Five Top Killing Field, Toul Sleng, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom

Phnom Penh’s historical and cultural riches captivate visitors. The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields stand as poignant reminders of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities. Yet, the city’s royal legacy shines through the splendid Royal Palace and serene Wat Phnom temple. These contrasting sites offer a profound exploration of Cambodia’s complex past. What hidden stories do they hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) provides a sobering experience of Cambodia’s dark history, featuring mass grave sites and a memorial stupa.
• The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) offers insight into the Cambodian genocide through its preserved remnants of cells, torture instruments, and victim photographs.
• The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh showcases Cambodia’s royal legacy, with the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda reflecting a blend of Khmer and European architectural influences.
• Wat Phnom, a prominent Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, offers panoramic views of the city and is rooted in a legend about Buddha statues found in the Mekong River.
• The Toul Tompong Market (Russian Market) in Phnom Penh provides a vibrant cultural experience, where visitors can engage in lively haggling and procure handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This seven to seven and a half hour tour allows visitors to explore five of the top attractions in Phnom Penh.

Travelers will visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Toul Tompong Market, Killing Fields, Royal Palace, and Wat Phnom.

Priced from €50.57 per person, the tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, licensed driver, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and entry fees.

Enjoy a comprehensive tour with a professional guide, comfortable transportation, and all entry fees included for just €50.57 per person.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 7 or those with altitude sickness, and smoking in the vehicle is prohibited.

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)

The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly known as the S-21 Prison, stands as a haunting reminder of Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime.

This former high school was transformed into a notorious detention and torture center, where thousands of people were imprisoned, interrogated, and executed.

Today, the museum preserves the chilling remnants of this horrific time, including cells, torture instruments, and sobering photographs of the victims.

Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the atrocities committed, gaining a deeper understanding of the Cambodian genocide and its lasting impact.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields)

Where the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, also known as the Killing Fields, stands as a somber memorial to the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.

This grim site was an execution ground where over 17,000 people were brutally murdered and buried in mass graves.

Today, visitors can walk the grounds and see the mass grave sites, bone fragments, and a memorial stupa filled with human skulls.

Visitors can walk the grounds and see the mass grave sites, bone fragments, and a memorial stupa filled with human skulls.

The sobering experience provides a stark reminder of Cambodia’s dark history and serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh stands as the official residence of the King of Cambodia.

Visitors can explore the Throne Hall, where the monarch holds official ceremonies, and the iconic Silver Pagoda, known for its ornate floor made of 5,000 silver tiles.

The palace’s architectural style blends Khmer and European influences, showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage.

Guests can wander through the lush gardens and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the palace’s structures.

The Royal Palace provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s royal legacy and offers a captivating cultural experience for visitors to the capital.

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Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is an iconic Buddhist temple perched atop a 27-meter (88-foot) hill in the heart of Phnom Penh. Founded in 1373, it’s one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Visitors can climb 102 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Inside the temple, they’ll find statues of the Buddha and can make offerings.

Legend has it that the temple was built to house four statues of Buddha, which were discovered floating in the Mekong River.

Today, Wat Phnom remains an important site for worship and a popular tourist attraction.

Toul Tompong Market (Russian Market)

Situated in the heart of Phnom Penh, Toul Tompong Market, also known as the Russian Market, is a vibrant and bustling marketplace that offers visitors a glimpse into the local culture.

Strolling through the maze of stalls, visitors can find an abundance of handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs, all available at bargain prices.

Visitors can browse an array of handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs at bargain prices while strolling through the market’s winding stalls.

The market is a hub for local artisans and vendors, showcasing their skills and wares.

Engaging in the lively haggling process is an integral part of the market experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the local tradition and procure unique mementos.

Tour Inclusions

Although the tour includes a wide range of attractions, it also covers various practical aspects to ensure a seamless experience.

The tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide and includes an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver. Refreshing cool water is provided throughout the day.

Entry fees for the key sites – Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, Killing Fields, and Toul Sleng – are all covered.

The tour isn’t suitable for young children or those with altitude issues, and pets and smoking in the vehicle aren’t allowed.

Visitors should bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for comfort.

Recommendations

While the tour covers a comprehensive range of Phnom Penh’s top attractions, visitors should keep a few practical considerations in mind. Not suitable for children under 7 or those with altitude sickness, the tour requires ample sun protection. Visitors are advised to bring sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen. Plus, smoking is prohibited in the tour vehicle. To enhance the experience, the tour includes cool water and entry fees to key sites like the Killing Fields, Toul Sleng, Royal Palace, and Wat Phnom.

| Recommended Items | Not Allowed |

| — | — |

| Sunglasses | Pets |

| Sun Hat | Smoking in Vehicle |

| Sunscreen | |

| – | |

| – | |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour package already includes complimentary bottled water. Bringing outside food and beverages is permitted, though the tour guide and driver won’t be able to provide them.

Is There a Toilet Stop During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes regular restroom breaks at convenient locations along the route. Guests can use the restrooms during the market visit and at the various historical sites as needed throughout the day.

Will the Tour Guide Speak My Native Language?

The tour guide will provide the tour in English. They can accommodate other languages if requested in advance, though additional fees may apply. It’s best to check with the tour provider about your specific language needs.

Can I Visit the Sites on My Own After the Tour?

Yes, you can visit the sites on your own after the tour. The tour is designed to provide an overview and introduction, allowing you the flexibility to explore the attractions further at your own pace.

How Much Time Can I Spend at Each Attraction?

The tour allows visitors to spend an average of 1-1.5 hours at each attraction, providing ample time to explore and learn about the historical and cultural significance of each site.

The Sum Up

Phnom Penh’s historical and cultural sites offer a powerful juxtaposition of tragedy and royal splendor. From the haunting legacy of the Khmer Rouge at Toul Sleng and Choeung Ek to the architectural grandeur of the Royal Palace and the serenity of Wat Phnom, this tour provides an immersive experience of Cambodia’s complex past and vibrant present. Complemented by the local flavor of Toul Tompong Market, it’s a well-rounded exploration of Phnom Penh’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: