Internet users in Cambodia are limited to experiencing a “partly free” online experience. Over the last year, the Cambodian government has revoked news outlets’ licenses, while establishing a single internet gateway in the country. Journalists continued to face physical and online peril related to their online reporting.
In addition to the above barriers, Cambodian online users also face the same issues and perils as internet users around the globe face.
All online users risk having their online travels being monitored by hackers, the government and even their ISPs, and they also face online content roadblocks.
However, a tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows internet users in Cambodia and elsewhere around the globe to keep their online travels incognito, while also opening up access to geo-controlled content from around the globe.
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, hiding your online activities from prying eyes. This prevents your ISP, your government or hackers from tracking your online travels. Plus, quality VPNs do not save any server logs, meaning there are no records of your online activities.
A VPN also assigns a new IP address to your internet-capable device. If that new IP address is located in another country, it makes it look as if you are connecting from inside of that country. This opens access to geo-blocked content that is intended to be available only to users located inside the borders of that country.
In this article, I share details with you about the 5 top VPN service providers for use while visiting or living in Cambodia.
How to Use a VPN in Cambodia
Follow the steps listed below to reliably protect and enhance your Cambodian internet activities:
- Subscribe to a quality VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
- Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
- Log in to the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server outside of Cambodia to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or to protect your online activities. If you’re outside of Cambodia and need access to online content restricted to users inside of the country, select a server located in the country. (Only ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have servers in Cambodia.)
- Enjoy your secure and enhanced internet freedom!
Best VPN Services for Cambodia
The 5 top VPN providers listed below offer reliable online protection and enhancement for your Cambodian online activities.
The Reader’s Digest condensed version is as follows:
- NordVPN: This top VPN service delivers a reliable method of protecting your online activities from prying eyes while also enhancing your online activity possibilities. Fast, well-protected connections from an impressive global server network are available for most popular device platforms.
- Surfshark: This budget-priced VPN’s low cost belies its premium services. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, the fastest speeds of any VPN on this list, and a wide server network.
- ExpressVPN: While this is admittedly the most expensive VPN on this list, it also provides VPN services that measure up well to competitors. A large global server network, comprehensive online security and privacy, and support for popular devices add up to an excellent value.
- CyberGhost: This VPN provider is an excellent option for rookie VPN users thanks to its easy-to-use apps and one-click access to a huge global server network, which includes servers enhanced for both streaming and downloading. The provider offers fast, well-protected connections.
- IPVanish: This provider’s global server numbers may be a bit lacking when compared to other VPNs on this list. However, the provider is working on expanding it. IPVanish’s proprietary global server network keeps outside contractors away from customer data.
When ranking these VPN providers, I was sure to assess the following factors:
- Global server network (bonus for servers located in Cambodia)
- Security and privacy protections
- Connection speeds
- Native app support
- Customer support
Here is my list of the 5 top VPN service providers for Cambodian residents and visitors.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is your best bet for VPN protection while inside Cambodian borders.
The provider’s global server network is one of the best around thanks to its 5,100+ servers, stationed in 60 countries around the world. The network provides reliable access to international content.
NordVPN is in the process of moving its server network to a fully owned-and-operated model instead of a leased model, which will keep third-party contractors away from customers’ personal data.
NordVPN protects its users’ internet connections with government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also offers ad and malware protection, as well as a proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on Wireguard) that is optimized for both performance and protection.
All NordVPN servers are operated according to an independently-audited no-server-logs policy. The provider also accepts cryptocurrency as payment for your subscription.
Plus, NordVPN runs all of its servers 100% from RAM. The provider doesn’t write data of any kind to a physical hard drive, ensuring that all data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is rebooted.
NordVPN connection speeds are incredibly fast and can easily handle popular online activities, including streaming, gaming and sharing files. Unlimited bandwidth and data come with your subscription.
Native app support includes apps for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, Windows and macOS (with native M1 Mac support) device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with comprehensive router support that protects all of your devices through a single access point.
Up to 6 devices can connect at once on a single account.
NordVPN’s customer support offerings include 24/7 support chat availability, email support and a support library.
Pros:
- Comprehensive privacy and security
- Large global server network
- Fast connections
- All server operations run 100% from RAM
- Top-notch native device support
Cons:
- No labels on streaming servers in apps
BEST VPN FOR CAMBODIA:NordVPN is the best option for VPN protection and enhancement in Cambodia. An impressive global server network delivers fast connections that provide optimal online security and privacy, while also providing reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
If you’re watching your riels, you’ll want to take a look at Surfshark, which provides excellent VPN services for a budget-minded price.
Surfshark has an impressive global server network thanks to its 3,200+ servers located in 65 countries around the globe. The provider unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
No worries about having your online activities tracked thanks to Surfshark’s use of banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. A “Multi-Hop” server option routes your internet connection through two server locations, doubling up on anonymity and encryption.
A strict no-server-logs policy, along with an acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment, help Surfshark protect your privacy.
Surfshark provides blazingly-fast connections (the fastest of any provider in my most recent download speed tests), so it can handle any of your favorite internet activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling, ever.
Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Windows and Amazon Fire app options are present and accounted for. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is excellent router support.
The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you’ll never run out of VPN connections when the need arises to protect multiple devices.
Surfshark’s customer support offerings include 24/7 live support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Comprehensive device support
- “Multi-Hop” server option for added encryption and anonymity
- Large global server network
Cons:
- One-month subscription price is a bit high
BEST VPN FOR A BUDGET:This VPN provides comprehensive online protection and enhancement at a low price. The provider’s large global server network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content. Comprehensive online security and unlimited fast connections make it an excellent choice for users on a tight budget. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
This well-known and established VPN service provider charges a somewhat expensive fee for its services. However, there will be users who will appreciate the comprehensive services that the service offers.
ExpressVPN’s impressive global server network has a 3,000+ server count, sprinkled among 94 countries, Cambodia included (one of two providers that offer Cambodian servers). The provider’s servers are well known for offering reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
ExpressVPN connection protection includes government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option and IPv6/DNS leak protection. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is designed to provide increased performance and protection.
All of the provider’s servers run 100% log-free, and its proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations completely from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. This means that all data is totally wiped from ExpressVPN servers when they are rebooted. A Bitcoin payment option protects your payment privacy.
ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in the industry, providing more than enough horsepower for streaming, gaming and much more. You’ll never see any bandwidth limitations or data caps with ExpressVPN.
App options include offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are available, and the provider also offers a recently updated router firmware.
Up to 5 devices can simultaneously connect on a single account.
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support, with always-available live support chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket system and a knowledge base.
Pros:
- Wide-ranging server network
- Super-fast download speeds
- Comprehensive online privacy and security
- All servers run only from RAM
Cons:
- Most expensive provider on this list
- Only allows 5 concurrent connections
RELIABLE VPN FOR CAMBODIA:True, ExpressVPN’s reliable VPN protection will cost you a bit more than other VPNs. However, it is also true that the provider offers excellent services. Fast, well-protected connections from a large global server network provide reliable access to content around the globe. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
If you’re a rookie VPN user or if you simply prefer easy-to-use online protection, CyberGhost could be the VPN for you.
CyberGhost’s massive global server network has 7,100+ servers stationed in 90+ countries around the globe, including Cambodia. Many of those servers are optimized for streaming and downloading.
Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection team up to keep your online activities incognito. Malicious website and tracker blocking are also available. CyberGhost also has the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.
CyberGhost offers a “security suite” package for Windows, which includes antivirus protection, a feature to control how much of your data Microsoft can access, a utility that detects apps in need of updating, and more. A password manager is also available, along with a feature to warn you if/when your email address is included in a data breach.
CyberGhost’s fast connections can easily handle any popular online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to be found here.
CyberGhost saves no logs connected to your online travels, and a Bitcoin payment option is also available.
A large selection of easy-to-use apps are available for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV devices. Meanwhile, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is comprehensive router support.
You can protect up to 7 devices simultaneously on a single account.
CyberGhost customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Impressive global server network
- Easy-to-use apps for most popular devices
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
- Up to 7 concurrent connections
Cons:
- Problems working in some overly restrictive countries
- Apps lack some advanced options
GREAT VPN FOR FIRST-TIMERS:Easy-to-use apps for most popular connected devices make CyberGhost an excellent option for first-time VPN users. Fast download speeds, a huge global server network and access to numerous streaming services will also make the provider a valid option for all users. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
While this provider is a bit lacking in the servers column, it’s working to fix that.
The provider’s global server network server count currently sits at 1,900+ servers in 57+ countries. This is the smallest server network in this group. However, IPVanish has announced that it will work to expand its server network during the coming year.
IPVanish owns and operates its entire server network, which keeps third-party contractors away from its customers’ personal data, providing an extra layer of privacy for those customers.
The provider hides your online activities with banking-level 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch with an auto-reconnect option, and a “scramble” feature to disguise your VPN activity as normal browser traffic. The provider is currently rolling out the open-source WireGuard connection protocol to all of its users.
Although IPVanish doesn’t accept cryptocurrency as a private payment option, it does follow a strict no-server-logs-ever policy.
IPVanish’s connection speeds are more than fast enough for any online activity. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about here.
IPVanish’s app offerings include options for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire devices. You can manually set up Linux and Raspberry Pi devices to work with the provider. No browser extensions are available from IPVanish at this time. However, router support is.
IPVanish puts no limit on the number of devices that you can connect at once to the company’s servers.
IPVanish customer support options include around-the-clock live support chat, a searchable support library and email support.
Pros:
- Protects your data from third-party contractors
- Top-notch online security and privacy
- No simultaneous connections limit
Cons:
- No browser extensions
- No cryptocurrency payment option
UNLIMITED PROTECTION:IPVanish provides top-notch, comprehensive online protection and privacy. Its self-owned and self-operated global server network keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data. It allows an unlimited number of devices to connect at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Cambodia
VPN users looking for reliable VPN protection while in Cambodia will want to carefully consider several factors when deciding which VPN best fits their needs.
The following factors are those that I always consider when making a decision about which VPNs to recommend:
- Connection Speeds: A fast internet connection makes most online activities much more enjoyable. (Except for paying bills and taxes – there’s nothing that can be done about that, sorry.) The VPNs I recommend perform well in my connection speed tests.
- Global Server Network: A larger global server network allows a VPN to offer better access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Users should also look for a large number of servers in a single country, which helps prevent server overload.
- Value: To calculate the value of a VPN provider, compare the provider’s asking price to the level of features and performance that it offers. All of the VPNs on my list ask a price that is commensurate with what the VPN offers.
- Ease of Use: VPNs should offer support for as many popular device platforms as is possible. Apps should also be easy to use. Each of the VPN service providers on my list fit this description.
- Security and Privacy: Imperative for a VPN: banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also a must-have feature.
- Streaming: The VPNs on this list all offer reliable access to Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and numerous other popular streaming services.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Cambodia?
While you may be able to find a VPN that works from inside of Cambodia, I wouldn’t count on it being an enjoyable experience.
Free VPNs don’t usually perform well in the convenience and performance columns.
You may be forced to wait a while before being allowed to connect to the free provider’s tiny network of servers. Or, you may be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice. Either way, Cambodia may not be an option.
Once you’re finally connected, you’ll see your connection speeds drop like a rock. Free VPNs also limit your usage by imposing daily or monthly data caps.
Plus, “free” VPNs don’t exactly protect your online privacy. Actually, they can out your online activities.
Even a free VPN needs to pay its bills. Some do this by tracking their users’ online travels, then selling that information to advertisers and anyone else willing to pay for it.
Freebie VPNs also make money by inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions.
Don’t get lured into the “free” VPN trap. You’ll find that “free” VPNs can be more expensive than paid VPNs in so many ways. NordVPN and Surfshark offer their services for a budget-minded price, and you’d be much better off choosing one of them.
What Other Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online travels from being monitored, while also providing access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
A VPN encrypts your connection, hiding your online activities. This means your ISP, the government and hackers are prevented from tracking and monitoring your online travels.
This also prevents your ISP from throttling or completely blocking your connection because you’re engaging in what it deems to be “unapproved” activities, such as streaming from certain video services or sharing files via P2P services.
VPN encryption also protects you when you’re using an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot, such as those found in hotels, coffee shops and other public locations. Hackers target hotspot users, as the hotspot is not encrypted.
A VPN also delivers access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
It can do this because a VPN can temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your internet-capable device. Since websites and services can use IP addresses to determine a device’s geographical location, a VPN makes it look as if you and your device are connecting from another part of the world, providing access to content that is usually limited to that area of the world.
Conclusion
I strongly advise Cambodian residents and visitors to take advantage of the online security, privacy and enhancements that a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers. My top recommendation is NordVPN.
NordVPN boasts an impressive global server network that provides fast connections, as well as access to geo-controlled content around the world. The VPN thoroughly protects your online security and privacy, and comprehensive native app support is available for most popular device platforms. Customer support is available 24/7.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
