Phnom Penh: Toul Sleng S21 Prison-Killing Field-Royal Palace

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - This morning, visitors confront the horrific crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng, once a high school, was transformed by the Khmer Rouge into a center for interrogation, torture, and death. Today, it stands as a museum of torture, reminding visitors of the terrible atrocities that occurred in Cambodia. Approximately 17,000 people passed through this prison, with only seven surviving to recount their experiences. The Khmer Rouge meticulously documented their prisoners, and many haunting black and white photographs are displayed in the cells. Enemies of the revolution, as well as many Khmer Rouge loyalists denounced by an increasingly paranoid political party, were killed here. It became a production line for killing, with those working within its walls unwaveringly loyal to Pol Pot. The party did not acknowledge mistakes, so those sent here were presumed guilty. The prison’s role was not to prove innocence but to confirm guilt. Tuol Sleng offers a profoundly moving experience, and while not everyone may wish to visit, it is crucial for understanding the depths of Cambodia’s past and its progress since then.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center - The journey continues to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where prisoners from Tuol Sleng met their fate. Once an old Chinese cemetery, Choeung Ek was converted into an extermination camp for political prisoners. The remains of 8,985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are preserved in a memorial stupa here. Despite the past horrors, it is a peaceful place to reflect on the tragic events that affected Cambodia and its people.

Royal Palace - The exploration of the stunning Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian royal family and a national symbol, begins in the beautiful royal gardens, landscaped with tropical plants and adorned with gleaming spires. Visitors enter the Throne Hall, where royal receptions are held and the Cambodian king’s coronation took place. The tour continues past the Napoleon III Pavilion, made from iron and gifted by the French emperor in the 19th century. The journey concludes at the Silver Pagoda, named for the 5,000 silver tiles covering the floor, each weighing 1kg. Inside are some of the country’s most cherished treasures, including a life-size gold Buddha adorned with 9,584 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats.

Phnom Penh: Udong Hill-National Museum-Sunset Boat

Udong Mountain - Departing Phnom Penh on National Highway 5, the journey leads to the former Cambodian capital of Udong. As the capital from 1618 to 1866, visitors explore the sacred hills, which include historic pagodas and several stupas containing the remains of Cambodia’s former kings. Panoramic views of the Cambodian countryside are visible in every direction. After an extensive visit to this historic site, the return to the Cambodian capital ensues.

Central Market - With its distinctive art-deco dome, Phnom Penh Central Market (Phsar Thmey) attracts visitors with hundreds of traditional Khmer stalls, offering everything from antique coins and brightly colored fabrics to traditional crafts and medicinal products. No first-time visit to Phnom Penh is complete without stopping and shopping here.

Mekong River - In the late afternoon, a local boat is boarded for a sunset cruise on the river. The journey begins on the Tonle Sap River, which famously reverses direction each year, acting as the world’s largest natural flood barrier for the Mekong River. The cruise passes the Royal Palace compound and around the Chrouy Changvar Peninsula onto the mighty Mekong River. The journey continues past small villages and fishing boats preparing their catch, returning to Phnom Penh after dark.

Phnom Penh: Wat Phnom-Independent Monument-Russian Market

Wat Phnom - The journey leads to Wat Phnom, a symbol of the city. Located on one of the few hills in this flat capital, the first pagoda was originally built in 1373 to house Buddha statues discovered in the Mekong by a woman named Penh. This gives the modern name of the city, Phnom Penh or Hill of Penh. Cambodians visit the shrine to pray for luck in love, life, employment, and exams, making it a bustling place.

Independence Monument - This monument was constructed after Cambodia gained full independence from French colonization in 1953.

Russian Market - The journey continues to the Russian Market, one of the premier shopping destinations in the Cambodian capital. Known as Psar Tuol Tom Pong, it earned its nickname in the 1980s when Russians were the only tourists in Cambodia. A sprawling place, it is filled with bargains, including handicrafts, carvings, silk and textiles, clothing and footwear, and a variety of pirated software, CDs, and DVDs, not to mention enough motorcycle parts to assemble a homemade moped.

• Private driver with a valid license
• Air-conditioned private transport
• English-speaking personal tour guide
• Included sunset boat ride
• Complimentary pure drinking water
• Travel insurance provided

• Admission fees
• Admission fees
• Admission fees
• Admission fees
• Admission fees

A sunset boat ride on the Four River Junction, where the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River, Bassac River, and Lower Mekong River converge, also known as Chak Momuk (Four Faces), is a captivating experience in Phnom Penh, the capital city. Additionally, visitors will gain detailed insights into Khmer history from the Post-Angkorian Period to the present day. Moreover, the harrowing history of the genocidal regime led by Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979, which resulted in the deaths of nearly three million people due to starvation, execution, and disease, is a poignant experience for the Khmer people. At the conclusion of this trip, there is an opportunity to visit a local market to observe how locals negotiate prices for various products.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.