Amazing Phnom Penh

Set the tour to visit Wat Phnom, which is the center of Phnom Penh that gives the city its name. At 27 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in the area, and as a town gradually grew up around it, the settlement became known as Phnom Penh, the hill of Penh. It is the zero point of the city. Next, we visit Wat Ounalom (Buddhist Monastery), which is the headquarters of one of Cambodia’s most respected Buddhist leaders. In addition to the pagoda, there is a post-Angkorean stupa at this monastery. After lunch at the local restaurant, drive to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we ride the tuk-tuk to Koh Dach (Mekong Island) to visit the weaving village. Many of the people who live here make their living as farmers. They plant corn, sesame, beans, and bananas. They also plant fruit trees. In addition to farming, the villagers produce mosquito nets, silk, Sarong, Pha muong, hol, and Krama, and run small businesses. The Chambok Eco-tourism community in Kampong Speu Province is a haven for Khmer handicrafts, with numerous skilled weavers producing a wide variety of products, both large and small, using the resources available to them.

Following our exploration of the island's weaving activities, we take a boat ride downstream back to Phnom Penh, offering a breathtaking view of the sunset and the opportunity for a delightful picnic dinner on board.

Early morning at 6.30 am drive to visit Choeung Ek Killing Field, which was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remains in the memorial and the mass graves in the area bring to mind the suffering of the victims. Besides the tragic past, you will also start to appreciate the tremendous courage of the Cambodian people to move on and rebuild their nation. And then continue to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which was a high school prior to 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era, and today as a genocide museum.

Afterward, you can explore the Russian Market, also known as Phsar Tuol Tom Poung. This market earned its name from the abundance of Eastern Bloc goods in the past, but today it is a paradise for tourists. Visitors can find a wide variety of items such as fabrics, jewelry, intricately carved handicrafts, and ceramics. The market also boasts numerous clothing stores, and there are skilled tailors and seamstresses available for quick alterations.

Following this, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and return to your hotel for some relaxation. At 3 pm, you can visit the National Museum. Recognizable by its warm red terracotta and gracefully curved roof adorned with guardian nagas, the National Museum of Phnom Penh is located just north of the Royal Palace, off the street of Artists (178 Street). Designed in 1917 by the renowned French architect Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens, the museum beautifully incorporates traditional Khmer style. It was inaugurated by King Sisowath in 1920. Next, enjoy the cooking class with one of the Khmer chefs, she has over 17 years of culinary experience. Cooking is her passion and she offers you her creative creations. Her specialty is Khmer food with a contemporary flair, but she has a talent for enhancing any cuisine. Enjoy the dinner from what you cook and return to the hotel.

Originating from the era of French Indochina, the three-wheeled bicycle taxi has been a fixture in the Kingdom's transportation for the last 80 years. Initially serving as a practical means of getting around Phnom Penh, this unique mode of transport involved a passenger seated comfortably in front while the driver pedaled behind, propelling the slow-slung seat between two wheels known as “Cyclo”.

We reckon this is one of the more unusual things to do in Phnom Penh, however, most Cambodians eat noodle soup for breakfast. So, we recommend skipping your hotel’s free Western breakfast in favor of hitting the streets. Look for a small shop, grab a plastic seat, and have whatever they serve you. This is one of our favorite things to do in Phnom Penh “Local Breakfast”).

This morning at 06:30 am; we will start by cyclo riding from your hotel to Orussey Market. Explore the backstreets and local markets of the Orussei area as you journey through Penh’s vibrant street food scene and experience a gastronomic explosion of flavors, textures, and aromas on this meticulously crafted street food walking tour. You will have a chance to take pictures of the daily activities of the locals having coffee, and breakfast in small alleys as much as you can, try one breakfast with them (one ball of noodle soup or one steamed rice with grilled pork/chicken + one drink). Ride the cyclo back to your hotel for refreshments. We will depart from the hotel at noon and proceed to explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most remarkable structures in the capital city, renowned for their exquisite Khmer architecture. These buildings were originally built in 1866 under French supervision. The Royal Palace serves as the residence of the current King Sihamoni, while the nearby Silver Pagoda is distinguished by its unique features. The floor of the pagoda is adorned with 5,329 solid silver tiles, from which it derives its name. If time permits, we will visit the central market. End of services!