Independence Monument

Your day starts with a drive past the Independence Monument, which was built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from France, and is an icon of Phnom Penh. From here, you will visit Lake Beung Tompun Village, which gives you a glimpse into a traditional fishing village and the residents’ daily lives.

Wat Thmey (Killing Fields)

While enjoying a local traditional snack from a roadside stall, you will travel through the outer suburbs of Phnom Penh. It’s a somber thought, but these were the roads travelled by the victims as they were taken to the Killing Fields. Upon arrival at the Killing Fields, you will undertake a self-guided tour with supplied audio accompaniment of this now-sacred place.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

After a lunch provided from a local restaurant, you will travel back through the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. Again, it is worth reflecting, albeit somber, that these busy streets you are seeing now lead you, like the victims of long past, to the Genocide Museum. Alternatively known as “Tuol Sleng Museum”, this former school was transformed into a prison and an interrogation centre. It now chronicles this dark chapter of Cambodian history, and is a must-see for those wanting an understanding of this grim period, and what the people suffered through.

The Olympic Stadium

Departing from your hotel or chosen pick up location, you will take a short visit to the Olympic Stadium, which, while never hosting an Olympic games, is an iconic structure capable of seating 70,000 people.

Russian Market

Then, it is on to the Russian Market, named during the 1980s when the majority of tourists to Cambodia were Russian. This warren of stalls is a treasure trove of arts, crafts, food, and clothing, and nearly anything else you are looking for. We will enjoy a morning tea of a local delicacy from one of the many food stalls to complete the experience.

Royal Palace

From here, we travel back to the riverside precinct to the Royal Palace, where you will enjoy the majestic architecture, beautiful statues, stupors of past kings, and paintings from across the ages. This part of the tour will be conducted by a Royal Palace special guide.

National Museum of Cambodia

Then, it is on to discover the National Museum, an iconic building built in the 1920s, and inspired by temple architecture. It is home to many beautiful art works, artefacts and sculptures from across the ages. Again, this part of your tour will be conducted by a specialist National Museum guide.

Experience Cambodian Living Arts

We then take a stroll down Street 178, which is locally known as “Art Street”, with a number of art galleries and other craft shops. We will also take in Ounalome Temple, which is a sprawling complex. Watch the monks going about their daily lives among beautiful sculptures, stupors, and temples.

Wat Phnom

Travelling back through the bustling streets of the riverside precinct, past local and French colonial buildings, we will then arrive at Wat Phnom Temple. Built in 1372, this Buddhist structure is the highest religious structure in Phnom Penh.

Central Market

Your day ends with a visit to the Central Markets, referred to as “Phsar Thmey”, and meaning “new market”. This art deco-style building is one of the iconic buildings of Phnom Penh. Again, here, you will find a shopper’s paradise, and you can haggle away with the locals for whatever special gift or memento you desire.