easier to discipline those who do. 

The criminal code lands many individuals in trouble. You can be arrested for disturbing public order or affecting the dignity of individuals and public officials. It governs defamation and public insult and was amended to include a new lèse-majesté offense. 

With that, it’s illegal to defame, insult or threaten the king, and those who do can face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to 10 million riel (about $2,460). The law would apply to individuals, as well as media outlets, leading to self-censorship.

People have been punished under the law. For example, in 2018, a primary school teacher was arrested for allegedly making offensive Facebook comments about the king. Another citizen was arrested in the same year for sharing a picture and text via Facebook that was deemed as insulting to the king.

Talks of a new fake news law surfaced in 2018, which would mean further restrictions on freedom of speech. Nothing is set in stone just yet, but it is still being considered. 

Journalists often face violence and threats in Cambodia. Many media outlets are government-owned, but the government also intimidates private media with lawsuits and prosecutions.

Cybercrime in Cambodia

Although it’s nowhere near the level of Thailand (read our best VPN for Thailand piece), Cambodia has seen its fair share of cybercrime during the past few years. Figures show that the number of attacks have increased since 2017, with 4,590,076 attacks detected in 2018. 

Nowhere is safe from cybercrime, unless it’s off the grid, and this poses a significant threat to individuals and businesses. Thankfully, a VPN can protect you from such threats, but it’s wise to have a decent antivirus installed, too.

Final Thoughts

With surveillance, censorship and punishment for “insulting” speech being a problem in Cambodia, it’s clear that you should use a VPN while you’re online. It’ll protect you from any online dangers and keep you anonymous, while also giving you other useful features.

For Cambodia, you should make sure you choose a VPN with good security and privacy, as well as a decent server network for getting around any blocks. Remember, if you want to access Cambodian-restricted content, you’ll need servers within the country. 

ExpressVPN is our winner for Cambodia due to its excellent security and privacy, large server network and Cambodian servers. There are a few VPN choices that have servers within the country, but only ExpressVPN has what it takes to keep you completely safe. Why not give it a go with its 30-day money-back guarantee?

If you have experience using a VPN in Cambodia, share it with us in the comments section. Thank you for reading.

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