Phnom Penh City Tour with Silver Pagoda and Genocide Museum
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Royal Palace's Silver Pagoda
- Learn about Cambodia's history at the Genocide Museum
- Visit the poignant Killing Fields memorial
- Discover Phnom Penh's rich cultural heritage
- Experience the city's vibrant street life
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Phnom Penh's historical landmarks
- Visit to the Silver Pagoda and Genocide Museum
- Transportation between sites
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Today, you will join a group tour and your guide start to pick up from a few different hotels, so the pickup time is variable between 7:30am to 8:30am, so guests are advised to wait in the hotel lobby and ready to go as soon as your guide arrives, after pick up everyone on the tour, your guide will take you to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by the French after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong. Located on the western banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, the palace complex features stunning Khmer architecture, divided into 4 main compounds.
The grounds of the Palace are also home to the Silver Pagoda, which received its name because its floor is made of 5,329 silver tiles. Learn about the Khmer kings, resident at all times, with the exception of the period when the Khmer Rouge took control in 1975. See gold and jeweled Buddha statues in the Silver Pagoda, and the Angkor Wat style Bell Tower.
Then, learn about the turbulent years of the Khmer Rouge at the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum. Located in a former high school that was used as the notorious Security Prison 21, the Genocide Museum traces the story of the Killing Fields and the torture and executions that took place from 1975-79. See exhibits that tell the stories of some of the estimated 20,000 prisoners that were killed.
The peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek may not indicate what kinds of horrors have taken place there. Situated 17km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. This journey into Cambodia’s past will provide you with a background on the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. It will also give you an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation. Return to the city center and get stunning views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River Side before tour ends. This tour concludes with return transfer to your hotel or any requested drop off point within the city center.
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour's departure time and meeting point in advance.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
- Ensure your camera or smartphone is charged for photo opportunities.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the day's explorations.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for children to visit S-21 & Killing Fields
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Traveler reviews
Well worth it!
Very moving, intense. Humanity at its worse. Onky by learning from the past can we learn about our future .
Phone Penh Experience
Excellent if moving experience about killing fields and S21 prison. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are beautiful. Guide gave an insightful personal experience of his life under Pol Pot. Thank you.
Great tour
Very experienced and knowledgeable guide and nice bloke. Great tour
Nice overview of an exciting capital
There are a few sights to see in PP and this 4-hour tour does a comprehensive job in hitting each. It will be challenging at times given the genocide but so important to understand to avoid such a brutal tragedy in the future. A couple tips: you will be removing your shoes at some sights so you may want to wear socks and if you use a tuk-tuk for the tour, you may want to bring a mask due to the heavy pollution.
There are a few sights to...
There are a few sights to see in PP and this 4-hour tour does a comprehensive job in hitting each. It will be challenging at times given the genocide but so important to understand to avoid such a brutal tragedy in the future. A couple tips: you will be removing your shoes at some sights so you may want to wear socks and if you use a tuk-tuk for the tour, you may want to bring a mask due to the heavy pollution.