Royal Palace, S-21 Genocide, National Museum & Killing Field

Phnom Penh’s historical and cultural tour offers a profound exploration of Cambodia’s past. Visitors begin at the captivating Royal Palace, admiring its stunning architecture and the revered Silver Pagoda. The journey then delves into the somber realities of the S-21 Genocide Museum, where the harrowing legacy of Pol Pot’s regime is revealed. Before long, the tour moves to the National Museum, showcasing exquisite Angkor period sculptures. Finally, the poignant visit to the Killing Fields provides a sobering reminder of the atrocities faced, emphasizing the importance of remembrance. This comprehensive tour invites travelers to uncover Cambodia’s complex and compelling history.

Good To Know

• The tour includes visits to the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), National Museum, and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
• Visitors can explore the Silver Pagoda and baccarat crystal Buddha at the Royal Palace, and view Angkor period sculptures at the National Museum.
• The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum offers a sobering history of the Khmer Rouge regime, and the Killing Fields memorial stupa displays over 8,000 skulls.
• The tour duration is 9 hours, starting from Phnom Penh, and includes transportation, an English-speaking driver, and bottled water.
• Lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, and the tour has a 15% discount currently, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Spanning a duration of 9 hours, this comprehensive tour departs from Phnom Penh and showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

Priced from $51.00, with an ongoing 15% discount, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include visiting the Silver Pagoda, exploring Angkor-era sculptures, and learning about Cambodia’s dark history at the former S-21 prison and the memorial stupa displaying over 8,000 skulls.

Transportation, an English-speaking driver, and bottled water are provided, while lunch is at the traveler’s own expense.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at 8:30 AM at the designated meeting point. Visitors will first explore the Royal Palace, spending an hour admiring the Silver Pagoda and its baccarat crystal Buddha. Next, they’ll embark on a 2-hour self-guided tour of the National Museum, showcasing Angkor period sculptures and a wooden Buddha collection.

Itinerary Details
Royal Palace	1 hour visit
National Museum	2-hour self-guided tour
Wat Phnom	1-hour visit
Lunch Break	After museum visits

Afterward, the group will visit the historic Wat Phnom for a 1-hour exploration before breaking for lunch.

Genocide History

Following the tour’s visit to the National Museum, the group will next explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This former high school turned prison, known as S-21, was used by Pol Pot’s regime from 1975 to 1978 to detain, torture, and execute thousands of people.

The 2-hour guided tour provides a sobering look into this dark chapter of Cambodian history:

1. Approximately 17,000 victims were transported from S-21 to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where many were bludgeoned to death.

2. The Memorial Stupa at Choeung Ek displays over 8,000 skulls arranged by sex and age, a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed.

3. The tour emphasizes the importance of remembering this tragic past to prevent such events from happening again.

Included Highlights

This comprehensive tour packs in an impressive array of must-see attractions, giving travelers a well-rounded glimpse into Cambodia’s rich history and culture. Highlights include visiting the stunning Royal Palace, exploring the National Museum’s extensive collection, and paying solemn respects at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Travelers will be transported in a comfortable tuk-tuk with an English-speaking driver and provided with bottled water. Entrance fees are also covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The itinerary is subject to change, so it’s essential to check the latest updates. This tour offers an immersive and educational journey through Cambodia’s past and present.

Included Highlight	Duration
Royal Palace	1 hour
National Museum	2 hours
Wat Phnom	1 hour

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Pricing and Cancellation

Pricing for this comprehensive tour starts at $51.00 per person, with a current promotion offering up to 15% off, bringing the cost down to $43.35.

This tour also features a flexible booking policy, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance. Plus, customers have the option to reserve their spot without immediate payment, providing the flexibility to book now and pay later.

The tour’s inclusions make it an exceptional value:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. Tuk Tuk transportation with an English-speaking driver
3. Entrance fees to all the historical sites

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

As part of the comprehensive tour package, the tour operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities. This convenient transportation service allows guests to focus on seeing the cultural and historical experiences without the hassle of navigating the city independently.

Pickup	Drop-off
Meeting Point	Royal Palace
National Museum	Tuol Sleng Museum
Wat Phnom	Killing Fields
Lunch Spot	Hotel

The included tuk-tuk with an English-speaking driver ensures a comfortable and informative journey throughout the day’s itinerary. This attentive service contributes to an effortless and enriching exploration of Phnom Penh’s renowned landmarks and sites.

Dress Code and Prohibited Items

Visitors are required to adhere to a modest dress code when visiting the Royal Palace. Specifically, short pants, skirts, and sleeveless tops are prohibited. Instead, visitors should wear long pants or skirts that cover the knees, and shirts that cover the shoulders.

Along With the dress code, there are a few other important rules to follow:

1. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the tour.
2. Visitors aren’t allowed to bring large bags or backpacks.
3. Photography is permitted, but flash photography isn’t allowed inside the Royal Palace.

Following these guidelines will ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience at the historical sites on this comprehensive tour.

Itinerary Changes

The itinerary for this comprehensive tour is subject to change based on various factors.

Things like weather conditions, traffic, or unexpected closures at the sites may require the schedule to be adjusted. While the tour generally follows the outlined plan, the guide will communicate any necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience.

Flexibility is key, as the goal is to provide guests with an insightful exploration of Phnom Penh’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks.

Rest assured, the tour operator will make every effort to deliver the promised highlights, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tips Expected for the Tour Guide and Driver?

Tips for the tour guide and driver are not officially required, but are appreciated for good service. Tipping around 10% of the tour cost is a common practice.

What Is the Recommended Camera Gear for the Tour?

The recommended camera gear for the tour includes a lightweight, compact camera with a versatile zoom lens. A smartphone with a good camera can also work well, as long as it can capture clear, high-quality photos.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Sites Not Listed?

While the tour itinerary covers the major highlights, there’s flexibility to visit other sites if requested. Travelers can discuss any additional preferences with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate customized tour options.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Travelers can work with the tour operator to modify the itinerary and emphasize sites that align with their personal interests and priorities.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?

The tour price includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, entrance fees, and bottled water. Travelers are responsible for their own lunch expenses. There are no additional mandatory costs beyond the discounted tour price of $43.35 per person.

Sum Up

The tour of Phnom Penh offers visitors a profound exploration of Cambodia’s rich history and cultural heritage. It covers the city’s most significant landmarks, from the opulent Royal Palace to the sobering S-21 Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country’s complex past. This balanced itinerary encourages reflection on both the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped modern Cambodia.

You can check if your dates are available here: