Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Private Phnom Penh Icons City Tour

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

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About this experience

Discover the ancient heritage of Phnom Penh and Cambodia's long history on this 8-hour private tour of Phnom Penh's historic sites. You'll visit the Independence Monument, Royal Palace, and National Museum, and explore two of the city's most important temples, Wat Phnom and Wat Ounalom, feasting on authentic Cambodian dishes along the way.

Available options

1 to 14 Adults Car

Adult Rate<br/>Pickup included

1-3 Adults Tuk Tuk

1 adult traveler rate for tuk tuk option<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private tour

Professional guide

Bottled water

Lunch

Transport of your choice and driver

Coffee and/or Tea

What you'll see

Your private guide will collect you in the morning from your guesthouse or hotel: the choice of time is yours, but 7:30am is the earliest practical start time.

Drive the short distance to the Independence Monument, built in the style of Angkor Wat and commemorating Cambodia's independence from the French. Next, discover the majestic architecture, gilded roofs, and rich statuary of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Take a break for morning tea, and sample traditional Cambodian delicacies as you do so, before you visit the National Museum. Built in the 1920s, and inspired by classic temple architecture, it's home to artworks, artifacts, and sculptures from Cambodia's long history.

Next, it's off to a traditional restaurant to savor more authentic Cambodian cuisine. Linger over your meal at your leisure, before you drive along the pretty riverside to Wat Phnom, a temple that dates back to 1373 AD. Set on an 88-foot (27-meter) rise, it's the highest religious building in Phnom Penh.

Finally, discover Wat Ounalom. Founded in 1443 AD, this is Phnom Penh's most important temple and a focal point of Cambodian Buddhism.

As this is a private tour, the tour duration is flexible. Most visitors spend around 8 hours on the tour, returning to their hotels from 3:30pm.

What's not included

Additiona food and drinks that are not specified

Gratuities (optional) Donations Offerings

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Child rate applies only when sharing with 1 or more paying adults

A maximum of 14 people per booking

About Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city rich in history, culture, and bustling markets. Known for its French colonial architecture, the Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it offers a unique blend of the old and the new, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. It features beautiful Khmer architecture and is a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning design.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours 10 USD

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Also known as S-21, this museum is a former school turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge. It serves as a stark reminder of Cambodia's dark past.

Historical 1-2 hours 5 USD

Central Market

Also known as Phsar Thmei, this market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local food. The Art Deco building is an architectural gem.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary

Wat Phnom

This Buddhist temple is the namesake and heart of the city. It is believed to be the site where the first pagoda was built in Phnom Penh.

Religious 30 minutes 1 USD

National Museum of Cambodia

This museum houses a vast collection of Khmer artifacts, providing a deep dive into Cambodia's rich history and culture.

Museum 1-2 hours 10 USD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Amok

A creamy coconut curry with fish or chicken, steamed in banana leaves.

Main Dish Can be made with fish or chicken, vegetarian options available.

Lok Lak

Stir-fried beef with onions and a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce.

Main Dish Typically made with beef, but can be made with other meats.

Nom Banh Chok

Rice noodles topped with a fish-based gravy and fresh herbs.

Breakfast Vegetarian options available with tofu.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork with broken rice and pickled vegetables.

Breakfast Contains pork.

Popular Activities

Boat Tours Biking Hiking Spa Treatments Riverfront Promenade Coffee Shops Temple Visits Museum Tours

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

22°C - 32°C 72°F - 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Khmer
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common sense

Phnom Penh is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially at night and in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of tuk-tuk drivers offering tours or services, as they may overcharge or take you to overpriced shops
• Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices beforehand
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Phnom Penh International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Phnom Penh Railway Station

By bus

Central Market Bus Station, Siem Reap Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are affordable but can be crowded and slow. Routes cover major areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Riverside BKK1 Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Poung)

Day trips

Tonlé Sap Lake

150 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A large freshwater lake known for its floating villages and unique ecosystem.

Kampong Cham

120 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A riverside town with a mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Khmer temples.

Koh Dach Island

15 km from Phnom Penh • Half day

A peaceful island known for its silk weaving and rural landscapes.

Festivals

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 14-16 Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) • November (dates vary) Pchum Ben • September/October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Try local street food at the Central Market or Russian Market for an authentic experience
Take a tuk-tuk tour of the city to see the major attractions in a short amount of time
Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a sobering but important historical perspective
Explore the riverside area for great dining and nightlife options