Amazing Phnom Penh

Day 1: Phnom Penh – Silk Island – Phnom Penh

Set the tour to visit Wat Phnom, which is the center of Phnom Penh that gives the city its name. At 27 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in the area, and as a town gradually grew up around it, the settlement became known as Phnom Penh, the hill of Penh. It is the zero point of the city. Then continue to visit Wat Unalom (Buddhist Monastery), this pagoda serves as the headquarters for one of Cambodia’s most revered Buddhist patriarchs. In addition to the pagoda, there is a post-Angkorean stupa at this monastery. After lunch at the local restaurant, drive to the hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, we ride the tuk-tuk to Koh Dach (Mekong Island) to visit the weaving village. Many of the people who live here make their living as farmers. They plant corn, sesame, beans, and banana. They also plant fruit trees. In addition to farming, the villagers produce mosquito nets, silk, Sarong, Pha muong, hol, and Krama, and run small businesses. Khmer handicrafts are in abundance here, since there are many weavers and they loom products, big or small, depending on their resources.
After visiting weaving activities on the island, we ride the boat downstream back to Phnom Penh which will allow you the view the sunset and picnic dinner on board.

Included for the day:
Transport: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Anik Palace Hotel (urban room) or a similar standard hotel

Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour & Cooking Class

Early morning at 6.30 am drive to visit Cheung Ek Killing Field, which was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. Besides the tragic past, you will also start to appreciate the tremendous courage of the Cambodian people to move on and rebuild their nation. And then continue to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which was a high school prior to 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era, and today as a genocide museum. Next, visit the Russian Market, (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) So-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists. Particular items worth seeking out include fabrics, jewelry, carved handicrafts, and ceramics. There are also a large number of clothing outlets and on-site tailors and seamstresses can make alternations quickly.
Lunch at the local restaurant and return to the hotel for relaxation, until 3 pm visit the National Museum, The National Museum of Phnom Penh is instantly recognizable, with its warm red terracotta and its gracefully curved roof topped by dozens of guardian nagas. Located just north of the Royal Palace, off the street of Artists (178 Street), it was designed in 1917 by famed French architect Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens, who made the most of traditional Khmer style. It was inaugurated by King Sisowath in 1920. Next, enjoy the cooking class with one of the Khmer chefs, she has over 17 years of culinary experience. Passionate about cooking, she brings her creative inspirations to your table. Authentic Khmer fare with a contemporary twist is her specialty, but she has a knack for bringing out the best in every cuisine. Enjoy the dinner from what you cook and return to the hotel.

Included for the day:
Transport: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Anik Palace Hotel (urban room) or a similar standard hotel

Day 3: Phnom Penh City Tours – Departure

Dating back to French Indochina, the three-wheeled bicycle taxi has been a mode of transportation in the Kingdom for the past 80 years. Once a utilitarian mode of transport, it was a means of getting around Phnom Penh, whereby the driver pedals behind the passenger who is comfortably seated in front in a slow-slung seat between two wheels “Cyclo”.

We reckon this is one of the more unusual things to do in Phnom Penh, however, most Cambodians eat noodle soup for breakfast. So, we recommend skipping your hotel’s free Western breakfast in favor of hitting the streets. Find a corner shop, pull up a plastic chair, and eat what you’re given. This is one of our favorite things to do in Phnom Penh “Local Breakfast”).

This morning at 06:30 am; we will start by cyclo riding from your hotel to Orussei Market. Explore the backstreets and local markets of the Orussei area as you journey through Penh’s vibrant street food scene and experience a gastronomic explosion of flavors, textures, and aromas on this meticulously crafted street food walking tour. You will have a chance to take pictures of the daily activities of the locals having coffee, and breakfast in small alleys as much as you can, try one breakfast with them (one ball of noodle soup or one steamed rice with grilled pork/chicken + one drink). Ride the cyclo back to your hotel for refreshments. At 12.00 we check out from the hotel and then, we will continue to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. If time permits, we will visit the central market. End of services!

Included for the day:
Transport: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast