Fascinating Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Begin your trip with a fun tour of Phnom Penh by Cyclo (cycle rickshaw), starting at Wat Phnom. Travel along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, which dates to 1866. It houses the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5,000 silver tiles that cover its floors. Next is the National Museum, which holds Khmer artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries.

Phnom Penh

Delve into Cambodia’s dark history with a poignant visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Housed in a former school, it was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as a detention and torture centre, named ‘S-21’. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is also a must to understand Cambodia’s turbulent history.

Afterwards, head to Wat Botum, also known as the ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossoms.’ It holds beautifully decorated stupas, some containing the ashes of royalty.

A hands-on cookery course follows, with a tour of the food market. From pungent fish sauce to golden, fragrant mangos, your chef will teach you traditional Khmer techniques to create your own dishes.

Escape the city to Oudong Mountain and the nearby Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre. Then climb 509 steps to the top of Oudong, for spectacular views over the plains.

Return to the city to buy local dishes from one of its popular picnic sites, which have hammocks for a post-meal nap. Or spend the rest of the afternoon browsing through Central Market, an art deco landmark and one of the largest markets in Cambodia.

Depart Phnom Penh