City Highlights and the Killing Fields Day Tour

Phnom Penh , Cambodia

City Highlights and the Killing Fields Day Tour

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On all our tours, you will be personally guided by Sam Ang (Sam), a Khmer local and licenced English-speaking guide. Sam will immerse you in a rich cultural tour filled with his passion, friendship, knowledge and stories about Cambodia.

A comprehensive itinerary is provided, and you will travel across the city to key sites including the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom Pagoda. Also included are in depth visits to the renowned historic sites of the Genocide Museum (S21) and Killing Fields.
This tour is suitable for families, groups and solo travellers alike, but please note that the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields are unsuitable for most children, and that at temples, religious sites, and the Royal Palace, shoulders, backs and legs above the knee should be covered.

Available options

City Highlights and the Killing Fields Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private English Speaking tour guide

Private transportation

Bottled water

Hotel Pickup and Drop off

Small souvenir

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Royal Palace, located on the riverside, is the official residence of the Cambodian King and his family. Here you will visit a range of ornate and colourful buildings with golden roofs and towering spires, that are a great examples of classic Khmer architecture. Our tour includes the Throne Hall, Napoleon III Pavilion, and the Silver Pagoda with its silver tiled floor and amazing artifacts. A visit to the Palace provides an interesting insight to Cambodia’s regal past and the richness of Khmer artistry and craftsmanship.

Stop 2

The impressive, Angkorian styled, Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia's 1953 independence from its colonial past under the governance of France. Located on a large roundabout, at the intersection of two major boulevards, it is in the very heart of the city. The Monument provides a notable landmark, reference point, and is the center of activity during many national celebrations.

Tuol Sleng, is a museum recording the Cambodian genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 . The museum is the site of a former secondary school which was used as Security Prison 21 (S21) by the Khmer Rouge.
A visit to this museum, and the closely associated Killing Fields, is essential to gaining understanding into the heartbreaking and tragic events that have shaped modern day Cambodian society. Toul Sleng was a place of detention, interrogation and torture, and its preservation maintains evidence of that recent and tragic period in Cambodia’s history. Visiting the museum serves to encourage visitors from around the world to promote peace.

Stop 4

The Killing Fields are sites around Cambodia where altogether about 1.3 million people were killed and buried by the then government under the leadership of the Khmer Rouge and Prime Minister Pol Pot. These terrible crimes against humanity are known as the Cambodian genocide.
Most famous of these is Choeung Ek, a former orchard about 15 km from Phnom Penh, and now preserved as a museum for visitors to know and understand what happened during that tragic time. Choeung Ek was closely associated with the Tuol Sleng detention centre.

Stop 5

Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is a prominent art deco building in the shape of a cross with a spectacular central dome. The four wings of the cross are filled with stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, fake name-brand watches and souvenirs. There are hardware stalls, a wet market, clothing and household items, food outlets…a huge range of products for sale. This is a popular place for tourists to browse, find a bargain or buy gifts and memorabilia to take home.

Stop 6

Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple built on a tree-covered, man-made hill on the North side of the city. This is an historic and cultural landmark, and a place of tranquillity in the bustling city. The main stupa sits spectacularly atop the hill and enshrines the ashes of King Ponhea Yat who in 1434, arrived and built the city of Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom has become a central attraction in the city for both Khmer and overseas visitors and is a ‘must visit’ when in Phnom Penh.

What's not included

Gratuities and personal expenses

Lunch, snacks, and drinks can be bought at stops during the tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

73 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The Genocide Museum and Killing Fields are not suitable for most children.

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