Phnom Penh’s historical tours get straight to the heart of Cambodia’s complex past. The most efficient options combine the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum in well-organized morning circuits. I’m especially impressed with the private guided tours – guides are local experts who share cultural insights you won’t find in guidebooks.
For a raw look at recent history, tours to the Genocide Museum (Tuol Sleng) and Killing Fields are sobering but essential. The best operators handle these sensitive sites with appropriate respect while providing crucial historical context.
My favorite combinations include the half-day Heritage Tour, which pairs major monuments with hidden temple visits, and the Early Morning Palace Tour that beats the crowds and heat. All good tours include air-conditioned transport and admission fees.
Let’s explore the top historical tours worth your time in Phnom Penh.
Key Points
- Explore Phnom Penh’s dark history with guided tours of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, offering educational insight into the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Experience comprehensive historical tours that visit iconic sites like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Cambodia National Museum, providing in-depth knowledge from expert English-speaking guides.
- Opt for private guided tours with flexible booking options and comfortable transportation, allowing for personalized experiences at major landmarks and cultural attractions.
- Discover Phnom Penh’s rich heritage through small-group cultural and historical tours that include visits to local markets, Buddhist temples, and traditional family restaurants.
- Consider multi-day tours that combine sightseeing, history, and unique experiences like silk farm visits and sunset boat rides for a more immersive exploration of Cambodia’s past.
One Day Private Guide Tours History in Phnom Penh Incl. Admission
For those seeking a comprehensive historical tour of Phnom Penh in a single day, the One Day Private Guide Tours History in Phnom Penh Incl. Admission is a top choice.
Offered at $128.21 per person, this private tour provides transportation, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to key sights like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
While lunch isn’t included, the tour covers the city’s major highlights in one convenient package.
With a 4.5-star rating from 7 reviews, the experience earns praise for its comfortable transportation and insightful guides, though some guests have encountered issues with communication and closures.
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Historic Buddhist Temple & Local Market Tour With Lina
Explore Phnom Penh’s vibrant cultural heritage through the Historic Buddhist Temple & Local Market Tour with Lina.
This 4-hour small-group tour takes you to the Toul Tompoul (Russian) Market, local second-hand markets, and the Onalum Pagoda, the city’s largest Buddhist temple.
You’ll also see the Independence Monument and stroll through Bassac Street alleys to observe daily life.
The tour includes a stop at a local family restaurant for a traditional or vegan/non-vegan meal.
Priced at $49 per person, the tour is limited to 9 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Book now and pay later to secure your spot on this immersive cultural adventure.
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Phnom Penh Historical Tour
The Phnom Penh Historical Tour takes visitors on a comprehensive journey through the city’s captivating past. Priced at $45 per person, the tour is highly recommended by 100% of travelers, with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 12 reviews.
Highlights include the iconic Royal Palace, the sacred Wat Phnom, and the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Travelers will enjoy round-trip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and refreshments along the way. With a maximum of 12 people per tour and flexible booking options, this tour offers an immersive and personalized experience of Phnom Penh’s rich history and culture.
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Phnom Penh: History Inside the Genocide Museums (1975-1979)
Visiting the sobering sites of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields offers travelers a profoundly moving exploration of Phnom Penh’s tragic history during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.
This guided tour provides a 3-hour immersion, limited to just 9 participants. Visitors will discover the transformed high school that became the S-21 security prison, now preserved as a museum displaying cells, torture devices, and victim photographs.
At Choeung Ek, the tranquil Killing Fields site features mass graves and a memorial stupa filled with skulls, honoring the resilience of Cambodia’s people.
This educational experience ensures the lessons of the past aren’t forgotten.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: History Inside the Genocide Museums (1975-1979) Review
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Historical Guide Tour in Phnom Penh
A historical guide tour in Phnom Penh offers travelers a profound and educational exploration of the city’s tragic past during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.
Priced from $29 per person with a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation via tuk-tuk or air-conditioned minivan, and an English-speaking licensed guide.
Visitors will explore the Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, and Wat Phnom, with entrance fees included.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but infant seats are available.
With 3 reviews totaling 5 stars, this historical tour provides an immersive and impactful experience for those seeking to understand Cambodia’s dark past.
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PhnomPenh: 2 Days of Richest History And Culture of the City
For a deep dive into Phnom Penh’s richest history and culture, this two-day adventure showcases the Cambodian capital’s architectural marvels, storied past, and vibrant present.
Priced from $119 per person, the tour includes a live English-speaking guide, transportation, and a range of activities – from exploring the Royal Palace to visiting genocide museums, silk farms, and a sunset boat ride on the Mekong River.
With a small group size capped at 9 participants, travelers can expect an immersive and personalized experience.
Flexible booking options, including free cancellation and pay-later policies, make this tour an attractive choice for those seeking to uncover Phnom Penh’s multifaceted heritage.
Read our full review: PhnomPenh: 2 Days of Richest History And Culture of the City Review
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Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo or Tuk Tuk
Discover Phnom Penh’s rich heritage on a guided historical day tour by cyclo and tuk tuk. Priced from $162.50 per person, this small-group tour (maximum 10 participants) takes you to the city’s must-see sites, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Khmer culture and history. Transportation is included, with pickups from Siem Reap.
Enjoy a local lunch and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Simply reserve your spot without payment and pay later.
Itineraries may change, so check availability for start times that suit your schedule.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo or Tuk Tuk Review
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Heritage Tour of Phnom Penh in Electric Bus
The electric bus heritage tour of Phnom Penh provides travelers with a comprehensive 2.5-hour exploration of the city’s 22 major historical and cultural landmarks.
Priced at $27.15 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Equipped with personal tablets and headsets, participants can access audio-visual guides in 10 languages and learn about the city’s French colonial history, Art Deco architecture, and the Khmer Rouge regime.
The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, bottled water, and the opportunity to explore unusual places like an Hokkien temple and the royal university of fine arts.
With an overall rating of 5/5, this tour is highly recommended for various traveler types.
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Phnom Penh Historical – Small Group Tour
Exploring Phnom Penh’s rich history and vibrant culture, the Phnom Penh Historical – Small Group Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience.
Priced at €27.44 per person, the tour includes visits to the Royal Palace, the sacred Silver Pagoda, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and Wat Phnom.
With an English-speaking guide, travelers can explore the city’s past while enjoying transportation, refreshments, and entrance fees.
The small group setting allows for a more personalized experience.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
Based on 4 reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.8/5 rating, making it a top choice for those seeking to explore Phnom Penh’s historical landmarks.
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Phnom Penh: Historical Guided Tour
Phnom Penh: Historical Guided Tour
Take a deep dive into Cambodia’s captivating history with this comprehensive tour. Explore the Royal Palace, marvel at the Silver Pagoda, and step back in time at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll gain insights into Khmer culture and the country’s tumultuous past. The tour covers key highlights in just 4.5-5 hours, making it an efficient way to maximize your time.
With optional hotel pickup and free cancellation, this tour offers flexibility and convenience. Travelers praise the engaging guides and the tour’s excellent value for money.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this guided tour is an excellent way to discover Phnom Penh’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: Historical Guided Tour Review
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One Day Private Guide Tour History in Phnom Penh
Discover Phnom Penh’s captivating history with this comprehensive one-day private guide tour. Priced from $132 per person, this 8-hour excursion whisks you through the city’s most significant historical sites.
Explore the awe-inspiring Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to priceless Buddhist treasures. Visit the National Museum’s impressive Angkor period sculptures and Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake.
Then, confront the somber history of the Khmer Rouge at Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Comfortable private transportation, an expert English-speaking guide, and bottled water are included.
Suitable for most, this immersive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Cambodia’s past. Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed.
Read our full review: One Day Private Guide Tour History in Phnom Penh Review
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Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo and Tuk Tuk
On this guided historical day tour of Phnom Penh, travelers will explore the city’s captivating past via a unique combination of cyclo and tuk-tuk transportation.
The tour starts with a hotel pickup by cyclo, followed by visits to the iconic Royal Palace, the stunning Silver Pagoda, and the Cambodia National Museum.
After a local lunch, the tour continues to the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum, a former detention and torture site during the Khmer Rouge era.
Depending on time, a visit to the historic Wat Phnom temple may also be included.
This comprehensive tour, priced at $135 per person, is led by an English-speaking guide and includes all admission fees and transportation.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo and Tuk Tuk Review
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Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh
Travelers can explore Phnom Penh’s captivating history through a variety of guided sightseeing tours.
The city’s dark past is revealed at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where visitors can learn about the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities.
For a lighter experience, a sunset cruise along the Mekong River offers scenic views and a BBQ buffet.
Those seeking culture can attend a live Khmer traditional boxing match or embark on a street food tour by tuk-tuk.
Private and customized tours are also available, allowing travelers to craft their ideal Phnom Penh history experience.
Read our full review: Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
Yes, you can typically customize the tour itinerary to fit your interests. Many tour providers offer flexible options to ensure you see the sites that interest you most during your visit.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for Group Bookings?
Many tour companies offer discounts for group bookings, typically 10-20% off the regular price per person. Some also provide package deals that bundle multiple attractions or activities at a reduced rate. It’s best to inquire about these options when booking.
How Accessible Are the Historical Sites for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?
Most historical sites in Phnom Penh are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and elevators available. Tour operators can also arrange private transportation and guide assistance for individuals with mobility challenges. It’s best to inquire about specific accessibility needs when booking a tour.
What Should I Bring or Wear to Be Prepared for the Tour?
When taking a historical tour, it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun protection, and dress for the weather. Checking with the tour operator about any special gear or supplies needed is also recommended.
Are There Opportunities to Interact With Local Residents During the Tour?
Many historical tours in Phnom Penh offer opportunities for interaction with local residents, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich culture and history. Tour guides often facilitate these engaging experiences.
The Sum Up
Phnom Penh offers a range of historical tours, from guided walking tours to private transportation options. These tours provide an in-depth exploration of the city’s Buddhist temples, local markets, and haunting genocide museums. Visitors can customize their experience to suit their interests and ensure they gain a comprehensive understanding of Phnom Penh’s rich cultural heritage.