Phnom Penh: Private Day Tour with All Tickets & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda & Genocide Sites in One Phnom Penh Day

You’ll walk through golden halls at the Royal Palace, pause quietly at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek with your guide’s honest stories, then dive into Central Market’s colors and noise before ending under shady trees at Wat Phnom. This private Phnom Penh day trip includes all tickets and hotel pickup—expect moments that stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

The day started right outside my hotel — our guide, Dara, waving with that easy Cambodian smile. He handed me a cold bottle of water before we climbed into the van (blissful AC, thank goodness). First stop: the Royal Palace. The gold spires caught the morning sun and I remember the faint scent of frangipani drifting in from the gardens. Dara pointed out details I’d never have noticed alone — like the silver tiles inside the Silver Pagoda. I tried to count them but gave up after twenty; apparently there are over 5,000. The place felt both grand and oddly quiet, except for a monk’s soft chanting somewhere nearby.

I didn’t expect how heavy Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum would hit me. The walls still smell faintly of old chalk and something metallic. Dara didn’t rush us — he just let us walk at our own pace through those old classrooms-turned-cells. At Choeung Ek, where the Killing Fields memorial stands now, it was almost too quiet except for birds and a few kids’ voices far off. There’s a stupa filled with skulls behind glass; I stood there longer than I meant to. Dara shared stories his own family had passed down — he didn’t sugarcoat anything but somehow made it feel okay to ask questions.

After that we needed some air and life again, so we stopped at Central Market. It’s this wild art deco dome buzzing with voices and smells — fried snacks, incense, fresh mangoes stacked in pyramids. I tried bargaining for a scarf (not very well) and got laughed at by an old woman who ended up giving me a discount anyway. We squeezed in Wat Phnom too — monkeys everywhere! — and I finally learned why Phnom Penh is called what it is (it’s named after Lady Penh; Dara acted out her story with big gestures). By late afternoon my head was spinning but in that good way when you’ve seen too much to process all at once.

I still think about that moment at Choeung Ek sometimes — how grief and hope can sit side by side in one city. Phnom Penh isn’t simple or easy but it’s real, you know? And having someone local show you around makes all the difference.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Phnom Penh's main attractions

• Visit Royal Palace
• Tour Silver Pagoda
• Explore Wat Phnom
• Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Visit Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• See Wat Ounalom Pagoda
• View Independence Monument
• Shop at Central Market

Top questions

How long does this private Phnom Penh day tour last?

The tour covers a full day exploring major sites across Phnom Penh.

Is hotel pickup included for this Phnom Penh private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included; just provide your hotel name and address when booking.

Which attractions are visited on this day trip from Phnom Penh?

You’ll visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Ounalom, Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), Choeung Ek Killing Fields, and Central Market.

Are admission tickets included in the price?

All entrance fees for listed attractions are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during this private tour?

No lunch is included; however there are opportunities to purchase food at Central Market or nearby eateries.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

A private air-conditioned vehicle is used throughout the tour for comfort between stops.

Can infants join this Phnom Penh full-day tour?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Who leads the tour?

An experienced English-speaking licensed local guide leads your group throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phnom Penh city center, entry fees to all main sites like Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Museum, comfortable transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the itinerary, cool bottled water during stops to help beat the heat, plus guidance from an experienced English-speaking licensed local guide who shares personal stories along the way.