PHNOM PENH Spotlight
PHNOM PENH discovery
*This tour extension was previously called: Phnom Penh Explorer Tour Extension
Add to your exploration of the idyllic Cambodian countryside by taking a few days to relish in the richly historical capital of Phnom Penh. This tour extension has been designed for you to learn all about the fascinating culture of the Cambodian capital, and serves as a great bookend to your longer cycling trip.
Phnom Penh was once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ because of its captivating mix of architectural styles combining Southeast Asian and French colonial influences. Exquisite royal palaces and ornate Buddhist temples are dotted liberally throughout the city. After facing a difficult period during the reign of Pol Pot in the 1970s, Phnom Penh is now recovering and transforming into a vibrant city on the rise
Sitting at the convergence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap Rivers, these waterways are a key feature of Phnom Penh, with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the lively riverfront. The city also offers plenty of cultural landmarks and historical attractions that you will discover on this tour extension.
Activities
Cruise / Walk
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Price From
US$550
Day to Day itinerary
Day 1
Meals: D
Welcome to Phnom Penh – Evening Cruise
On arrival in Phnom Penh, our team will organize your stress-free transport into the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a chance to do a little exploring before our scheduled evening cruise.
In Phnom Penh, you’re never far from a bustling marketplace or a tranquil temple. The capital exudes a provincial charm that makes it much more walkable than other Asian metropolises, so it’s nice to amble along and take in the sights.
Your evening activity highlights Phnom Penh’s vibrant riverfront atmosphere. You’ll take a slow and steady evening cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Sit back and relax as the sun sets, watching the transition from dusk to night as the waterfront sparkles with lights. You’ll spot various landmarks like the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace along the banks of the river.
Embrace the cool evening breeze accompanying your Tapas Platter, with choices for Western or Asian cuisine, washed down with a glass of wine or draft beer.
After the sunset cruise we will take a walk to our dinner location where a delicious meal awaits to welcome you to the city.
Day 2
Meals: BL
Explore Phnom Penh by Foot & Tuk-Tuk
Your second day in Phnom Penh features a packed itinerary to get to the heart of the city’s past and present.
You’ll start the day with a tuk-tuk ride to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. There, you can appreciate the manicured grounds and intricately designed buildings. Home to Cambodia’s official royal residence, admire the regalia and the delicate murals that tell the narrative of Cambodia’s intriguing past. The bejewelled collection of Buddha statues are a particular highlight alongside the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the pagoda its name.
After the historical appetizer of the Royal Temple, head to the main course and take a deep dive into the country’s history at the nearby National Museum. The fiery-red building is iconic, and a celebration of the Cambodian architectural style. Inside, it houses a vast collection of fascinating Khmer artifacts.
For lunch, we head to the Banana Tree restaurant. They support the La Rose Foundation, collaborating with CCFC for sustainable farming and employing PSE graduates. This NGO-run eatery serves classic Cambodian fare with a unique twist, and all proceeds contribute to their noble causes.
Energy replenished, we’ll switch to two legs for a walking tour of central Phnom Penh. Your expert, English-speaking guide will help tell the capital’s story and share invaluable insights into Cambodian local life. Learn about significant architectural landmarks, from the city Post Office to the National Library and the Raffles building.
Round off the walking tour at the emblematic Phsar Thmey central market – an art déco masterpiece that’s the beating heart of modern Phnom Penh. Our guide will help you navigate the crowded market and this might be a good opportunity to scout out some souvenirs or try some fare from the many food stalls offering Cambodian culinary delights.
Our city tour concludes with a lift back to your hotel to rest after an eventful day. This evening is free to explore the city at your leisure, your guide can help with suggestions.
Day 3
Meal: B
Start your tour
Your Phnom Penh extension concludes after breakfast. If you have taken this as a pre-tour extension then today your longer adventure begins! If you have taken this as a post-tour extension then it is possible to arrange an airport transfer to be waiting for you on checkout.
Tour inclusions
What’s Included:
- Arrival transfer
- 2 nights in comfortable accommodation
- 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch & 1 Dinner
- Entry fees to temples and sites
- Water, shared snacks & nibbles
- Expert local guide
What’s Not Included:
- International flights
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Extra meals and drinks
- Early hotel check-in or late check-out
Tour Package
This tour extension comes with comfortable accommodations and is priced are US$550 p.p. twin share. For single travelers there is a surcharge of US$250.
Sunset Cruise
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh
How to book an extension?
This package is available as an extra when booking one of our applicable tours:
If your multi-day tour is starting or ending in Phnom Penh:
When completing your booking details please select the available option.
If your multi-day tour is not starting or ending in Phnom Penh:
Please contact our team for the booking. We can also assist with flights arrangements within Asia to/from Phnom Penh.
Please note: If you are traveling solo, you must also select the “Single Supplement”.
