Phnom Penh: 2-Day Tour With Royal Palace and Killing Fields

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage and tragic past. This 2-day tour promises an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the Royal Palace‘s opulent grandeur and the poignant Killing Fields, where the scars of the Khmer Rouge era linger. From the serene Buddha Kiri to the captivating Phnom Tamao Zoological Park, this comprehensive itinerary unveils the multifaceted essence of this remarkable city. Embark on this journey to uncover Cambodia’s complex history and the resilience of its people.

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Key Points

This 2-day tour of Phnom Penh offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s key historical and cultural sites, including the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields.
The tour is priced at €431.17 per group (up to 6 participants) and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, and all services.
On the first day, visitors will visit the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom Temple, the Genocidal Museum S21 Prison, and the Killing Fields.
On the second day, the tour includes a visit to Buddha Kiri, scenic mountain views, and the Phnom Tamao Zoological Park with a focus on conservation efforts.
The tour includes a professional guide, private air-conditioned transportation, and all meals, tickets, and gratuities, making it a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Phnom Penh 2-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cambodia’s vibrant capital, priced at €431.17 per group (up to 6 participants).

The tour provides flexible booking, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Flexible booking allows customers to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Over the course of two days, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a visit to the iconic Royal Palace, the Wat Phnom Temple, the Genocidal Museum S21 Prison, and the Killing Fields.

Travelers will also explore the Buddha Kiri and the Phnom Tamao Zoological Park, with all services and entrance fees included.

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Day 1: Exploring the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom Temple

On the first day of the tour, visitors begin their Phnom Penh exploration at the iconic Royal Palace. They wander through the royal gardens, admiring the ornate Throne Hall and the stunning Silver Pagoda, where 5,000 silver tiles and a life-size golden Buddha adorned with 9,584 diamonds captivate the senses.

Next, they visit the historic Wat Phnom Temple, founded in 1372. This sacred site offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, with its serene atmosphere and impressive Buddha statues.

The day concludes with a sobering visit to the Genocidal Museum S21 Prison, a poignant reminder of the Khmer Rouge atrocities.

Genocidal Museum S21 Prison: A Harrowing Historical Site

After visiting the serene Wat Phnom Temple, the tour takes a sobering turn as it leads participants to the Genocidal Museum S21 Prison, a deeply harrowing historical site that serves as a poignant reminder of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities. Once a high school, this prison-turned-museum commemorates the suffering of those who perished under the brutal regime. Visitors can walk through the eerie halls and cells, learning about the horrors that unfolded here. A table below highlights the grim reality of this place:

| Metric | Statistic |

| — | — |

| Prisoners Detained | 20,000 |

| Survivors | 7 |

| Torture Methods | 12 |

| Mass Graves Discovered | 129 |

The Killing Fields: A Somber Memorial

Leaving the harrowing Genocidal Museum S21 Prison behind, visitors are led to the Choeng Ek Killing Fields, a somber memorial that bears witness to the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities.

The site features mass graves, a Buddhist stupa containing over 8,000 human skulls, and informative displays detailing the horrific events that occurred here.

Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect on the tragedy.

Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect on the tragedy.

The Killing Fields serve as a poignant reminder of the past, educating people about the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge regime on the Cambodian people.

A sobering yet necessary stop on the tour.

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Day 2: Ascending to Buddha Kiri

Departing the somber Killing Fields, the tour proceeds to Buddha Kiri, a recently established site located atop a mountain. Opened in 2017, this religious complex features tens of thousands of small golden Buddha statues, with a goal of reaching 84,000 in total. Visitors ascend the mountain path, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. At the summit, they discover an impressive temple structure housing a large, ornate Buddha statue. The site aims to promote peace and spirituality, providing a serene contrast to the earlier disturbing historical sites visited.

| Key Facts About Buddha Kiri |

| — | — | — |

| Year Opened | 2017 |

| Location | Mountainous site |

| Notable Features | Tens of thousands of golden Buddha statues, large temple structure |

| Significance | Promote peace and spirituality |

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Discovering Phnom Tamao Zoological Park

Moving on from the serene and spiritually uplifting Buddha Kiri, the tour group now heads to Phnom Tamao Zoological Park.

This protected forest is home to over 102 species, including endangered mammals, reptiles, and birds. Visitors can observe Indochinese tigers, Asian elephants, sun bears, and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.

The park’s conservation efforts aim to protect and rehabilitate these vulnerable species. With vast green spaces and well-maintained trails, Phnom Tamao offers a refreshing respite from the bustling city, allowing travelers to connect with Cambodia’s diverse wildlife.

Included Services and Amenities

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

A comprehensive set of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Travelers are provided with private air-conditioned transportation, a licensed driver, and a professional guide. Travel insurance, toll roads, parking, cold water, and gasoline are all covered. Meals, temple tickets, and gratuities are also included.

The tour caters to various needs, from comfortable shoes and hats to sunscreen and water. Guests are advised to dress smartly and arrive 15 minutes before pickup time.

With these inclusive services, the tour promises a worry-free exploration of Phnom Penh’s cultural and historical highlights.

Important Considerations

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. The dress code is smart casual, avoiding sleeveless shirts and shorts.

Participants are advised to arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

These considerations aim to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all travelers. Adhering to the provided recommendations will help make the most of the 2-day tour in Phnom Penh, exploring the city’s rich history and cultural landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator has a strict policy of no pets allowed for the safety and comfort of all participants. Only service animals are permitted.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Customers can request their preferred language when booking, and a licensed, professional guide who speaks that language will be provided for the duration of the tour.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, the tour allows for customization to suit your interests. You can work with the tour provider to modify the itinerary, focus on specific sites, or add/remove activities based on your preferences.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is up to 6 participants. The tour overview states that the price of €431.17 is per group (up to 6 participants), allowing for a flexible group size within that limit.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour offers flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but doesn’t mention any discounts or special offers. The price is €431.17 per group of up to 6 participants.

The Sum Up

Exploring Phnom Penh’s rich history and cultural heritage on this two-day tour provides a profound and immersive experience. Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Palace, reflect on the sobering Khmer Rouge era at the Killing Fields, and find tranquility in the spiritual sites. With knowledgeable guides and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Cambodia’s remarkable past and present.