Cambodia’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Beyond the famed temples of Angkor Wat, a new story is unfolding: the rapid rise of internationally-accredited, private hospitals offering world-class treatments at a fraction of Western costs, positioning the country as a serious contender in the global medical tourism industry.
For patients and professionals alike, navigating this evolving system can be challenging. The choice between bustling public institutions and modern private facilities is significant, with implications for cost, quality, and accessibility. Whether you are an expatriate residing in Phnom Penh, a tourist exploring Siem Reap, a member of the Cambodian diaspora returning for care, or a medical tourist seeking affordable quality, understanding the full spectrum of hospitals in Cambodia is your most critical first step. This exhaustive guide provides a detailed analysis of the top medical centers, complete with specific data on their capacity, specialties, and international accreditations, to empower your healthcare decisions.
Understanding the Cambodian Healthcare Ecosystem
To navigate healthcare in Cambodia effectively, one must understand its two-tiered structure: a public system that provides a safety net and a dynamic private sector that drives medical tourism and serves those with higher expectations for comfort and technology.
- The Public Healthcare System: Managed by the Ministry of Health, this system is the primary provider for the majority of Cambodians. It ranges from local health centers in rural areas to provincial hospitals and national institutions in Phnom Penh. While these hospitals are essential, they often face challenges with overcrowding and resource limitations. For complex care, many who can afford it look to the private sector.
- The Private Healthcare Sector: This is the engine of Cambodia’s medical tourism growth. It includes hospitals that rival those in Singapore and Thailand in terms of technology and specialist expertise, many of which hold prestigious international accreditations. These facilities cater to a mix of affluent locals, long-term expatriates, and international patients, offering shorter wait times, English-speaking staff, and a focus on patient comfort.
This clear division means your choice will heavily depend on your medical needs, insurance coverage, and personal preferences for care.
A Detailed Analysis of 10 Major Hospitals in Cambodia
Here is an in-depth look at the most significant hospitals, focusing on those in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap that are most relevant to expatriates and medical tourists.
1. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital (RPH)
A Leader in JCI-Accredited Care
Part of the renowned Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) network, RPH is a cornerstone of high-quality private healthcare in Cambodia’s capital.
- Bed Capacity: 130+ beds, all in private room configurations.
- Doctor Count: 100+ doctors, including a mix of renowned Cambodian specialists and international consultants.
- Accreditation Status: Full JCI (Joint Commission International) Accreditation, the global gold standard for healthcare quality and patient safety.
- Specializations & Treatments: A comprehensive multi-specialty center with excellence in Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, Orthopedics, Oncology, Neurology, and a state-of-the-art 24/7 Emergency Department. It is also a leader in executive health check-ups.
2. Calmette Hospital
The Premier Public Teaching and Referral Hospital
As the leading public tertiary care hospital in Phnom Penh, Calmette is a teaching institution that handles the nation’s most complex cases and is a vital center for medical education.
- Bed Capacity: 500+ beds, often operating at full capacity.
- Doctor Count: 200+ doctors, including the country’s top specialists in many fields.
- Accreditation Status: Accredited by the Cambodian Ministry of Health; it operates under national standards and is a key partner for international health NGOs.
- Specializations & Treatments: Renowned for its Infectious Disease Department, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and as a national referral center for complex pathologies. It includes intensive care units and advanced diagnostic services.
3. Sen Sok International University Hospital
A Modern Public-Private Partnership
This newer hospital represents a significant investment in Cambodia’s healthcare infrastructure, aiming to blend public service with modern standards of care.
- Bed Capacity: 300+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 150+ doctors, with many trained overseas.
- Accreditation Status: Operates under the Ministry of Health with a mandate to achieve international accreditation.
- Specializations & Treatments: Offers a wide range of services including General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Emergency Medicine. It is known for its modern facilities and equipment.
4. Bangkok Hospital Siem Reap
Bringing International Standards to the Tourist Hub
Part of the same BDMS network as RPH, this hospital ensures that world-class medical care is available not just in the capital but also in the city hosting the Angkor temples.
- Bed Capacity: 70+ beds in private rooms.
- Doctor Count: 50+ doctors, including rotating specialists from Thailand.
- Accreditation Status: Full JCI Accreditation, ensuring the same quality of care as its sister hospital in Phnom Penh.
- Specializations & Treatments: Focused on Emergency Medicine and tourist care (e.g., tropical diseases, accidents), General Surgery, Orthopedics, and Cardiology. It has a full ICU and a helicopter pad for medical evacuations.
5. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
A Key Public Hospital for Trauma and Orthopedics
This hospital has a long history and is widely known among locals as a primary center for treating accidents, injuries, and orthopedic conditions.
- Bed Capacity: 400+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 180+ doctors.
- Accreditation Status: Public hospital under the Ministry of Health.
- Specializations & Treatments: Highly specialized in Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery. It also has strong departments in General Medicine and Surgery and is a major teaching site.
6. Preah Ang Duong Hospital
A Specialized Public Center
This hospital is a vital part of Phnom Penh’s public health network, known for its focus on specific medical areas.
- Bed Capacity: 200+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 90+ doctors.
- Accreditation Status: Public hospital under the Ministry of Health.
- Specializations & Treatments: A national referral center for Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) diseases and Ophthalmology (eye care). It also offers dental services.
7. Preah Kossamak Hospital
A Governmental Hospital with a Focus on Training
This hospital serves as both a treatment center and an important training institution for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Bed Capacity: 150+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 80+ doctors.
- Accreditation Status: Public hospital under the Ministry of Health.
- Specializations & Treatments: Provides general and specialized medical care, with a focus on internal medicine and serving civil servants and their families.
8. Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital
A Not-for-Profit Model of Care
This hospital offers a unique approach, operating as a non-profit with a strong focus on ethical pricing and high-quality care for all patients, regardless of background.
- Bed Capacity: 60+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 25+ doctors, including local and international volunteers.
- Accreditation Status: Licensed by the Ministry of Health; known for its rigorous internal quality standards.
- Specializations & Treatments: General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics. It is highly respected for its patient-centric model and surgical outcomes.
9. Royal Angkor International Hospital (Siem Reap)
A Major Provider in Siem Reap
Another key player in Siem Reap, this hospital provides a significant portion of the advanced medical care in the region.
- Bed Capacity: 50+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 40+ doctors.
- Accreditation Status: Licensed by the Ministry of Health and working towards international accreditation.
- Specializations & Treatments: Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Cardiology, and Orthopedics. It serves a large number of tourists and expatriates.
10. Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE
A Center of Excellence in Phnom Penh
Another non-profit institution, this hospital is renowned for providing free, high-quality medical and surgical care to those who cannot afford it, while also operating as a teaching center.
- Bed Capacity: 50+ beds.
- Doctor Count: 30+ doctors, supported by international volunteers.
- Accreditation Status: Licensed by the Ministry of Health; renowned for its exceptional quality of care and training programs.
- Specializations & Treatments: Strong in General Surgery, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedics. It is a model for compassionate, effective healthcare delivery.
Comparative Analysis Table: 10 Hospitals in Cambodia
| Hospital Name | City | Type | Bed Count | Doctor Count | Accreditation | Key Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Phnom Penh Hospital | Phnom Penh | Private | 130+ | 100+ | JCI | Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Neurology |
| Calmette Hospital | Phnom Penh | Public | 500+ | 200+ | Ministry of Health | Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Surgery |
| Sen Sok Int. Univ. Hospital | Phnom Penh | Public/Private | 300+ | 150+ | Ministry of Health | Multi-Specialty, Modern Facilities |
| Bangkok Hospital Siem Reap | Siem Reap | Private | 70+ | 50+ | JCI | Emergency Medicine, Tourist Care, Surgery |
| Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hosp. | Phnom Penh | Public | 400+ | 180+ | Ministry of Health | Trauma, Orthopedic Surgery, General Medicine |
| Preah Ang Duong Hospital | Phnom Penh | Public | 200+ | 90+ | Ministry of Health | ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental |
| Preah Kossamak Hospital | Phnom Penh | Public | 150+ | 80+ | Ministry of Health | General Medicine, Training Hospital |
| Sonja Kill Memorial Hosp. | Phnom Penh | Not-for-Profit | 60+ | 25+ | Ministry of Health | General Surgery, Ethical Pricing, Pediatrics |
| Royal Angkor Int. Hospital | Siem Reap | Private | 50+ | 40+ | Ministry of Health | Emergency Care, Surgery, Cardiology |
| Sihanouk Hosp. Center of HOPE | Phnom Penh | Not-for-Profit | 50+ | 30+ | Ministry of Health | General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Free Care |
Actionable Guidance for Patients in Cambodia
Knowledge of hospitals is power, but knowing how to access them is key. Follow these practical steps for a smoother healthcare experience.
- Verify Insurance and Payment Options: Before any major procedure at a private hospital, confirm direct billing with your insurer. For public hospitals, be prepared for out-of-pocket payments, even if they are lower.
- Prioritize JCI Accreditation for Complex Care: For major surgeries or treatments like cardiac care or cancer, choosing a JCI-accredited hospital provides a verifiable benchmark for safety and quality.
- Seek a Second Opinion: Don’t hesitate to get a second consultation, especially for significant diagnoses. The cost is often low compared to Western countries, and it provides peace of mind.
- Plan for Language: While staff at international private hospitals are often fluent in English, this is less common in public facilities. Having a translator or a Khmer-speaking friend can be invaluable.
- Leverage Community Experience: There is no substitute for the nuanced, real-world advice from people who have recently navigated the same system.
The MyHospitalNow Advantage: Insights from a Trusted Community
“My father needed knee replacement surgery, and we were considering options in Thailand and Cambodia. The hospitals-in-cambodia forum was a goldmine. I connected with a user who had detailed the entire process at Royal Phnom Penh Hospital—from the initial consultation with the specific surgeon, to the cost breakdown, to the post-op physical therapy. Their firsthand account gave us the confidence to choose Cambodia, saving us thousands of dollars without compromising on quality. The forum provided clarity that no brochure ever could.” – Sophea C., Daughter of a Patient
The path to choosing the right hospital can be filled with uncertainty. The dedicated hospitals-in-cambodia forum on MyHospitalNow transforms that solitary research into a collaborative effort. It is your platform to:
- Ask specific questions about surgeons, hospital experiences, and costs for particular procedures.
- Read and share detailed patient stories and recovery journeys.
- Make informed decisions backed by the collective knowledge of a supportive community.
Conclusion: Your Health Journey in Cambodia, Informed and Supported
The landscape of hospitals in Cambodia offers a compelling mix of high-quality, internationally-accredited private care and essential, robust public services. From the technological prowess of Royal Phnom Penh Hospital to the specialized trauma care at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital and the critical tourist-focused services in Siem Reap, patients have more choices than ever before.
You have now taken the vital first step by equipping yourself with detailed, comparative data. The final step is to move from general information to personalized, practical advice tailored to your unique health situation.
Don’t let the final decision be the hardest part. Get the human insight that turns information into confidence.
Your health deserves a decision made with both data and real-world experience. Join our supportive community on the MyHospitalNow forum. Connect with patients, caregivers, and professionals who can provide the nuanced guidance you need to choose the best possible care in Cambodia.