Phnom Penh , Cambodia

The Architecture of Phnom Penh by Cyclo

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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

Cambodia’s capital has seen its fair share of turbulence in the past under the rulings of the Khmer Rouge; large parts of Phnom Penh were severely damaged, and parts of the city have been undergoing major reconstruction work. But the magic remains to dwell through the streets and landmarks – a rustic charm with ample references to its architectonical endeavours.

Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. With wide tree-lined boulevards and well-designed buildings, Phnom Penh still harks back to the colonial days of this former French playground and the French colonial buildings, much in evidence, add to the ambience. This, and using pedal-powered cyclos, is what makes this half-day exploration of Phnom Penh worth the fabulous views from your slow-moving means of transportation.

Available options

Private Tour (AM)

Private Tour in the morning <br/>Pickup included

Private Tour (PM)

Private Tour in the afternoon<br/>Pickup included

What's included

All applicable taxes and service charges

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

Transportation by cyclo with driver (3 hours).

Transfers from/to your Phnom Penh Hotel with driver by air-conditioned vehicle to the meeting point

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

Detailed itinerary

The relaxing means to explore Phnom Penh and its architecture starts right from the doorstep of your centrally-located hotel as we transfer you to the meeting point. It is here where you are welcomed by an English-speaking guide and well-trained ‘chauffeur’ who assist you in stepping into your private cycle (a Cambodian bicycle-powered rickshaw). The wheels slowly turn, creating a cool flow as you venture through the streets and alleys in search of striking buildings and characteristics in the capital’s architecture. Your knowledgeable guide offers a brief historical and cultural introduction to the city, as you make your way calmly with traffic passing by, specifically highlighting the colonial buildings from 1910 onward. You soon see that you are not alone using this laid-back way to move through the city: pedalled rickshaws still ply the streets as in colonial days and provide an excellent opportunity for sightseeing and people watching as well as the taxi service.

Not only those buildings of immense importance pass and landmarks on an ordinary half-day pass the revue. This 3-hour ride also includes a selection of private buildings, and some less obvious examples of religious architecture, both to be admired from the in- and outside. Guests may require to sometimes walk into smaller alleys, where cyclos cannot go, to get a glimpse of hidden treasures.

Your cyclo driver slowly makes its way back to the central meeting after this extraordinary tour of seeing what is often not shown and where we scratch the historical surface of this dynamic city. From here, a car/van waits for you for the final stretch to your Phnom Penh Hotel.

What's not included

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated

Transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

Supplements apply for tours operating during Khmer public holidays apply.

Important notes

• Our office hours are from 08:00 hrs. until 17:30 hrs. from Monday to Friday
- It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct name or the registration name which is also the name of your hotel booking and hotel information,should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.
- 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.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup 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