Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.
The Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. The construction began in 1886 after King Norodom relocated the royal capital to Phnom Penh and was completed before World War I. Up until today, the palace is the primary residence of The King of Cambodia.
The beautiful Silver Pagoda is located next to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. With its beautiful garden, it is a perfect get away from the busy streets of Cambodia's capital. The inside of the pagoda is equally stunning as countless handcrafted silver tiles are covering the floor. The pagoda is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because the primary Buddha statue is made of emerald or baccarat crystal.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a museum in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, chronicling the Cambodian genocide. The site is a former secondary school which was used as Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime from its rise to power in 1975 to its fall in 1979. From 1976 to 1979, an estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned at Tuol Sleng (the real number is unknown). Tuol Sleng means "Hill of the Poisonous Trees" or "Strychnine Hill". Tuol Sleng was just one of at least 150 torture and execution centers established by the Khmer Rouge though other sources put the figure at 196 prison centers. On July 26, 2010, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia convicted the chief of Tuol Sleng Prison, Kang Kek Iew, (alias Duch) for crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and sentenced him to life imprisonment
Choeung Ek is the site of a former orchard and mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge killed between 1975 and 1979 about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is the best-known of the sites known as The Killing Fields, where the Khmer Rouge regime executed over one million people between 1975 and 1979. Mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. Many of the dead were former political prisoners who were kept by the Khmer Rouge in their Tuol Sleng detention center and in other Cambodian detention centers. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial, marked by a Buddhist stupa. The stupa has acrylic glass sides and is filled with more than 5,000 human skulls. Some of the lower levels are opened during the day so that the skulls can be seen directly. Many have been shattered or smashed in.
Wat Phnom : Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high, Wat Phnom is the only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name Penh. The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades.
The Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk is a large Bronze Memorial. It is located in the Independent Square in the Centre of Phnom Penh
The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, was built in 1958 to memorialize Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. It stands on the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the centre of the city. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the Khmer temple at Banteay Srei and other Khmer historical sites. The Independence Monument was designed by the Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann. It stands 37 meters tall. During national celebrations, The Independence Monument is the center of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs. Every year, The Independence Monument is visited by foreign tourists and locals alike. Behind the monument is the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, constructed in 2013.
Wat Ounalom is another of Phnom Penh's five original monasteries (1422). it housed the Institute Bouddhique and library. On the riverfront about 250 meters north of the Royal Palace, facing the Tonle Sap River near the Royal Palace, this pagoda serves as the headquarters for one of Cambodia‘s most revered Buddhist patriarchs . Ounalom Pagoda, Phnom Penh is one of the major tourist attractions in Phnom Penh. With respect to the numerous pagodas, parks, monuments and museums, the city of Phnom Penh in Cambodia is an idea destination for the vacationers. A visit to the Ounalom Pagoda, Phnom Penh will render a pleasurable experience to your trip to this city.
The Central Market is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. Initial designed by Jean Desbois (1891 Cherbourg -1971 Lorient). Construction works were supervised by French architect Louis Chauchon (1875 - 1945 Saigon) and the ingénue Wladimir Kandaouroff. It is located in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh. When it first opened in 1937, it was said to be the biggest market in Asia; today it still operates as a market. From 2009 to 2011, it underwent a US$4.2 million renovation funded by the French Development Agency. The unique Art Deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Before 1935, the area was a lake that received runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and construction began in 1935. Since its completion in 1937, wet season flooding around the market has remained a problem and is vestigial evidence of the old lake.
Very knowledgeable guide. Crammed a lot into the day from the royal palace to the genocide museum and the killing. He shared his personal perspective on the genocide, including the impact that it had on his family. He patiently dealt with our numerous questions as we strived to understand the background events as to how it had happened, and the lingering consequences.
Tokk has been a great tour guide for the day with us. We have an incredible day visiting all the amazing places of history and rich culture in Phnom Penh. He is so knowledgeable and speak with great depth about the culture of this awesome city.
We had an absolutely fantastic full-day tour of Phnom Penh with Mr Tokk and his wonderful driver. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional! Mr Tokk was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and engaging, bringing Cambodia’s fascinating history, rich culture and traditions to life with his excellent explanations and personal insights. We visited all the main sights, and his passion for his country, combined with his ability to explain both its remarkable heritage and difficult history, made the day truly memorable. Our driver was equally excellent – professional, courteous and attentive, ensuring we travelled comfortably and safely throughout the day. Together, they made a brilliant team, and we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Phnom Penh and Cambodia. If you’re visiting Phnom Penh, I cannot recommend Mr Tokk and his driver highly enough. A truly outstanding experience, wonderful hospitality and a day we will always remember.
Wonderful experience! Tuk was our tour guide. English was fab. Wonderful tour.
Mr Tokk was an incredible guide. He and our driver arrived on time and were both friendly! We learned in-depth history at each place we visited. This was a good tour to see some of the highlights of Phnom Penh. Really enjoyed it!
Tokk was a great guide. I learned a lot about the happy and sad times of Cambodia. Beautiful country!
Wonderful tour! Our guide was so informative and we learned so much about Cambodian history and culture. Our private tour was perfect for us as we could travel at our own pace and really experience everything without the distraction of keeping up with a group. Our guide answered all of our questions and was so pleasant. Our driver was delightful and saved us lots of walking by being right there after we finished touring a sight.
Nothing to complain about the tour. The tour guide was fantastic. He was knowledgeable and I learned a lot ! I really recommend this tour.
An excellent full day tour of the main Phnom Penh attractions with Sam who is a knowledgeable and professional guide.
Excellent professional and knowledgeable guide
This was a full day tour of Phnom Penh. It included a visit to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Wat Oudnaloum, Independence Monument, Cheung Ek Genocide Center at Killing Field and Central Market as well as a delicious lunch in a red recommended y my guide Took. Took was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and always willing to answer my questions. I would recommend this tour, especially if you are like me and have limited time in Phnom Penh.
We have a fantastic tour with our guide Mr Tokk and our driver Mr Krai. Full day tour with the Killing Fields and Genocide museum a must do, even though it’s very harrowing. Learnt lots during the day and having a private tour meant we could go at our own pace and ask lots of questions. Always cold water and towels available after each stop. Thoroughly recommended.
Great experience of Phnom Penh
Great way to see all of the landmark sites to see, tour guide was very friendly, allowed us to take our time between sites and was very informative and respectful throughout. The car was very comfortable, ice waters provided through came in handy!
Very good ,very fun and a excellent trip.
So Phy was a great tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient and willing to share personal experiences. A very memorable tour.
I.am incredibly disappointed with this trip, especially considering how expensive it was. It felt less like a premium experience and more like a cash grab. The Guide: While they weren't rude, their delivery was incredibly monotone and so quiet that half the group couldn't even hear them. It made the entire itinerary feel tedious rather than engaging. The "Restaurant" Trap: The description states that the tour takes you to a restaurant, but it conveniently omits the fact that absolutely nothing is included—you have to pay for everything out of pocket. The Real Issue: If I am paying for my own meal, I want the freedom to choose where I eat. Instead, we were funneled into a specific spot where it felt blatantly obvious the tour company was getting a kickback/backhander for bringing in captive customers. Save your money. Between the lackluster guiding and the forced, overpriced lunch stop, this tour is absolutely not worth the high price tag.
Useless guide and the only trip we have been on in Vietnam and Cambodia that we had reason to complain.
Great experience with Mr. Took. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Tour was very relaxing and the pace was perfect. Informative and entertaining. Highly encourage that you book!
We saw all the main highlights in the capital. The guide was great, knew lots about the history and was helpful.
Excelleng day-long guided tour through the city and its history,,, the good the bad and at times the upsetting yet crucial to remember horrible histories. Elegantly and sensitively handled tours through the Killing Fields and the Genenocide museum. A much lighter afternoon had in the palace, the market and the temples. Overall an amazing amount covered in a short period
We had a great experience on this trip today! Our guide (Silong & driver) was on time, professional, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the culture of Cambodia! Would highly recommend a private tour!
I had an excellent tour guided by Mr Sun Cheath who has enviable deep knowledge of Cambodia’s history, culture and modernization. Key highlights that made this a five star success: Promptness, professionalism, effective logistics and customer care. Mr Sun Cheath’s warm sense of humor and camaraderie made the day sojourn exceptional.
Excellent energy and charm straight out the gate after picking us up from the airport. An expert in history and culture. Very grateful to have had Mr. Took, learned so much.
Knowledgeable tour guide with great transportation. Mr. Tukk was very knowledgeable about each site we visited. We traveled with a group of 14 and he was super patient working with the group, answered a variety of questions and kept us on schedule to see all of the sites on our itinerary within a reasonable amount of time. One of the best tour guides we have used over the years.
Excellent day, great tour. Great value for the money. Guide spoke great English. Driver was very nice. Very educational tour brought me new light of the Cambodian history and life.
Sam Ang was our guide. He was very knowledgeable and personable. Also his English was excellent. I highly recommend him. Also our driver was excellent. Navigating the traffic in Phnom Penh was a challenge and he did an excellent job. I would highly recommend him too.
The itinerary was well planned, showcasing must-sees of historical, political and cultural faces of Cambodia. Our guides were very knowledgeable and told us a lot about every spot we visited.
I think this is the best way we could have spent our 1 full day in Phnom Penh. Highly recommend! We had a fabulous day with Mr. Sean and our driver! Mr. Sean has a lot of knowledge, was very accommodating, kind, eager to explain, and answer questions. The car and driver were equally excellent - comfortable car, regular cool towels and water. The reason we gave 4 stars instead of 5 was the language barrier. Even though Mr. Sean clearly had a wealth of knowledge about all sites and his country, we often had a hard time following detailed stories. All other aspects of our guide and experience were 5/5.
Ok was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable but also with humour and personality. There were a couple of sites on the tour that we couldn’t go to due to roads being closed for the Cambodian New Year celebrations. This was a blessing in disguise as we were able to witness cultural activities that would not be available normally. Our driver (name unknown sorry) was also excellent, providing plenty of ice cold towels and water after visiting sites. We enjoyed our lunch at Banana Tree restaurant, wonderful food and service. All in all a fantastic day of sightseeing and historical learnings. Thank you Ik 😁
Mr Silong and driver were great, very knowledgeable and passionate about their country. If you have the opportunity to choose your guide as for them. Yiu wont be disappointed
A excellent tour of Phnom Pehn and fantastic tour guide and driver.
Sam was an excellent tour guide being able to give me a lot of information on the history of Cambodia. I was able to visit all of the sites on my list. Some places were very sobering i.e. the killing field and the Genocide museum, but really gave me an understanding of the people of Cambodia.
This was an exceptional tour. The morning g was filled with visits to the Royal Palace and other fabulous building in the city centre. After lunch we then visited the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum, both of which are a very sobering experience. Our tour guide Mr. Tokk was exceptionally knowledgable throughout. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Cambodia.
Our tour guide, Tokk was excellent!! He was very informative and polite. His English was very good and he helped us understand the history of Cambodia as well as details of all the sites. We saw the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Choeung Ek, Tuol Sleng Prison, Wat Phnom, the Central Market and the National Museum. We also had a very good lunch at a local restaurant. Our driver was also very good. He made sure we had cold water and he was a very safe driver. We really enjoyed ourselves and recommend Tokk.
Phnom Penh city tour with Sam Ang. Very interesting and friendly all day long. Thank you !
This was a very easy going and informative tour. Mr. Yu our driver was very professional as well as our guide Mr. Tokk. This will give you an overview of Phnom Penh as well as the atrocities of Khmer Rouge, you will visit the killing fields, a very somber moment but an important part of Cambodian history. This is a great tour, highly recommend.
Very good tour, very enjoyable and informative. Mr Tokk was a great guide and the day had a great flow.
Cambodia Travel & Tours provided our Group of 11 with a wonderful full-day experience in Phnom Penh. From being picked up on time and as promised to referring us to an excellent restaurant for lunch to working with us on the timing of the end of the tour, our Tour Guide Silong was excellent. He was friendly, courteous, helpful, professional and completely dedicated to sharing with us his perspectives on the history, culture and present-day situation in Phnom Penh and Cambodia. Silong is a wonderful Tour Guide and his dedication and passion to his profession and enthusiasm were always on full display whether at the Royal Palace or walking thru the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Cheung Ek Genocide Center at the Killing Fields, both very sobering but important to experience highlights of the tour. An excellent itinerary with an excellent Tour Guide made for the perfect one-day experience in Phnom Penh.
A great full day tour covering all the major sites in Phnom Penh. Our guide, Mr. Tok, was very knowledgable and spoke great English. Highlights for us were the Phnom Temple, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, The Killing Fields, and The Genocide Museum. We also had lunch at a nice Cambodian restaurant - a bit touristy - but still very tasty.
Tour was very interesting and informative which combined history, modern perspective, cultural background, and regional perspective. Would recommend to anyone keen to learn more about the places they are visiting. The guide and the driver were both very caring and informative .Highly recommended.
Our Tour Guide was Long, he was excellent. We had an all day tour which included the notorious S21 and killing fields, both of which were difficult and sensitive sites. They were handled very well by Long, with dignified and appropriate sensitivity and historical context and explanations. We also visited many other sites of interest in Phnom Penh, and Long was very detailed and well informed, and able to communicate the necessary information very effectively. The tour also included all applicable entry fees. That said, it was the most expensive tour of our two week Southesat Asia trip, and seemed to be disproportionately more than full day tours in other cities. Not sure why, but the tour guide Long and his driver were very good.
The full day Phnom Penh tour was a great experience. Our guide Sam was fantastic and very knowledgeable. We had a great experience touring the city and especially visiting the Palace and genocide museum. I would recommend the tour to anyone visiting the city for a day as it covers all the major sites with Sam providing his knowledgable perspective of the city
Started at the Killing Fields Memorial and finished at the Wat Phnom Historical Site.
Very informative but moving tour showing Cambodias history
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our tour guide Tukk, was extremely knowledgeable and so patient.
Very knowledgeable guide who presented the whole tour in an efficient and professional manner.
Our guide, Net, was excellent. He’s extremely knowledgeable of the history of Cambodia and made our tour memorable with stories from his own family. The royal palace was excellent, and the Cambodian Genocide Museum was overwhelming. Net got us a table at the Banana Tree Restaurant for a lovely Cambodian lunch. He took us to the Central Market for some last minute shopping. In the 95° heat we decided not to go to the Killing Fields. Net was an excellent guide!
Sophy was professional and informative. His passion, knowledge, and warmth brought the city to life in a way we’ll never forget. From its modern history, culture, rich traditions and dark history to the stories that shaped Cambodia's history. He didn’t just show us the sights. He helped us truly understand the complex history of Cambodia. Every explanation, story, and recommendation added depth to our experience and made each day meaningful and memorable. We always felt so well looked after. We leave Cambodia with a much deeper appreciation for its history, culture, and people. I highly recommend your experience.
Mr Sean was very informative and explained quite a bit about Cambodia in general and Phnom Penh specifically. Very hot day but we stopped in shady places, had a wonderful lunch and learned a lot. Highly recommend.
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