Explore Phnom Penh
Trip Details
- Duration: 2 days
- Visited Areas: Cambodia
Explore Phnom Penh, starting from Wat Phnom, an ancient monastery overlooking the city. Call by the Russian Market to barter for trinkets before ending the day along the riverfront. Up early, learn about Cambodiaâs tragic past at the Genocide Museum and Choueng Ek Memorial and end the adventure with a sunset boat cruise.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Phnom Penh
Start at Wat Phnom, an ancient monastery where there's a chance to spot monkeys, and feed Sambo the elephant. Afterwards take a cyclo tour of the impressive French Khmer colonial buildings of Phnom Penh including the Royal Palace and National Museum. Wander around Wat Ounalom and explore Central Market. If there's time, head to the Muslim fishing village on the Tonle Sap river. Enjoy a lunch of Khmer delicacies at a not-for-profit organisation set up to assist Cambodia's street children and see students learning traditional dances at the Apsara Arts Association. Shop at the sprawling Russian Market and hear about Cambodia's connection with France and Vietnam at the Independence Monument. Finish with a walk along the riverfront and have tastebuds tempted at some of the early evening market stalls selling fried cockroaches, spiders, crickets and other culinary delights.
Day 2 Depart Phnom Penh
Confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then head out of the city to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. In the afternoon explore Phnom Penh from the water on a cruise and view Khmer-influenced buildings such as Wat Ounalom, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Pass floating fishing villages, stop off at Mekong Island to see silk weavers at work and explore a Buddhist temple. Finish by enjoying Khmer snacks while watching sunset at the junction of Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong River, before returning to Phnom Penh.
