Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh

Exploring the rich tapestry of Phnom Penh’s history and culture is a captivating experience for many travelers. This comprehensive sightseeing tour immerses visitors in the city’s significant landmarks, from the serene Wat Phnom to the sobering Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. Through the expert guidance of an English-speaking companion, participants can gain deeper insights into Cambodia’s past, while also indulging in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets and enjoying a scenic sunset cruise along the rivers. With a carefully curated itinerary, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the heart and soul of Phnom Penh.

Good To Know

• A 9-hour tour that covers major historical sites in Phnom Penh, including Wat Phnom, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, and the History Museum, priced at $130 per person.
• Immersive experience led by an English-speaking guide with 15 years of experience, exploring the city’s past through private group settings and local transportation.
• Visits to significant landmarks like the Royal Palace and a sunset cruise on the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Four Faces rivers.
• Opportunities to learn about Cambodia’s history, including the Khmer Rouge regime, and to experience local culture through a lunch break and visit to the Central Market.
• Free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours in advance, making the tour flexible for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering a comprehensive 9-hour tour, the Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh is priced from $130.00 per person.

Guests can check for available start times and enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour features an English-speaking guide with 15 years of experience, private group experience, and local transportation via tuk-tuk.

Highlights include visits to Wat Phnom, the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, the History Museum, a local market, the Royal Palace, and a sunset cruise along the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Four Faces rivers.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all ticket fees, lunch, and drinks are included.

Tour Highlights and Experience

The Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh provides an immersive experience led by an English-speaking guide with 15 years of expertise.

The tour offers a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized exploration of Cambodia’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Key highlights include:

1. Local transportation via tuk-tuk, immersing visitors in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

2. Visits to significant historical sites, such as the Wat Phnom, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, and the History/Genocide Museum, providing a deep understanding of Cambodia’s past.

3. A lunch break and an opportunity to explore the lively Central Market, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

Itinerary and Key Stops

The tour begins at Wat Phnom, the city’s tallest religious building that holds significant importance to Khmer national identity.

After a 30-minute visit, the group heads to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a mass burial site for Khmer Rouge victims.

Next, they’ll explore the History Museum/Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, now a memorial to the Cambodian genocide.

Following a lunch break, the tour moves to the Central Market, a landmark built in 1937.

The final stops include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and a 1.5-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Four Faces rivers before hotel drop-off.

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom stands as the city’s tallest religious building, towering over the surrounding landscape. This sacred site holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Khmer people.

Visitors can explore the following about Wat Phnom:

1. The temple’s origins date back to 1373, when a wealthy widow named Daun Penh discovered sacred Buddhist relics in a Koki tree.

2. The current structure was rebuilt in the late 15th century and has since undergone several renovations, reflecting the enduring religious devotion of the Cambodian people.

3. The temple complex includes the main pagoda, smaller shrines, and a staircase leading up to the hilltop, offering panoramic views of Phnom Penh.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

A solemn and somber place, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center marks the mass burial site for victims of the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities. Visitors spend over an hour exploring the somber memorial, learning about the Cambodian genocide through artifacts and exhibits. The site features a stupa containing over 5,000 skulls and stands as a poignant reminder of the country’s tragic past.

Key Statistics	Value
Area	20 acres
Victims Buried	8,985
Mass Graves	129
Skull Fragments Recovered	5,000+
Opened as Memorial	1988

This important historical site provides a powerful and emotional experience for all who visit, honoring the memory of those lost during the darkest chapter of Cambodia’s history.

History Museum/Genocide Museum

Formerly a school, this museum now stands as a somber memorial to the Cambodian genocide.

After the Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975, this building was turned into a prison and interrogation center, known as "S-21".

Today, the museum houses exhibits detailing the brutal reign of the Khmer Rouge and the atrocities committed against the Cambodian people.

Visitors can:

1. View graphic photographs and personal effects of the victims.
2. Examine the cells and torture instruments used by the Khmer Rouge.
3. Learn about the long-lasting impact of the genocide on Cambodian society.

The museum serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of this dark chapter in Cambodia’s history.

Lunch Break and Local Market

After visiting the somber Genocide Museum, the tour takes a break for lunch at a local restaurant. Guests have the opportunity to sample authentic Cambodian cuisine and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Central Market, built in 1937.

Local Cuisine	Description
Fish Amok	Curry-based fish dish with coconut milk and spices
Lok Lak	Stir-fried beef with lime, black pepper, and vegetables
Khmer Red Curry	Fragrant curry with chicken or beef, vegetables, and rice
Bai Sach Chrouk	Grilled pork with rice and pickled vegetables
Nom Banh Chok	Rice noodles with fish-based green curry sauce

The lively market offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Phnom Penh locals, with stalls selling an array of fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts.

Royal Palace and Sunset Cruise

The tour now moves on to the iconic Royal Palace, where guests can walk along the Riverside and admire the stunning architecture and ornate design.

Next, the group will explore the Silver Pagoda, known for its intricate decorations and valuable artifacts.

To conclude the day, visitors will enjoy a serene Sunset Cruise, exploring the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Four Faces rivers for an hour and a half.

This picturesque boat ride offers a unique perspective of the city and a chance to witness the stunning sunset over the waterways.

1. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
2. Explore the Riverside and admire the architecture
3. Relax on a Sunset Cruise along the rivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tour Guides Licensed and Certified?

The tour guide is experienced, with 15 years of experience leading tours. However, the tour does not specify whether the guide is licensed or certified by any official tourism authority. Prospective customers may want to inquire about the guide’s qualifications.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour offers a private group experience, though the maximum group size is not specified. The focus is on providing a personalized, guided exploration of Cambodia’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Are Child Tickets Available, and What Is the Pricing?

The tour does not mention child tickets or pricing. It’s a private group experience, so the group size is likely small. Customers should contact the tour provider for more details on any child ticket availability and pricing.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to fit specific interests. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour company, and they’ll work to tailor the itinerary accordingly within the tour’s duration and pricing.

Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place During the Tour?

The tour operator follows strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing, regularly sanitizing vehicles, and limiting group sizes. Travelers’ temperatures are checked, and social distancing is enforced throughout the experience for everyone’s well-being.

Sum Up

The Phnom Penh sightseeing and history tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Cambodia’s captivating past. Visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage, from the iconic Wat Phnom to the poignant Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. Complemented by a local lunch, market visit, and serene sunset cruise, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression on those seeking to understand Cambodia’s complex and resilient history.

You can check if your dates are available here: