Fascinating Phnom Penh

📍 Phnom Penh Airport - Hotel (10 km): 30 mins

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in (Normally check-in time is at 14:00).

    Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

    After a relaxing break, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city.

    First, head to Wat Phnom temple, the founding place of the city on a small hilltop. Then continue along the riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

    Your next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!

Late afternoon, enjoy an atmospheric sunset river cruise and watch how Phnom Penh’s popular riverfront comes to life in the early evening, with a coconut juice degustation on board.

Phnom Penh has an excellent selection of restaurants for all tastes. Enjoy your dinner in one of our favorite local restaurant in town. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Phnom Penh – Choeung Ek (13 km): 30 mins

This morning, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Also visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A moving, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. 

After learning about some of Cambodia’s tragic past it is time to put a smile back on your face and experience modern Khmer life. Return to central Phnom Penh and take a break in your hotel.

This afternoon, head to Wat Botum. Originally founded in 1422, Wat Botum is one of Phnom Penh's five original wats. It is known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms’ and the compound displays many beautifully decorated stupas, some of which contain the ashes of royalty. Wat Botum is the seat of the Thammayut (royalist) Buddhist sect, the smaller of the two main Buddhist sects in Cambodia. Here, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a very special experience!

After the special blessing ceremony, you will gain insight into the art of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on cooking course. Start the day with a guided tour through the local food market where your chef will explain the Cambodian fruits, vegetables and spices. Be amazed at the vast array of colors, smells, and tastes for sale - from the ubiquitous, smelly fish sauce to the sweet, fragrant mangoes. Back at the cooking school; explore the secrets of traditional food preparation. With the guidance of your chef, you will observe and then practice Khmer cuisine techniques creating your own dishes for dinner!

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Phnom Penh – Oudong Hill (37 km): 01 hour

0730 Escape from the busy city of Phnom Penh with a trip to Oudong Mountain. Just a short distance from the city, the buzz of the modern world disappears and small villages and farms come in to view. 

Then visit the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, also located in Oudong. Learn about this form of meditation with a short tour of the centre and stop to admire its impressive Jade Buddha. 

Continue on to Oudong and climb 509 steps to the top of Oudong Mountain for magnificent views over the plains below. From this vantage point it is easy to understand why the Cambodians built their capital on this strategic hilltop. Learn more about its history and the local culture before descending down a different path to the base of Oudong Mountain.

Afterward, you can return to Phnom Penh or enjoy a meal of local dishes served at a popular picnic site (Lunch on your own account). There are hammocks strung around the site so there is the option to be truly Khmer and enjoy a post-meal nap! 

If time permitted, gain insight into Champey Academy of Arts (CAA) is a non-profit school offering the youth of Phnom Penh free training in Cambodian traditional arts including dance, music, drawing and painting. Champey’s mission is to inspire young people to preserve, protect and promote their nation’s culture. The school closes every Sunday. 

Or you can spend the rest of the afternoon browsing through the colorful markets of Phnom Penh. Visit the Central Market, an art deco landmark and one of the largest markets in the city, if not all of Cambodia. You can find clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, and food. Also visit the Russian Market, the best place in the city for wood and stone carvings, jewellery, clothes and Cambodian silk souvenirs.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Phnom Penh Hotel - Airport (10 km): 30 mins

Enjoy the day at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your individual departure flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast