Phnom Penh: Culture, History & Charm!
Explore Phnom Penh’s blend of Khmer heritage and colonial elegance. Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom, uncover Cambodia’s history at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, and shop at lively markets. A perfect mix of culture, history, and vibrant city life!
– DAY 1: PHNOM PENH – ARRIVE
Namaste and welcome to Cambodia!
Arrive in Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up across the city (pick-up with guide).
– DAY 2: PHNOM PENH’S PAST & PRESENT
AM: Visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, it is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces . Nearside the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), displays plenty of Buddha statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, the Wat Phnom “hill of Pagoda.
PM: Learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre then shopping at local market as below (if has time that can visit 2 markets – if client want).
Option 1: Central Market (Psar Thmei), a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood and countless other products or
Option 2: One of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, all called the “Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales
– DAY 3: PHNOM PENH – DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again (transfer with guide).
Thank you for traveling with us. Namaste — until we meet again!
