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
- Days
- 2 nights / 3 days
Sending this does not charge you. We hold the space and confirm within 24 hours.
For everything on Cambodia visas, how payment works and what happens if you cancel, see our [Cambodia trip essentials guide](cambodia/travel-information).
Tell us your travel dates and how many people are travelling, and we will confirm availability and send a quote by email. Because each trip is costed to your dates and hotel choice, no price is shown here.
