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Phnom Penh History: Explore Khmer Rouge Sites
5.0
80 Ratings
Phnom Penh
Experience a personalized city tour in Phnom Penh with a private guide. Choose your preferred locations and enjoy a customized tour filled with fascinating stories and English-speaking guide.
Experience a personalized city tour in Phnom Penh with a private guide. Choose your preferred locations and enjoy a customized tour filled with fascinating stories and English-speaking guide.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Wat Phnom - Discover the history and explore the actual mountainous pagoda that inspired the name and location of the capital city.
- Wat Ounalom - Established in the 15th century, this is one of the city’s oldest pagodas, renowned for its association with the Buddha’s eyebrow.
- Royal Palace - Capture stunning photos of vibrant Khmer…
- Wat Phnom - Discover the history and explore the actual mountainous pagoda that inspired the name and location of the capital city.
- Wat Ounalom - Established in the 15th century, this is one of the city’s oldest pagodas, renowned for its association with the Buddha’s eyebrow.
- Royal Palace - Capture stunning photos of vibrant Khmer architectural buildings within the Royal Palace complex, and view the royal throne and the official residence of His Majesty and the Queen.
- Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk - Across the street lies another beautifully decorated park. The bronze statue, erected in 2013, honors the esteemed former King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
- Independence Monument - A short two-minute walk from the king’s statue leads to a lotus bud-shaped monument standing proudly in the center of a roundabout. Built in 1962, it commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953.
- Koh Pich City Hall - Once a swamp land with a small fishing community, the area was developed after 2004 and now serves as a business hub and residence for the affluent.
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Center - Formerly a local Chinese cemetery, it became a site of mass executions during the Pol Pot regime. A tour guide will provide detailed insights.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - Originally a high school, this site was converted into the largest prison by Khmer Rouge leaders to eliminate perceived traitors. A tour guide will offer more information.
- Russian Market - Initially run by locals, the market gained popularity among foreigners in the 1980s, particularly Russians, hence its name. It’s ideal for bargain hunters seeking reasonable prices on clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and electronics.
What's Included
- Air-conditioned minivan
- English explanations at every stop
- Bottled water and Coke
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Air-conditioned minivan
- English explanations at every stop
- Bottled water and Coke
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre (Killing Fields) Entrance USD 3/pp
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Entrance fee USD 5/pp
- Wat Phnom Entrance fee USD 1/pp
- Audio guide players
- Meals and drinks
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre (Killing Fields) Entrance USD 3/pp
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Entrance fee USD 5/pp
- Wat Phnom Entrance fee USD 1/pp
- Audio guide players
- Meals and drinks
Additional Information
One Day in Phnom Penh? Must-Do Option
Explore the city’s highlights in the morning and visit the Genocide sites in the afternoon. The morning itinerary includes Wat Phnom, Ounalom Monastery, the Constitutional Monument showcasing classic traditional Cambodian architecture, the Royal Palace, the intersection of four rivers, Diamond Island, the…
One Day in Phnom Penh? Must-Do Option
Explore the city’s highlights in the morning and visit the Genocide sites in the afternoon. The morning itinerary includes Wat Phnom, Ounalom Monastery, the Constitutional Monument showcasing classic traditional Cambodian architecture, the Royal Palace, the intersection of four rivers, Diamond Island, the Independence Monument from the French era, a bronze statue of the King, and more. Detailed explanations are provided at each stop, and questions are encouraged.
In the afternoon, visit S21 Prison and the Killing Fields at your own pace with an audio guide that explains the tragic history of the genocide. Choose between the Russian Market or Central Market to browse and purchase local products.
A lunch break is optional.
With the expertise and experience of a local tour guide, you are assured of not only gaining a wealth of historical knowledge but also enjoying a memorable day filled with lasting memories.
Location
Wat Phnom
Street 96, Norodom Blvd
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(80 Ratings)
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61enricoa
Jan 14, 2025
A memorabile day - Thanks to our tour guide Mr. Sina we have been able to appreciate the cultural and historical aspects of all sites we have visited.
Mr. Sina has provided to us an incredible variety of details in a very plain and good English language.
He is a passionate young man who likes to ensure that no question we have made could be left unanswered.
We have spent 8 hours with him and it has been a very pleasant journey through time.
By the time we have completed our tour we couldn’t believe that time could pass by so quickly.
Thank you very much Mr. Sina for having allowed us to make such a memorable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rogermerle_a
Jan 5, 2025
This should be the first... - This should be the first tour you take when you arrive. This tour will familiarize you with the city, the culture and the history!! This is an excellent tour led by an excellent guide!! Sina is very knowledgeable about Phnom Penh and the history. He is a great tour guide and made us feel welcome and comfortable all day. It was an absolute privilege to spend the day with him!! Thanks so Much!!!
Review provided by Viator
Noamg553
Jan 4, 2025
מעולה 10/10 - The tour was very comprehensive and very informative. Sina the guide was charming, knowledgeable, attentive to the needs of the group and made adjustments. His English was the best and clearest so far of any local I have met. We saw a lot and learned a lot and I really enjoyed it. The lunch spot was also excellent. The van was comfortable and air conditioned. 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Attitudeadjuster
Jan 2, 2025
Fabulous and informative (and moving) day - Sina was unwell but arranged another guide and driver for me. We had an amazing day. The morning was spent at the genocide museum S-21 and the Killing Fields. The guide has lost his father in the genocide and it was extremely moving.
Take extra cash as there are at least 3 survivors who sell books of their time in the prison that you might want to buy.
Afterwards, we visited various monuments, the riverfront and the beautiful Royal Palace. You buy your own lunch, I was taken to a nice restaurant. The only bit I didn't enjoy was the Cambodia National Museum - a waste of $10 in my view. Finally we went to the huge Central Market where you could probably spend days.
A really worthwhile day exploring and learning about Pnomh Penh and its history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mona106
Dec 28, 2024
Fantastic city tour - Sina is a very professional and punctual guide, he gives a lot of information about Cambodia’s history.
His vehicle is new a d comfortable. We enjoyed our tour and would recommend it to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prt82zmztj
Dec 20, 2024
Highly recommend - This was quite possibly the most informative tour I’ve ever been on. Sina is incredibly kind, polite, and exceptionally knowledgeable. I appreciate how he took thoughtful time to explain each site and the political history of Cambodia, which allowed me to have a much richer and deeper appreciation for my experience in this beautiful country. Thank you, Sina, for an excellent day together!!
Review provided by Viator
Conor
Dec 8, 2024
A Must-Do Experience - This was AMAZING! Sina was so genuine and was a great resource for learning about the rich history of Cambodia. He was very accommodating to our interests and gave us a fantastic tour. I can’t recommend this activity enough, as it was a great way to see all the sights of Phnom Penh in one day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Conor_d
Dec 8, 2024
Amazing Experience - Can’t recommend this enough. It was an amazing way to see the best sights in Phnom Penh and learn about the rich history that Cambodia has. Sina is as genuine as they come. He genuinely wanted us to have the best possible experience and was very accommodating based on what we wanted to do. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Mark_b
Dec 2, 2024
A fantastic way to see a lot in a short time - I only had a couple of days in Phnom Penh before heading to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat. I found this tour and felt it would be the best way to make sure I got to see all the important sites. It did not disappoint. I had my own car and driver (Mr Bora) and he did a great job of getting us everywhere, supplying me with water, and keeping me cool with the air conditioning. My tour guide was Miss Channy who was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide! A definite great choice on my part and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Scarlett_c
Dec 30, 2024
Only went to 5 sites; Sina wasn't my driver. I would choose a different tour. - I think I got outsourced. I only went to 5 sites and finished after 5.5 hours (including a 1 hour stop at the market). Sina wasn't my guide however my guide was very good and spoke English really well, it just wasn't what I expected or signed up for. It felt more like a killing fields tour and was quite depressing and I missed out on several sites and I signed up for this because I only had 1 day, like many people. If I had known, I would have booked a different tour.
Review provided by Viator
