Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Guided Phnom Penh Heritage Tour

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(32 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Equipped with a digital tablet and headphones provided, step back in time with Phnom Penh Heritage Tour to discover the city's superb heritage.
While the journey offers a glimpse of the vibrant bustle of today, each of the 19 stops invites you to step back in time to discover 22 sites inherited from the time when Cambodia was placed under French protectorate.

The video guide reveals the history of each place with films, vintage photos and historical anecdotes. It also offers the privilege of virtually entering certain buildings inaccessible to the public.
The transformation of a fishing village into a capital, the first urbanization on a French model, the craze for Art Deco architecture, the organization of the social fabric, the royal family, the lifestyle of the elite at the beginning of the 20th century and the dark hours of the Khmer Rouge regime are all topics discussed during the Phnom Penh Heritage Tour.

Available options

Guided Phnom Penh Heritage Tour

What's included

In-guide person

Bottled water

Tablet with audiovisual guide with 10 languages

Detailed itinerary

Phnom Penh Heritage Tour invites visitors to discover some of the cultural and historical richness of this rapidly changing metropolis.

22 majors site around the capital city of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Here is the list of the different places :

Post Office - Former old Indochina Bank - Grand Hotel/Manolis - Former police station - Governor General's house - Chinese house - Hokkien Temple - Nagas Bridge - Wat Phnom - Country club - National Library - Raffles hotel Le Royal - Railway Station - Central Market - No Problem Villa - Royal University of fine arts - National Museum - The Mansion - UNESCO house - Royal Palace - Street 240

Enough time to enjoy the different places and take pictures from the bus.
Possibility to visit the inside of :
Old bank (if open)
Hokkien temple
National Library (if open)
Royal University of fine arts

The driver and the guide name's Oliver will welcome you and provide to you some stories and anecdotes. He is at your disposal for questions.

3 audiovisuals guide to watch :
Introduction, how Phnom Penh became the capital city of Cambodia
About the post office square history
About the old Telegraph post office building (possibility to go inside if open)

4th audiovisual guide about the old bank of Indochina

5th audiovisual guide about the first hotel of Phnom Penh

6th audiovisual guide about the old police station

7th audiovisual guide about the old governor's house

8th and 9th audiovisual guide about the Chinese house and the hokkien temple

10th audiovisual guide of the old naga bridge

Stop 9

11th audiovisual guide about the the wat phnom, possibility to take pictures but the visit of the temple on hill is not included in the city tour

12th audiovisual guide about the country club that was where the actual Embassy of USA is. Pictures not allowed

13th audiovisual guide about the library, possibility to visit inside if it's open

14th audiovisual about probably the best hotel in Cambodia

15th audiovisual guide of the train station

Stop 14 Pass by

16th audiovisual guide about the central market

17th audiovisual guide about the old no problem villa

18th audiovisual guide about the university of fine arts and guided visit of it with different stories and anecdotes. Most of the time we can see the student practicing their art.

Stop 17

19th audiovisual guide about the National museum of the Kingdom. The visit is not included in the city tour

20th audiovisual guide about the old Mansion, which is actually under renovation, under cover (2024/2025)

21st audiovisual guide of the UNESCO house

Stop 20

22nd audiovisual guide of the royal palace, the visit is not included during the city tour

23rd and 24th audiovisual guide about the street 240, the residence of the British ambassador in Phnom Penh and the epilogue. End of the city tour

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

DE RU KO CMN JA EN IT FR ES

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

26 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Sightseeing tour, overview of Phnom Penh (22 major sites) with 24 audiovisual guide (10 languages)

The list of the different places : Post Office - Former old Indochina Bank - Grand Hotel/Manolis - Former police station - Governor General's house - Chinese house - Hokkien Temple - Nagas Bridge - Wat Phnom - Country club - National Library - Raffles hotel Le Royal - Railway Station - Central Market - No Problem Villa - Royal University of fine arts - National Museum - The Mansion - UNESCO house - Royal Palace - Street 240

Enough time to enjoy the different places and take pictures from the bus.

Possibility to visit the inside of : Old bank (if open) Hokkien temple National Library (if open) Royal University of fine arts

Meeting point

The electric bus will be park at the corner of the streets 13 and 102, post office square.
near by the restaurant "Palais de la poste"

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