Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh serves as the capital city of Cambodia and has evolved into the country’s hub for economic, industrial, and cultural activities. Once referred to as the “Pearl of Asia,” it was regarded as one of the most beautiful French-built cities in Indochina during the 1920s. Alongside Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh is a major destination for both international and local tourists visiting Cambodia. Many areas of Phnom Penh still reflect its French colonial heritage. A cyclo ride offers a traditional mode of local transport, allowing passengers to relax and admire the city’s backstreets and architecture while being pedaled around by the cyclo rider.

Royal Palace - The Royal Palace stands as one of Phnom Penh’s most renowned landmarks. Construction commenced in 1886 after King Norodom moved the royal capital to Phnom Penh, and it was completed before World War I. To this day, the palace remains the primary residence of the King of Cambodia.

Silver Pagoda - The stunning Silver Pagoda is situated next to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Its beautiful garden provides a perfect escape from the bustling streets of Cambodia’s capital. Inside, the pagoda is equally impressive, with countless handcrafted silver tiles covering the floor. It is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as the main Buddha statue is crafted from emerald or baccarat crystal.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, documents the Cambodian genocide. The site was formerly a secondary school that the Khmer Rouge regime used as Security Prison 21 (S-21) from 1975 until its fall in 1979. Between 1976 and 1979, an estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned at Tuol Sleng, though the exact number remains unknown. Tuol Sleng translates to “Hill of the Poisonous Trees” or “Strychnine Hill.” It was one of at least 150 torture and execution centers established by the Khmer Rouge, with some sources suggesting there were 196 prison centers. On July 26, 2010, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia convicted the chief of Tuol Sleng Prison, Kang Kek Iew (alias Duch), for crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, sentencing him to life imprisonment.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center - Choeung Ek, located about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was once an orchard and mass grave for victims of the Khmer Rouge, who were killed between 1975 and 1979. It is the most well-known of the sites referred to as The Killing Fields, where the Khmer Rouge regime executed over one million people during that period. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek. Many of the deceased were former political prisoners held by the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng and other Cambodian detention centers. Today, Choeung Ek serves as a memorial, marked by a Buddhist stupa with acrylic glass sides filled with over 5,000 human skulls. Some lower levels are open during the day, allowing direct viewing of the skulls, many of which are shattered or smashed.

Wat Phnom Penh

Wat Phnom - Wat Phnom is situated atop a tree-covered knoll 27 meters high, making it the only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was built in 1373 to house four Buddha statues deposited by the Mekong’s waters and discovered by a woman named Penh. The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades.

Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk - The Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk is a large bronze memorial located in the Independent Square in the center of Phnom Penh.

Independence Monument - The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, was constructed in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. It is located at the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the city center. The monument is designed in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, similar to those seen at the Khmer temple at Banteay Srei and other Khmer historical sites. Designed by Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, the monument stands 37 meters tall. During national celebrations, the Independence Monument becomes the focal point of activities. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes adorn the stairs. Each year, the Independence Monument attracts both foreign tourists and locals. Behind the monument is the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, built in 2013.

Wat Ounalom - Wat Ounalom is one of Phnom Penh’s five original monasteries, established in 1422. It housed the Institute Bouddhique and library. Located on the riverfront about 250 meters north of the Royal Palace, facing the Tonle Sap River, this pagoda serves as the headquarters for one of Cambodia’s most esteemed Buddhist patriarchs. Ounalom Pagoda is a major tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. With its numerous pagodas, parks, monuments, and museums, Phnom Penh is an ideal destination for vacationers. A visit to Ounalom Pagoda will enhance your trip to this city.

Central Market - The Central Market is a large market built in 1937, featuring a dome with four arms extending into vast hallways filled with countless stalls. Initially designed by Jean Desbois (1891 Cherbourg -1971 Lorient), construction was overseen by French architect Louis Chauchon (1875 - 1945 Saigon) and the engineer Wladimir Kandaouroff. Located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, it was once considered the largest market in Asia when it opened in 1937 and continues to operate as a market today. From 2009 to 2011, it underwent a US$4.2 million renovation funded by the French Development Agency. The unique Art Deco building is a landmark in Phnom Penh. Before 1935, the area was a lake that collected runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained, and construction began in 1935. Since its completion in 1937, wet season flooding around the market has persisted, serving as a reminder of the old lake.

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Complimentary cool drinking water
• All sightseeing fees included as per itinerary
• Transportation via private air-conditioned vehicle
• Knowledgeable English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Service charges and government VAT tax included

• Another account are not mentioned in Itinerary
• Tip for tour guide and driver

Your day starts at 8:00 am, where we’ll visit the Independent Monument (This Monument was built to commemorate the end of the ruling of France in 1953), From there we’ll visit the Royal Palace (Royal residence of the King of Cambodia) and the Silver Pagoda, after visiting the palace, we will have our lunch break. Afternoon Tour: After our lunch, we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21). For those who’d like to snap up a bargain or souvenir, we’ll enjoy browsing or shopping at the popular Russian markets.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.