Authentic Indochina
Golden spires of the Royal Palace against a blue Phnom Penh sky
PHNOM PENH TOUR

3 Days / 2 Nights Phnom Penh City Tour

Two nights in the capital, arranged around one full sightseeing day that takes in the Royal Palace and Khmer Rouge history at Tuol Sleng, with no Angkor extension attached. A good fit if you have limited time in Phnom Penh, whether at the start or end of a wider trip.

Duration2 nights / 3 days
RoutePhnom Penh 2N
Best forA short capital stay focused on history, with no Angkor extension
DepartureRuns daily, as a private trip or a small joined group

What this trip covers

Three rivers — the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonle Sap — converge at Phnom Penh, and two nights here focus on two contrasting sides of the city: the gilded splendour of the Royal Palace and the sobering Khmer Rouge record kept at Tuol Sleng. Take it as a standalone break, or fold it into a longer Cambodia itinerary as the Phnom Penh section.

Arrival and departure bracket a single full day, so the schedule runs tight rather than leisurely. The Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and a Mekong sunset cruise are all packed into that one carefully sequenced day — a plan that favours travellers passing through briefly over those wanting an unhurried city stay.

Highlights

  • Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, seat of the Cambodian monarchy
  • Wat Ounalom, the historic seat of Cambodian Buddhism
  • Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), once a school converted for Khmer Rouge detention
  • Sunset cruise along the Mekong River

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh International Airport is where your flight lands, with a transfer waiting to carry you into the city and your hotel. The remainder of the day is unplanned: rest after the journey, or take an early stroll along the riverfront, before the sightseeing gets under way the next morning.

Day 2: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Tuol Sleng

Cambodia's king has used the Royal Palace as his official residence since 1866, and the compound occupies your morning together with the neighbouring Silver Pagoda, so called because close to 5,000 silver tiles line its floor; inside stand a golden Buddha figure and, separately, one fashioned from crystal. From there you continue to Wat Ounalom, long regarded as the centre of Cambodian Buddhism.

Recent history fills the afternoon. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) — once a school the Khmer Rouge converted for interrogations — is where a guide walks you through what the building witnessed under the regime. A Mekong River sunset cruise typically rounds off the day before you head back to the hotel.

Day 3: Departure from Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh International Airport is your last stop, once a free morning winds down and a transfer collects you for the flight onward or back. Otherwise the morning is unplanned, so use it for a spot of last-minute shopping or a stroll by the river.

What's included

  • Accommodation with twin/ double/ triple sharing room basis with daily breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability).
  • Meals as mentioned in the Tour Itinerary.
  • Sightseeing & Transfers according to the above Tour Itinerary Details only.
  • Transportation by vehicle with A/C
  • Local English-speaking guide’s assistance.
  • All Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
  • All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
  • Government taxes & service charge
  • Air Fare / Train fare.
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage, water sports.
  • Early check-in, late check-out
  • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Room Up gradation Charges.
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Bank Charges
  • Tip to Driver & Guide
  • Airport Taxes
  • Visa and Visa arrangement
  • Anything which is not included in the inclusion.

Not included

  • Air Fare / Train fare.
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage, water sports.
  • Early check-in, late check-out
  • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Room Up gradation Charges.
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Bank Charges
  • Tip to Driver & Guide
  • Airport Taxes
  • Visa and Visa arrangement
  • Anything which is not included in the inclusion.

Book this trip

Book this tour
Days
2 nights / 3 days
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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Cambodia offers two routes in: an e-visa sorted online ahead of arrival, or a visa on landing — Phnom Penh International Airport issues these directly. Confirm what applies to your passport before booking.
Can I add on a Siem Reap or Angkor extension?
Yes — this itinerary stays within Phnom Penh, though you can easily combine it with any Siem Reap trip of ours, connecting by a quick domestic flight or by road in about six hours.
Can this be booked for just one or two people?
Yes, this trip runs as either a private booking or a small joined group, so it works for a solo traveller, a couple or a full party. Let us know your numbers and we will confirm the arrangement.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Phnom Penh has a wide choice of restaurants, and your guide can steer lunches and dinners around vegetarian or other dietary needs. Let us know when you book so this can be arranged in advance.
When is the best time of year to visit?
November through April brings the dry season and the best conditions for getting out and sightseeing. May to October, the wetter months, are quieter and greener overall, with afternoon rain a regular feature.

See also