Private City Tour of Phnom Penh
Overview
Discover Phnom Penh in one unforgettable day that combines culture, history, and authentic local experiences.
Start with a traditional cyclo ride through the city’s historic streets, passing French colonial landmarks, lively local markets, riverside views, and iconic sites such as Wat Phnom and Royal Palace. Continue the journey in a comfortable private car to explore Cambodia’s powerful history at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, with time to reflect and understand the country’s past.
This carefully designed experience blends slow travel, cultural discovery, and historical insight, giving you a deeper connection to Phnom Penh beyond the usual sightseeing.
✨ Book this tour to experience the city’s highlights, stories, and spirit in a meaningful and unforgettable
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Traditional cyclo ride experience
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Air-conditioned private car/transportation
- All entrance fees to attractions
- Cold bottled drinking water
✗ Not Included
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional food & drinks, etc.)
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Phnom Penh Central Post Office is one of the city’s oldest and most elegant colonial buildings, located just a short walk from Wat Phnom. Beyond its practical function as Cambodia’s main postal hub, it also stands as a reminder of the country’s French colonial past. Built in 1895, the post office features a distinctive yellow façade, high arched windows, and symmetrical design typical of neo-classical European architecture. The spacious square in front of the building adds to its charm, giving visitors a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busy streets nearby.
2
Stop 2
Old Market (Phsar Chas) is one of the oldest traditional markets in Phnom Penh, located right by the riverside near the lively Sisowath Quay. It offers a more local, authentic atmosphere compared to the more structured Central Market. Dating back to the French colonial era, this market has long been a hub for daily trade, serving both residents and small businesses in the area.
3
Stop 3
Wat Phnom is the most famous temple in Phnom Penh and the landmark that gives the city its name. It sits on a small natural hill about 27 meters high, making it one of the only elevated sacred sites in the city. This peaceful pagoda is both a religious site and a historic symbol, attracting pilgrims, tourists, and locals who come to pray for good luck, success, and protection.
4
Stop 4
Sisowath Quay is Phnom Penh’s famous riverside promenade, stretching along the banks where the Mekong River meets the Tonlé Sap River. It is one of the most popular areas in the city for walking, dining, relaxing, and watching sunsets. Lined with colonial buildings, hotels, cafés, restaurants, and street vendors, it offers a perfect mix of local life and tourist-friendly atmosphere.
5
Stop 5
Wat Ounalom is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Phnom Penh and is considered the center of Cambodian Buddhism. Located just a short walk from the riverside, it is quieter and more spiritual compared to more tourist-heavy temples like Wat Phnom. It serves as the headquarters of the Maha Nikaya Buddhist order in Cambodia and remains an active monastery with monks living and studying there.
6
Stop 6
The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is one of Cambodia’s most important landmarks and the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Built in 1866, it remains a working royal complex while also being one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Located along the riverside, the palace showcases stunning traditional Khmer architecture with strong French influence, golden rooftops, and beautifully maintained gardens.
7
Stop 7
The Silver Pagoda, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of Cambodia’s most sacred and visually impressive religious sites. It is located inside the grounds of the Royal Palace and serves as a royal Buddhist temple. Unlike many temples in Cambodia, the Silver Pagoda is famous for its luxurious materials, priceless Buddha statues, and royal heritage.
8
Stop 8
The Independence Monument is one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks, located at the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard. It was built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. Designed in a traditional Khmer architectural style, the monument resembles a lotus-shaped stupa and is one of the most photographed structures in the city.
9
Stop 9
Choeung Ek, commonly known as The Killing Fields, is a memorial site located about 15 km south of Phnom Penh. It is one of the most important historical places in Cambodia, dedicated to remembering the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). Today, it serves as a peaceful memorial park and place of reflection, honoring those who lost their lives during this tragic period.
10
Stop 10
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, is one of the most important historical sites in Phnom Penh. It was formerly a high school that was turned into a prison and interrogation center during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). Today, it is preserved as a museum to document and remember the history of that period and honor the victims.
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Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels