Home > Phnom Penh > Phnom Penh Full-Day Small-Group City Tour
USD $110.00
Phnom Penh Full-Day Small-Group City Tour
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Spend the day learning about Phnom Penh's past and present. Delve into the region's dark history and how it has shaped into the Cambodia of today. Visit somber locations made infamous by the Khmer Rouge and learn about the current politics that continue to move this country. Then, get out of the capital to visit an island on the Mekong, where you'll experience the local way of life along the river.
Your Phnom Penh tour starts with an educational experience about Cambodia's past. You’ll take a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture center. Then, head out of the city to the Choueng Ek Memorial, where a pagoda made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of one of the infamous Killing Fields. Afterwards, enjoying a Khmer lunch at an NGO training restaurant and give back to the community.
After lunch, you’ll travel by moto-remork (a Cambodian tuk-tuk) and cross the Japanese Friendship Bridge leaving Phnom Penh to catch a ferry across the Mekong River to Mekong Island. The island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture, and aquaculture. We'll stop to see the silk weavers at work in the village, where you can purchase some of the local products if you wish. As you wander the village, you can explore a Buddhist temple and floating fish farms, see fields of rice and morning glory, and enjoy local Khmer snacks at a family home.
Leave the tuk-tuk behind and board a boat to enjoy the sunset from the water at the junction of the Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap, and the Mekong. You’ll see the distinctive architecture of Cambodia, with Khmer-influenced buildings such as Wat Ounalom, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda, as well as French colonial buildings — some renovated, some ravaged by neglect and the war.
Finally, we close off the Mekong boat tour with a gorgeous sunset, and return you back to Phnom Penh and your hotel.
This was a full day with a guide and one other customer. We started in a minivan, then took a tuk tuk and visited all the normal sites but we also went off the beaten track a little which was fun. The highlight was the sunset boat trip which was short 20 mins and interesting with a great view of Phnom Penh at dusk. Lunch was delicious and plenty of it. It is not a sedate day, there is lots of walking and transferring from one mode of transport to another and this variety was great.
Review by: Douglas F, February 2018
An excellent tour. Choeung Ek and S21 are must sees hard on the soul but not to be missed. The afternoon events, including Silk Island and the slow boat ride back across the river at dusk, were definitely worthwhile. The family, craft silk production was interesting - from larva to fine or raw silk items, with in-house designs finished on their hand looms and available at reasonable prices. Tour guide Reya was very knowledgeable and had a nice balance between the professional and personal in her approach. She made a special effort to suggest interesting things to see and to ensure we were well fed and watered. She is a special person.
Review by: Imane K, January 2018
The tour was really great. Our tour guide Da was so insightful, accommodating, and super nice. I highly recommend!
Review by: Sarah P, September 2017
This is the perfect introduction to Phnom Penh. We started off at the Choeung Ek killing fields and S-21 prison, which are of course sombre places, but important to understand. Our very friendly and knowledgeable guide, Neang, advised us in advance that we'd be seeing and learning about terrible things, and explained to us in clear detail the history of the city and of the places. We then proceeded to a delicious lunch at the charity restaurant, where the service was fantastic. After that, we went by tuk-tuk and ferry to the Silk Island, where I got to try my hand at weaving! The girls at the loom were lovely and very friendly too. The scarves on sale are gorgeous and we did buy a few, although as noted by a traveler below, there's no pressure at all to buy. My only regret is that I'd already loaded up on scarves at the city markets, so buying more felt a little extravagant. I would advise travellers to hold off on scarf shopping after this trip, as the quality is fabulous, the prices are more than reasonable and you know you're supporting a small local enterprise. We closed the tour with the cruise down the Mekong, which allowed us to fully experience the majestic river._br/_ The entire day was very organized and punctual yet not rushed, so we were able to learn a lot at a pleasant pace. We were warmly welcomed and well taken care of at all times. I will definitely be recommending this tour to all my friends who will be visiting Phnom Penh and will refer to the tour operator again in the future.
Review by: James Murphy Jr, August 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: agarwalsc, April 2017
We were picked up on time. There were total 4 people. 1 Our Guide english was poor and spoke very fast, hard to understand._br/_ 2 We were told Lunch is limited to Max 7.00, you can barely get an entree for that. The Ferry ride, that takes cars and Tuk Tuk_br/_ on it, took too long and very tiring in the blazing sun. 3 Silk family visit was more to shop than any substantive information_br/_ about making of yarn from Cocoon. 4 We were told due exceptionally high traffic, no Sun set sighting trip. We returned_br/_ an hour earlier. This was a BAD BAD experience. I have enjoyed all my past Viator Trips. Other 2 trips in Phone Pehn _br/_ were very nice. I felt cheated on this particular trip
Review by: Mari S, December 2016
Our tour guide, Da, was fabulous! We spent the latter part of the day with her by ourselves as we traveled to Mekong Island. Her history and current political knowledge was incredibly genuine and made the Tuol Sleng Prison and Killing Fields all the more moving. Meeting the survivors of the prison was heartbreaking but added such value to the tour. Meeting the silkweaver's family was also incredibly special they had the cutest puppies wondering around licking our toes!. The khmer snacks were great and the lunch at Romdeng was also amazing we'd been there before but loved it! The tuk tuk driver to the island was so gracious and had the covers of the tuk tuk down to protect us as he was drenched on his bike by the rain.
Review by: Kit W, November 2016
Guide was very informative. Had a great time and the Killing Fields museum is a must go. Lunch was good too. Not very rush for us elderly which was good.
Review by: Michelle G, November 2016
Our guide, Daro, was incredibly informed and shared a great deal of information with us. He encouraged us to ask questions and discuss the things we were experiencing. He was very good at meeting the needs of everyone in the group. Even in the rain, we had an amazing day.
Review by: Susan D, October 2016
Brilliant tour. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Phnom Penh.
Review by: Steve C, October 2016
I have been on many Viator tours but without doubt this was the best. Although advertised as a small group tout it was out of season and we were the only takers. Our guide Da turned up on time having confirmed the evening before. The morning consisted of a harrowing but respectful visit to the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Da had excellent english and was knowledgable and informative without being intrusive. Lunch at the training restaurant surpassed expectations in terms of the setting, the attentiveness of the team working there and the variety and quality of the food. The trip by Tuk Tuk and Ferry to Silk Island was an adventure in itself and the visit to the silk factory informative and pleasant - we bought but we didn't feel we had to. The trip concluded with an hour long cruise on the Mekong as the sun began to set. All in all a delightful experience.
Review by: Robert G, July 2016
Excellent day, guide spoke good english and was able to answer all questions, lunch was lovely and the whole day was well orgnised, would recommend as a great way to see the major sights of the city
Review by: Helen R, June 2016
Fantastic experience! The tour guide was a very nice young man with a great cultural knowledge, explained with details,visuals and made everything very entertaining.
Review by: Ursula M, May 2016
Really fantastic tour. Our tour guide did an amazing job taking us around all of the incredible sights in Phnom Penh. Highly recommend this tour.
Review by: mme c s, March 2016
Guide friendly.Minibus not up to normal comfort standard expected.Itinery good. Lunch allowance of 7 not enough to cover meal and soft drink at this nice restaurant. Most tours have set lunch included or cleary state that you pay for yourself.
Review by: prima.castelino, March 2016
The guide was good but not great. Didn't like the second part of the tour it is a waste of time. we werent even offered complimentary water even though we have to pay a lot for the trip. _br/_ It is better to get the audio guides for the killing fields and the museum. Not worth paying for this tour. Very disappointing.
Review by: Sandra H, February 2016
The tour was pretty good. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. His easy friendliness made a trip to some horrific historical sites easier.
Review by: Dean R, December 2015
This was a good tour of the S-21 prison and the killing fields. Guide was knowledgable and shared information related to our visits. I had expected a broader City Tour as noted in the brochure. I thought we'd actually visit the palace and silver pagoda OK, I visited by foot the next day. The Silk Island visit was somewhat dissapointing the temple we visted was mostly deserted and quite run down. The silk factory visit was enjoyable. There was little narrative on the sunset cruise which ended about an hour before sunset so that also a bit dissappointing. I'd suggest booking the S21 and killing fields tour only and avoid the silk island and sunset cruise. I've had great Urban Adventure tours many times this my first dissapointment.
Review by: Graham R, December 2015
The morning was excellent - though very confronting_br/_ The afternoon replicated the half day tour so we bailed out - I either misread the details or they were not clear
Review by: J Kenneth R, November 2015
The morning was so educational and gave a somber look at what Pol Pot did to his own _br/_ people and with such cruelty.The afternoon was much lighter and very much fun and Nean_br/_ really knew his stuff.Thanks Nean and thanks to Viator for such an interesting and fun day?
Review by: Navin, November 2015
Would not recommend this tour. The guide was punctual, welcoming and English was great. However I didn't feel like someone was telling me a story or being engaging, it felt like someone was repeating me numbers and dates from a Wikipedia article. _br/_ There was no cyclo ride as promised on the photo. _br/_ I think it's a bit unfair claiming lunch is included, then get told lunch it is only covered for 7 and anything more you'll pay for. When a usual meal costs about 6 without a drink, I can guarantee lunch is not included for most tourists! I'm just glad I brought money with me. Food was great._br/_ We spent about an hour or two at a silk making house. Way too much time, a half hour stop at most would have been sufficient. Our tour guide disappeared and we had to sit with the silk ladies waiting for the guide._br/_ The sunset cruise was on a private boat with great views. Beer nuts and unfertilized duck eggs were offered. Considering we could see feathers on the egg, we all decided not to eat any duck eggs._br/_ This tour has so much potential, and I was really looking forward to it. I feel bad leaving a negative review, but I wish I could get my time back.
Review by: Sathyanarayan K, October 2015
Daro did a great job as our tour guide and we had a wonderful time. His English skills were very good as was his knowledge of Cambodian history and culture. His enthusiasm and cheerful attitude were infectious and his patient and helpful attitude were exemplary.
Review by: George A, October 2015
My guide Daro was very knowledgeable about Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Khmer Rouge. He regaled me with a lot of titbits and stories. Actually, I was the lone member in this tour and yet Daro took me through the full-day tour without an iota of let-down. He even helped me buy local sandwiches for dinner. We spent a lot of time discussing local happenings. He speaks very good English and I am sure he will be very successful in Tourism. Wish him the best!
Review by: Sathyanarayan Kumar, October 2015
Daro did a great job as our tour guide and we had a wonderful time. His English skills were very good as was his knowledge of Cambodian history and culture. His enthusiasm and cheerful attitude were infectious and his patient and helpful attitude were exemplary.
Review by: Joel P, July 2015
This was a pretty hard hitting and macabre start to our Cambodian experience. This tour provides you with a pretty in depth understanding of the Pol Pot regime and the resulting genocide. Our tour guide was pretty in depth in his explanations throughout our visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. I wouldn't recommend this for the feint of heart or young children. However, I couldn't fault the guide. Very thorough in the information he was giving. The remainder of the day was cheerier, with a great lunch being had at the NGO Training Restaurant for young Cambodians, where we got to try deep fried Tarantula. There is normal Cambodian cuisine available. The visit to the Silk farm was also quite educational and fun. The owners of the farm were great to talk to, they spoke English quite well and made us feel quite welcome in their home. The final part of the tour was good, however it was too cloudy to see a sunset. Overall a great way to spend the day in Phnom Penh.
Review by: Allyson W, July 2015
Take this tour. Very informative. You will have to pay for your drinks if you take the lunch option.
Review by: Carly, June 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Ian K, April 2015
A great tour, directed by a fantastic tour guide who really knew his stuff. Highly recommended.
Review by: Gloria D, March 2015
Great tour and guide. You get to understand and experience Cambodia's past and present. Loved the island trip. Nice to see the capital by car, boat, and Tuk-Tuk. Wonderful day.
Review by: Patrick, February 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: dannipee, January 2015
Another great tour, and well worth the guided tour. Far far better than doing it on your own and in a tuk tuk, and honestly this way wasn't much dearer, and far more informative.the lunch was a great experience in itself, note though only upto us$7 paid towards your choice, the curry with baguette was totally yummy, and all for such a great cause. The Russian market is hot, and full of the usual market fare. Had "dessert" at the central market, which was actually before lunch...was a little concerned with the fact it wasn't fresh, but stomach seems to have survived....oh and for some reason no walk along the water front, but that wasn't needed anyway, as all likely to do in own time anyway, just surprised mentioned in highlights but didn't happen....although did go to a fish market on outskirts of town, that was a fantastic inclusion as no way would have known or though to visit this alone
Review by: NELLIE D, December 2014
This tour was an experience and a chance to see Phnom Penh through the eyes of the people. The guide was excellent.
Review by: Wendy E B, November 2014
My guide was Thong Sophalkun and he went above and beyond his duties, his commentary was excellent and he made the tours I took with Viator and the local tour company a truly memorable experience. When I return to Cambodia, and I certainly will, I shall ask for his services as a guide again.
Review by: Christine S, March 2014
Our tour guide and driver were excellent. They were very flexible in the places that they took us and they accommodated our wishes. I was I initially worried about the safety of riding in the cyclo but during the ride we felt very safe as the traffic accommodates cyclos and our driver was very good. A lot of local cultural aspects were covered. This is a great introduction to Phnom Penh.
Review by: Tracey H, January 2014
I ended up on this tour by myself, just with the guide. Daro was fantastic, and I really appreciated his extensive historical knowledge of PP and Cambodia generally. He was also fun to hang out with!
Review by: Terence M, November 2013
Great fun, best way to see the city, was expecting the rickshaw ride to be longer (only 40 mins), but really enjoyable. Daro was a great guide.
Review by: meggs888, July 2013
Great experience!!! The cyclo was a real treat and a great way to see the city sights. We enjoyed the entire day with a great English speaking guide.
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