Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, S21 & Killing Fields Day Tour

Phnom Penh’s royal rooftops to haunting silence in one day

You’ll start your day surrounded by golden spires at Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace before wandering markets with locals and learning stories behind city monuments. In the afternoon, visit S21 Prison and Choeung Ek Killing Fields with an audio guide: quiet moments that stay with you long after. Hotel pickup, A/C van, drinks and Sina’s warmth are all part of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Wat Phnom30m
2. Royal Palace1h 30m
3. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument10m
4. Independence Monument10m
5. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum1h 30m
6. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center1h 30m
7. Phnom Penh Central Market30m

Phnom Penh city and genocide sites tour

• Visit Wat Phnom pagoda
• Tour Royal Palace complex
• See Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
• View bronze statue of former king
• Visit Independence Monument
• Explore new historical monuments
• Tour Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Visit Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Browse Phnom Penh Central Market

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the gold, not just on the Royal Palace rooftops, but in the way morning sunlight bounced off tuk-tuks and even Sina’s smile when he waved us into the van. Phnom Penh wakes up loud: horns, monks’ chants floating from Wat Phnom (I caught a whiff of incense as we climbed those steps), and market vendors already calling out in Khmer. Sina kept tossing out little facts (like how the city got its name from this very hill), but never in that “tour guide voice.” He just talks like someone who grew up here, which I guess he did.

We zipped past Independence Monument and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument, both more impressive than I expected (and honestly, I’d never heard of them before). The air inside the van was cool: relief from that sticky heat outside. At each stop, Sina would point out something small: a faded mural here, a gesture people make for luck there. By late morning we were weaving through Central Market’s yellow halls. It smelled like durian and fried things. I bought a bag of dried mango and tried to haggle, failed miserably, but at least got a laugh from an old woman selling bracelets.

After lunch (not included but easy to find nearby), everything changed. The mood shifted as soon as we reached Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. You get an audio guide for S21 and Choeung Ek Killing Fields: probably for the best because it’s hard to talk much here anyway. The rooms are quiet except for footsteps on tile and sometimes you hear someone sniffle. I didn’t expect to feel so heavy walking out. Even Sina looked quieter than usual. Still, he checked in on us after: made sure everyone had water or a Coke (or beer if you want) and gave us space without making it awkward.

By the time we drove back into Phnom Penh’s traffic, my head was full: history, faces from photos at S21, flashes of color from earlier at the palace. It’s not really a “fun” day trip in Phnom Penh, but it felt honest. I still think about that moment under the trees at Choeung Ek when all you could hear were birds and distant motorbikes.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phnom Penh by air-conditioned mini van with bottled water provided throughout.
• After 12 o’clock you’ll be offered a Coke or local beer for refreshment.
• An audio guide is included for both Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields so you can explore these sites at your own pace alongside your local guide Sina.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (9 to 90 years) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 19

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by S.N VAN TOUR IN PP

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does this Phnom Penh day tour last?

The tour covers a full day, morning until late afternoon, visiting major city sites plus S21 Prison and Killing Fields.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are entry fees covered in the price?

No, entry fees for Wat Phnom ($1), Royal Palace ($10), Tuol Sleng Museum ($5 + $5 audio), and Killing Fields ($3 + $3 audio) are paid separately.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No, lunch is optional and not included, but there are plenty of local spots near Central Market where you can eat during the break.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended since there is some walking involved at each site.

Can infants join this Phnom Penh day trip?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned Hyundai Starex mini van is used throughout the tour for comfort in Phnom Penh’s heat.

Who leads this tour in Phnom Penh?

The tour is led by Sina: a local guide who shares personal insights about each stop along the route.