Phnom Penh: Sunset or Night City Tour by Big Bus Angkor

Exploring Phnom Penh by bus might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but this double-decker sightseeing tour offers a surprisingly enjoyable and practical way to see Cambodia’s capital. Whether you’re short on time or want a relaxed way to soak in the city’s highlights, this tour strikes a good balance between convenience and depth.

What we love about this experience is its comfortable open-top bus, ideal for all ages, and the opportunity to catch some of Phnom Penh’s best sunset views. We also appreciate that it offers a rundown of the city’s major landmarks, including the Royal Palace and the lively Riverside area. However, potential travelers should note that timing is key—the 18:30 evening departure may miss the sunset if not scheduled carefully.

This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer to see a lot without the hassle of walking or navigating the busy streets on their own. It suits those interested in a relaxed, guided introduction to Phnom Penh, especially if they enjoy scenic views, photo opportunities, and learning about the city’s mix of history and modern life.

Key Points

• Comfortable double-decker bus offers a zero-walking experience with panoramic views.
• Ideal sunset timing allows for breathtaking vistas of the Royal Palace and riverside.
• Multiple photo spots include Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, and Independence Monument.
• A complete city overview covering major landmarks and hidden gems.
• Unique experience as one of the only double-decker tours in Cambodia.
• Flexible options for different schedules, with full or evening routes available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Phnom Penh City Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at the Big Bus Angkor Ticket Office, with meeting points varying slightly depending on your booking. From here, you jump aboard a double-decker bus with open-top seating—perfect for catching those cityscape views while staying comfortably seated. The entire experience lasts between 75 minutes to 2.5 hours, offering flexibility depending on your chosen route and timing.

What makes this tour stand out is its ease of access—it’s a hassle-free way for all ages to explore the city without the fatigue of walking or the chaos of public transport. The bus’s large windows and open-air top deck provide excellent vantage points, especially during sunset.

Route and Highlights Breakdown

The route covers both iconic landmarks and lesser-known spots, providing a well-rounded snapshot of Phnom Penh. The tour begins by passing AEON Mall, a modern shopping hub that symbolizes the city’s growing development. From there, you’ll cruise toward Norea Island, offering riverside scenery and glimpses of Phnom Penh’s expanding skyline.

Next, the bus proceeds past Diamond Island (Koh Pich), known for its elegant bridges and vibrant Wedding Street. This part of the city illustrates how Phnom Penh is blending traditional charm with modern aspirations.

The Royal Palace makes a prominent appearance, often beautifully lit in the evening, providing a perfect photo opportunity. The guide will likely highlight the palace’s striking Khmer architecture and its significance as the residence of Cambodia’s monarchy.

Continuing along, you’ll see Wat Ounalom Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist centers in Cambodia, and the Phnom Penh Night Market, buzzing with lively stalls, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Although the Royal Palace and Night Market are not passed during the night tour, the proximity to these attractions offers a sense of the city’s lively spirit.

A highlight for many travelers is Wat Phnom, a historic hilltop temple where the city was founded. From here, the views over Phnom Penh form a memorable backdrop, especially at sunset.

The tour also passes by the Phnom Penh Railway Station, an example of French colonial architecture, and the peaceful Two Deers Garden riverside park, where locals unwind after work. The route takes in the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) with its art-deco dome, beautifully illuminated at night, and the symbolic Independence Monument.

Finally, the bus crosses the Bridge over the Bassac River, offering sweeping views of the city skyline, marking the tour’s culmination with a scenic and serene finish.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

One reviewer praised the knowledgeable and friendly guide, noting that the tour showed a good mix of Phnom Penh’s old and new. Another appreciated the stunning views during sunset, calling it a “great opportunity for photos.” Others, however, highlighted some logistical hiccups, such as late bus arrivals and poor audio quality, stressing the importance of punctuality and expecting some variability depending on traffic.

The value for money seems generally fair, given that the tour offers a full overview of the city from a comfortable vantage point. The ticket includes live English guides and flexible booking options, allowing travelers to reserve in advance and cancel if plans change.

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Practical Details and Considerations

• The full loop typically lasts around 1hr 30min, with some routes extending up to 2.5 hours.
• The timing of the departure is crucial; the 18:30 route is intended as a night tour, best suited for catching city lights, but may miss the sunset if scheduled too late.
• The price is reasonable, especially considering the comfort and ease of the open-top bus.
• It’s important to note that during weekends, the Royal Palace and Night Market are not included in the route during night tours.
• The tour is English-guided, which makes it accessible for international travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers looking for a laid-back, informative way to explore Phnom Penh will find this tour very appealing. It’s especially suited for those who want to see the city’s highlights without too much walking or navigating busy streets. Families, older travelers, or anyone who enjoys a scenic, photo-friendly experience will appreciate the panoramic views and convenient stops.

If you’re interested in capturing the city at sunset and prefer learning from a guide while comfortably seated, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also a fantastic way for first-timers to get their bearings and decide which places to revisit later on foot.

Final Thoughts

This Phnom Penh city tour offers a practical, scenic, and comfortable way to grasp the city’s essence—a blend of historic landmarks, modern development, and riverside beauty. The double-decker bus makes it accessible for all ages and fitness levels, letting you focus on the sights and stories rather than logistics.

While some reviews mention minor issues like timing and audio quality, the overall experience is highly valued, especially given the opportunity for stunning sunset views and photo-worthy moments. It’s a reliable option for travelers who prioritize a relaxed, guided introduction to Phnom Penh’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks.

In short, if you want a convenient, scenic overview of Cambodia’s capital, this tour provides a good balance of comfort, value, and memorable sights—perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the open-top double-decker bus provides a comfortable experience for all ages, with plenty of space to sit and enjoy the views.

Does the tour include walking?
No, it’s a zero-walking tour, so you can enjoy the city sights without the fatigue of walking long distances.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll pass key sites like the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, Independence Monument, Central Market, and Riverside areas, along with scenic views of bridges and riverside parks.

Can I see the sunset on this tour?
The 18:30 departure is designed for the night tour, which may not coincide with sunset, so plan accordingly if catching the sunset is a priority.

Is the guide provided in English?
Yes, the tour features live English guides who share insights about the city’s landmarks and history.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

This Phnom Penh double-decker tour provides a practical way to explore the city’s highlights comfortably while enjoying scenic views and insightful commentary. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, guided introduction to Cambodia’s vibrant capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: