Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo and Tuk Tuk

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the country’s rich history and culture. This guided historical day tour by cyclo and tuk-tuk promises an engaging and insightful experience, allowing travelers to explore iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, while also gaining a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s complex past through a poignant visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides a rundown of Phnom Penh‘s history and significance, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for this captivating destination.

Good To Know

• A comprehensive guided historical day tour of Phnom Penh, including visits to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Museum.
• Transportation via cyclo and tuk-tuk for an immersive exploration of the city’s landmarks, with an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and local snacks provided.
• Priced at $135 per person, the tour offers an enriching experience with insights into Cambodia’s history, culture, and architectural heritage.
• The tour may have certain restrictions, such as not being suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 220 lbs or 70 years old.
• Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, sun hats, and cameras, and be prepared for an active day of walking, cycling, and tuk-tuk rides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering a comprehensive guided historical day tour of Phnom Penh, this experience allows visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from $135 per person, the tour includes transportation by cyclo and tuk-tuk, as well as an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and local snacks.

Participants can expect a full-day itinerary, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, followed by the National Museum and a local restaurant for lunch.

The tour then continues to the Tuol Sleng Museum, with an optional visit to Wat Phnom temple.

Participants are advised to dress comfortably and bring necessary items like sunscreen and a camera.

Certain restrictions apply, making the tour unsuitable for some individuals.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off at 8:00 AM with pickup from the hotel by cyclo, allowing participants to enjoy the city’s rich history.

The first stop is the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, which includes the captivating Silver Pagoda with its 5,000 silver tiles and treasures like a 90 kg solid gold Buddha.

Next, the group will walk to the National Museum, designed in Khmer style in 1917, showcasing an impressive collection of Khmer art and sculptures.

Lunch at a local restaurant provides a chance to taste authentic Cambodian cuisine.

The final leg of the tour is a Tuk Tuk ride to the Tuol Sleng Museum (S21 prison), a former school used for detention and torture during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Inclusions

The guided historical day tour in Phnom Penh includes several key elements to ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience.

An English-speaking guide accompanies visitors throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary on the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Transportation by cyclo and tuk-tuk allows for a unique and immersive exploration of the landmarks. Bottled water and local snacks are provided for refreshment.

All admission and entrance fees are covered, granting access to sites like the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Museum.

While personal expenses and tips for the guide and driver aren’t included, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the captivating history of Phnom Penh.

Participant Restrictions

This tour may not be suitable for certain participants. The tour operator has outlined specific restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg), and those over 70 years of age may find the tour challenging. The tour involves navigating uneven terrain and using non-wheelchair-accessible transportation. To ensure a enjoyable experience for all, the tour operator has outlined these participant restrictions.

Restriction	Reason
Pregnant Women	Safety concerns
Wheelchair Users	Accessibility issues
Individuals Over 220 lbs (100 kg)	Physical limitations
Individuals Over 70 Years	Physical limitations

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Preparation and Important Notes

Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for the tour.

These will ensure their comfort and protect them from the elements during the day’s activities.

It’s also important to provide the hotel name and address to ensure timely pickup.

The tour involves walking, cycling, and riding in a tuk-tuk, so participants should be prepared for an active day.

Proper attire and preparation will help make the most of the historical sights and experiences.

Participants should also be mindful of the participant restrictions to ensure the tour is suitable for their individual needs and abilities.

Exploring Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Exploring the grandeur of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace transports visitors back in time to the opulent era of Khmer monarchs.

Constructed in 1866 under King Norodom, the complex is a stunning mix of traditional Khmer and French colonial architecture.

At the heart of the palace lies the iconic Silver Pagoda, its floors covered in 5,000 silver tiles and home to priceless Khmer treasures, including a 90-kg solid gold Buddha.

Wandering through the palace’s meticulously maintained courtyards and pavilions, one can almost feel the weight of history and the legacy of Cambodia’s former rulers.

This iconic landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and the power dynamics that have shaped its past.

Discovering National Museum’s Khmer Art

Stepping into the National Museum in Phnom Penh, visitors are immediately captivated by the impressive collection of Khmer art and sculptures.

Designed in traditional Khmer style, the museum houses an extensive array of ancient artifacts, including statues, carvings, and religious objects.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and symbolism of these works, which provide insight into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum’s knowledgeable guides are on hand to share the stories behind the pieces, offering a deeper understanding of their significance.

With its beautifully curated exhibits, the National Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s past and is a highlight of the day tour.

Visiting Tuol Sleng Museum (S21 Prison)

After visiting the impressive National Museum, the tour’s attention shifts to the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum, also known as S21 Prison.

This former school was infamously used as a detention and torture center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Visitors can explore the haunting grounds and learn about the atrocities that occurred here:

• Chilling displays of torture devices and prisoner cells
• Photographic archives documenting the victims
• Heartbreaking testimonies from survivors
• Insights into the brutal interrogation and execution processes
• Reflections on the lasting impact of this dark period in Cambodian history

This poignant stop provides a powerful contrast to the earlier cultural experiences, offering a deeper understanding of the nation’s complex past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes bottled water and local snacks, so bringing your own food and drinks is generally not necessary. However, you’re welcome to bring any additional items you may want during the day.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for the weather. Avoid revealing or overly casual attire out of respect for cultural sites. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised.

How Much Should I Tip the Guide and Driver?

There is no fixed tip amount, but a general guideline is to tip the guide 10-20% of the tour price and the driver 5-10%. Tips are appreciated for good service, but should not be considered mandatory.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, the tour itinerary can often be customized to suit your interests. Simply discuss your preferences with the tour operator, who’ll try to accommodate any changes within the tour’s timeframe and logistics.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour generally allows photography, but visitors should check with the guide regarding any restrictions at certain sites like the Tuol Sleng Museum. Photography may be prohibited or limited in areas to respect privacy and preserve the historical significance.

Sum Up

This guided historical day tour in Phnom Penh provides an immersive experience, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and learning about Cambodia’s complex past. Visitors will tour the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, while enjoying local snacks and refreshments. The poignant visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum offers deep insights into the country’s history. Priced at $135 per person, this comprehensive tour is led by an English-speaking guide and caters to various participant needs.

You can check if your dates are available here: