Phnom Penh: City Tour With S21 and Killing Fields

This comprehensive tour offers a profound exploration of Cambodia’s complex history. Visitors will uncover the haunting legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. However, the tour also showcases Phnom Penh’s vibrant culture, from the ornate Royal Palace to the bustling Wat Phnom. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, travelers can enjoy Cambodia’s rich heritage. What insights might this tour reveal about the country’s past and present?

Key Points

• Comprehensive Phnom Penh city tour that includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields for historical insights.
• Priced at €36.78 per group, with a duration of 9 hours and a maximum of 7 participants.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, Cambodia beer, and entry fees.
• Offers a guided visit to Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, and other key sites, as well as a sunset walk on Diamond Island.
• Tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 334 reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable and hospitable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Phnom Penh city tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the capital’s historical and cultural highlights.

Priced from €36.78 per group, it runs for 9 hours with a maximum of 7 participants. Visitors can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned van, bottled water, Cambodia beer, entry fees, and an audio guide.

Key sites visited are Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Museum, and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.

Whether interested in history, culture, or sightseeing, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Phnom Penh.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a guided visit and sightseeing at Wat Phnom, the sacred hilltop temple that marks the founding of Phnom Penh.

Next, the group explores the serene Wat Ounalom Monastery and wanders through the National Museum’s impressive collection of Khmer art.

A photo stop at the Royal Palace and the Cambodia-Vietnam Monument offers a glimpse into the city’s history.

The sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields provide a powerful learning experience.

The tour also includes a visit to the lively Russian Market and a relaxing sunset walk on Diamond Island.

• Reflect on Cambodia’s tumultuous past at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek

• Admire the ornate architecture of Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace

• Discover the rich cultural heritage at the National Museum

• Enjoy the vibrant energy of the Russian Market and Diamond Island

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the city center, ensuring convenient transportation throughout the day.

An air-conditioned Starex-Van will be provided for the group, along with bottled cold water and Cambodia Beer after 12:00 PM.

Entry fees to Wat Phnom, the S21 Museum, and the Killing Field are covered, and an audio guide player is available for a more immersive experience.

While a local lunch is optional at an additional cost, the tour leader will manage the schedule to visit all 11 attractions within the 8-hour tour duration.

Important Information

Participants should bring cash for entry fees and local purchases during the Phnom Penh city tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old. For convenient communication, guests are asked to provide their WhatsApp number.

The tour leader’s role is to manage the schedule to visit all 11 places in 8 hours. This ensures:

• A seamless and well-paced experience

• Ample time at each site for exploration

• Adherence to the itinerary and timely departures

With these considerations in mind, guests can look forward to an informative and enriching tour of Phnom Penh’s historical and cultural highlights.

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Customer Reviews

Numerous customers have praised the Phnom Penh city tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating based on 334 reviews.

The Phnom Penh city tour has earned an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating from 334 customer reviews.

Tourists highlighted the guide’s hospitality, knowledge, and ability to enhance the experience.

Demi from the Netherlands appreciated the guide’s care and noted the emotional impact of visiting the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.

Sue from the UK singled out the knowledgeable guide Vana, while Stuart from the UK recommended the tour for its informative and friendly guide, Mr. Sop.

Exploring Wat Phnom

A guided tour of Wat Phnom, one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks, kicks off the Phnom Penh city tour.

Perched atop a 27-meter-high hill, this sacred Buddhist temple offers breathtaking views of the city.

Guests will:

• Admire the intricate carvings and architecture that blend Khmer and French colonial styles.

• Learn about the legend of Lady Penh, who discovered the four Buddha statues in a tree trunk and founded the original temple in the 15th century.

• Observe monks in prayer and witness daily rituals and ceremonies.

• Explore the surrounding gardens and have the chance to make a wish by ringing the large bell.

Uncovering the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

What makes the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum a sobering yet necessary stop on the Phnom Penh city tour? This former high school was turned into the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime, where they tortured and executed thousands of perceived enemies.

Visitors explore the grim cells, interrogation rooms, and classrooms-turned-detention pens. The museum’s collection of prisoner photos and gruesome instruments highlight the horrors of the Cambodian genocide.

Though difficult to witness, this stop provides crucial insight into the country’s painful past, reminding all of the fragility of human rights and the importance of remembrance.

Visiting the Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Where does the Phnom Penh city tour continue after the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum? The next stop is the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a sobering yet essential part of the tour.

The guide leads visitors through this somber site, providing historical context and personal accounts.

Key features of the Killing Fields experience include:

• Mass graves containing thousands of victims

• A Buddhist stupa displaying skulls and bones of the executed

• Remnants of execution tools used by the Khmer Rouge

• An emotional and thought-provoking atmosphere that lingers long after the visit

The Killing Fields exemplify the tragic history that shaped Cambodia’s past, a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance and human rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Language of the Tour Guide?

The tour guide’s language is not explicitly stated in the information provided. However, it’s likely that the guide speaks English fluently to accommodate the needs of the international participants on the tour.

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. According to the information provided, the tour has no restrictions on the days it operates, so it can be booked and taken on weekends as well as weekdays.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour is typically pre-set, but the tour provider may be able to accommodate minor customization requests. It’s best to discuss any specific requirements with the provider before booking to ensure the tour meets your needs.

Are There Any Dietary Options for the Local Lunch?

The tour offers an optional local lunch, but dietary restrictions or preferences aren’t specifically mentioned. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodating any dietary needs or requests prior to booking.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Video Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own camera and video equipment on the tour. There are no restrictions on personal photography or videography during the sightseeing portions of the itinerary. Just be respectful of the sensitive sites like the Killing Fields.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive Phnom Penh tour offers an in-depth exploration of Cambodia’s past, visiting historical sites like Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, and the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. With convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and knowledgeable guides, it’s an essential experience for those seeking to understand the country’s rich heritage. The tour’s 4.9/5 rating confirms it’s a must-do for visitors to Phnom Penh.

You can check availability for your dates here: