Five Top Killing Field, Toul Sleng, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom

Exploring Phnom Penh’s five top attractions offers a somber yet enlightening journey through Cambodia’s complex history. From the haunting Killing Fields to the poignant Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, visitors confront the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Yet, the majestic Royal Palace and serene Wat Phnom also showcase the country’s enduring cultural heritage and resilience. This comprehensive tour provides a profound understanding of the nation’s past and present, leaving one to ponder the weighty lessons it holds for the future.

Good To Know

• The tour explores five top attractions in Phnom Penh, including Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Killing Fields, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and Toul Tompong Market.
• Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields provide powerful reminders of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
• The Royal Palace showcases Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and history, featuring Khmer and European architectural styles.
• Wat Phnom offers panoramic views of the Phnom Penh cityscape from its elevated position atop a hill.
• Toul Tompong Market, also known as the Russian Market, provides a vibrant local experience with handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, and local cuisine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore five of the top attractions in Phnom Penh.

It includes visits to Toul Sleng, Toul Tompong Market, the Killing Fields, the Royal Palace, and Wat Phnom. Priced at €58.22 per person, the tour lasts 7 days.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water included.

Historical Significance

The tour also explores Cambodia’s dark history from the Khmer Rouge regime, which brutally ruled the country from 1975 to 1979.

Visitors will learn about the atrocities committed at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that was turned into a prison and torture center.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, also known as the Killing Fields, serves as a somber memorial to the victims, with a stupa filled with human skulls.

These sites provide a powerful and poignant reminder of the horrors endured during this tragic period in Cambodia’s history.

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school, stands as a poignant reminder of the horrors inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime.

This infamous prison, known as S-21, was a torture center where an estimated 17,000 people were held captive, interrogated, and executed.

Visitors can explore the eerie, well-preserved cells and classrooms, now memorialized as a museum:

• Haunting photographs of prisoners line the walls, connecting visitors to the victims’ stories.
• Instruments of torture, including iron shackles and primitive medical equipment, serve as chilling evidence of the regime’s brutality.
• A memorial stupa containing thousands of skulls stands as a sobering tribute to the lives lost during this dark chapter in Cambodia’s history.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Situated just outside Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center stands as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

This execution ground, also known as the "Killing Fields," is where thousands of victims were brutally murdered and buried in mass graves. The site features a memorial stupa filled with human skulls, poignantly commemorating the lives lost.

Visitors can walk through the grounds, seeing the mass graves and learning about the horrific events that unfolded here.

Choeung Ek serves as a powerful testament to the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge’s violent rule and the importance of remembering these dark chapters in history.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Royal Palace and Throne Hall

Towering majestically in the heart of Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace stands as a captivating testament to Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

As the official residence of the King, this architectural marvel boasts a blend of Khmer and European styles, leaving visitors in awe.

Key highlights include:

• The Throne Hall, where coronations and other royal ceremonies take place.
• The Silver Pagoda, renowned for its intricate silver floor tiles and stunning Buddha statues.
• The Moonlight Pavilion, a tranquil pavilion overlooking a picturesque garden.

The Royal Palace offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s regal past, inviting visitors to enjoy the country’s storied legacy.

Wat Phnom and City Views

Perched atop a verdant hill, Wat Phnom stands as an iconic landmark in Phnom Penh. As one of the city’s most significant Buddhist temples, the site offers panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape.

Visitors can ascend the stairs to the main temple, where they’ll find intricate carvings, golden statues, and a serene atmosphere. The temple’s origins date back to the 14th century, making it a valuable glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

From the hilltop, travelers can admire the bustling streets below, providing a picturesque respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Wat Phnom is a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy Phnom Penh’s spiritual and architectural wonders.

Toul Tompong Market Experience

Bustling with activity, Toul Tompong Market, also known as the Russian Market, offers visitors a vibrant, immersive experience in the heart of Phnom Penh.

This lively marketplace showcases an array of local products, including:

• Handcrafted souvenirs and textiles
• Fragrant spices and local produce
• Vibrant street food stalls

Wandering through the maze of stalls, travelers can engage in the time-honored tradition of bargaining, honing their negotiation skills while discovering unique treasures.

The market provides a captivating glimpse into Cambodian culture, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas that make this destination so enchanting.

Important Tour Information

The tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the experience.

It’s led by professional English-speaking guides and features air-conditioned transportation with bottled water.

Entrance fees are covered for major sites like the Royal Palace, Killing Fields, and Toul Sleng Museum.

Visitors should bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 7 or those prone to altitude sickness.

Tipping and personal expenses aren’t included, so travelers should budget accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities, as it’s stated that it’s "not suitable for children under 7 years and those with altitude sickness." Visitors should check with the tour provider for accessibility details.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary Based on My Interests?

Yes, travelers can customize the tour itinerary based on their interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the sites visited or the duration of the tour to suit individual preferences.

Are Guided Audio Tours Available at the Historical Sites?

Yes, guided audio tours are available at the historical sites to provide visitors with in-depth information about the attractions and Cambodia’s dark history in an engaging and immersive manner.

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted for the Tour?

The tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, and generally accepts major credit cards. Payment methods are flexible to accommodate travelers’ preferences.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length or Add Extra Activities?

The tour offers a base 7-day itinerary, but travelers can extend the length or add extra activities for an additional cost. Customized tour packages are available upon request to fit individual preferences.

Sum Up

The tour of Phnom Penh’s five top attractions provides an immersive and profoundly moving experience. Visitors learn about Cambodia’s dark history at the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, while also exploring the cultural and architectural wonders of the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. Together, these sites offer a comprehensive understanding of the country’s resilience in the face of adversity.

You can check if your dates are available here: