Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Divine Phnom Penh in Half a Day

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(2 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Historically thriving, Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. This former colonial playground has created its atmosphere over the years, where French influences are intertwined with its Buddhist foundations.
• Explore Cambodia’s capital with its French influences
• Learn about the Khmer history at the National Museum
• Pay royal respects inside the Royal Palace
• Admire the Silver Pagoda from all angles
• Spent some blissful moments at Wat Phnom

Available options

Private Tour (AM)

Private Tour in the Morning : Half day Phnom Penh private tour by car starting at 08:00<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour (PM)

Private Tour in the Afternoon: Half day Phnom Penh private tour by car starting at 02:00 PM<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver

All applicable taxes and service charges

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Depending on the location of your hotel, we commonly start with the visit the Royal Palace, which was built in 1866 by King Norodom. The Palace is actually a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound. The Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace compound, is so names because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9, 584 diamonds and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.

Stop 2

Next visit the National Museum, which houses Khmer art especially sculptures, from different periods of Cambodian history, 19th century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins.

Stop 3

One of the best ways to end is right in the heart of Phnom Penh- the Wat Phnom. This temple is the most significant of all temples in the capital, containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat, who built the city of Phnom Penh in 1434.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities

Supplement for transfers outside the general pick up and drop off area

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Phnom Penh. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Koh Dach, Tonle Bati, and Oudong, any of the river and cruise ferry terminals and Phnom Penh International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions

To avoid any issues pertaining obtaining an arrival visa at the airport, please ensure that your passport contains at least two empty pages. Failure to do so may result in not gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Cambodia

We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users

The mentioned excursion durations are approximations; we are unable to exactly predict the total duration from pick-up to drop-off based on unforeseen circumstances such as traffic and weather conditions and the routing the driver has to take to get all customers on the vehicle

To allow entrance into the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, visitors are obliged to uphold a very strict dress code to respect these royal premises. It is essential that you dress modestly and appropriately during this excursion by wearing clothes that cover shoulders and fall below the knees.

Customers wearing shirts with obscene and disrespectful prints and pictures and brightly-coloured clothing may be refused entrance. Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment

It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power

We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

Important notes

• Visit of Royal Palace, visitor should wear blouse covering arms, shoulders and long skirts covering legs (no short miniskirt or short trousers). The Royal Palace subject to close without prior notice if King in residence or in occasion of traditional event.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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