Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Private One Day Tour in Phnom Penh

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(1 reviews)

6h - 7h

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

Embark on a Capital City day trip where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective.
Phnom Penh is a capital city of Cambodia. It was abandoned during Khmer Rough Time. Now Phnom Penh becomes a business center for investors. All tall buildings are standing along the Mekong Riverside. There are a lot of places to visit such as Royal Palace, National Museum, Night Markets, Wat Phnom and emotional places namely Genocidal Museum and Killing Field.

Available options

Private One Day Tour in Phnom Penh

Pickup included

What's included

Private Transportation with A/C

hotel pick up & drop off

Private English Speaking Tour Guide

Pure Drinking Water

Travel Insurance

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pick up you at your hotel and transfer to visit Royal Palace to explore:
-Home to the Cambodian royal family and a symbol of the nation
-The beautiful royal gardens, landscaped with tropical plants and studded with gleaming spires
-the Throne Hall where the royal receptions are held and the Cambodian king's coronation took place.
-the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor, each weighing 1kg. Inside are some of the country's most cherished treasures, including a life-size gold Buddha studded with 9584 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats.

Then, visit The Wat Phnom Temple is a sanctuary founded by Daun Penh (Grandma Penh), a wealthy widow who in 1372, retrieved from a river a log with five Buddha statues in it and ordered to elevate a piece of her property on which to build a temple to house the statues. Later on, Grandma Penh and the villagers converted to build a temple on the top of the mountain and brought the four Buddha statues to the temple. While a standing statue of the goddess was placed in a shrine located on the eastern of the hill. Eventually, this became a sacred site and sanctuary where people would make blessings and pray.

Stop 3

Next, we go to explore Tuol Sleng Genocidal Museum, a former high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a centre for interrogation, torture and death. Today it is a museum of torture and serves to remind visitors of the terrible atrocities that came to pass in Cambodia. 17,000 people passed through the gates of this prison and only seven lived to tell the tale.

Stop 4

After that, we keep exploring Genocidal Center. Prisoners from Tuol Sleng followed this same route to their fate. An old Chinese cemetery, ChoengEk was turned into an extermination camp for political prisoners. The remains of 8985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are kept in a memorial stupa here. Return to the city.

Stop 5

Drop to visit an Independence Monument, built in 1958, and inaugurated in 1962 during the regime of Sangkum Reastr, this monument also serves as a proud testament to commemorate people who sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the country. The monument is captivating for its cool, serene atmosphere, which in turn makes it a much sought-after destination. Drop off at hotel.

What's not included

Food & Drink during tour

Royal Palace

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Wat Phnom Daun Penh

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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