Phnom Penh: S21, Killing Fields & 11-Stop City Tour by Van

Summary

Phnom Penh’s tangled past and lively markets in one day

You’ll trace Phnom Penh’s layers in one day: climb temple steps at Wat Phnom, feel the weight of S21 and Choeung Ek Killing Fields with your guide’s stories, taste real Khmer food over lunch, wander buzzing markets and end by the riverside as locals gather at dusk. This isn’t just sightseeing — it lingers long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of monks chanting somewhere behind Wat Phnom — just this low hum in the sticky morning air. Sophoarn, our guide, pointed out Lady Penh’s statue and told us how the city got its name. He had this way of pausing for a second before every story, like he was letting you settle in. The steps were steeper than I thought (maybe it was just the heat), and there were kids selling lotus flowers at the bottom, waving them like little flags.

We crammed into the van — only six of us, so it didn’t feel like a herd — and zipped through traffic to see the Royal Palace from outside. It’s funny how locals just lounge on the grass there, eating snacks, totally unfazed by all these gold roofs. At one point we stopped at a monument where old men played chess under a tree; Sophoarn explained something about the Cambodia-Vietnam alliance but honestly I was distracted by this smell of grilled corn from a street cart. It’s those tiny things that stick with you.

After lunch (Khmer curry — mild but fragrant, and yeah, I spilled some on my shirt), things got heavier. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is… well, it’s not easy. You listen to voices on the audio guide while walking past photos that are hard to look at for long. Nobody talked much after that. The van ride out to Choeung Ek Killing Fields was quiet except for someone quietly opening a Coke can (they give you one each). Sophoarn walked us in and then let us take it at our own pace; he said he still finds new details every time he visits.

The last stop was Russian Market — hot and noisy and packed with everything from silk scarves to motorbike parts. I bought a carved spoon for my mom and tried bargaining in Khmer; Li laughed when I tried to say “how much” properly (I probably butchered it). By then my shirt was sticking to my back but I didn’t really care anymore. We ended up by the river where four currents meet — Tonle Sap, Mekong upper and lower, Bassac — watching boats drift past as the sun started dropping behind some new glass towers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Phnom Penh historical and cultural sites

• Visit Wat Phnom and Lady Penh statue
• See Wat Ounalom monastery
• View National Museum exterior
• Photo stop at Royal Palace park
• Visit Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
• Drive to Diamond Island river confluence
• See King Norodom Sihanouk statue
• Visit Independence Monument
• Tour Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with audio guide
• Visit Choeung Ek Killing Fields and watch documentary
• Shop at Russian Market for Khmer products

Top questions

How many places do you visit on this Phnom Penh tour?

The tour covers 11 sites including S21 Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Royal Palace (outside), Russian Market, temples and monuments.

Is hotel pickup included in this Phnom Penh city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is within central Phnom Penh.

What language does the guide speak?

Your driver-guide speaks English fluently and shares local context throughout the tour.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No, entrance fees must be paid separately in cash (USD or Riel) at each site visited.

How big are the groups on this tour?

Groups are small: up to 7 people per van or 4 per tuk-tuk for a more personal experience.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

A stop for authentic Khmer lunch is included; food cost is optional depending on group choice.

What drinks are provided during the tour?

You get bottled cold water, Coke and Cambodia beer (after noon), one of each per person.

Are these sites suitable for children or sensitive travelers?

The genocide museum and killing fields can be emotionally difficult; consider carefully if traveling with children or sensitive guests.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Phnom Penh, an English-speaking driver-guide who explains each stop along the way, bottled water plus a Coke and Cambodia beer after midday. You’ll have time for an authentic Khmer lunch (at your own cost) before returning via buzzing markets and riverside views as evening falls.