PHNOM PENH STOPOVER | 2 DAYS

Breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your city exploration. First, visit the Independence Monument, an iconic landmark commemorating Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. Continue to The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). Originally a high school before 1975, the site was converted into a notorious interrogation and detention center during The Khmer Rouge regime. Today, it serves as a museum that documents the tragic history of thousands of innocent Cambodians who were imprisoned and tortured here. Walking through the former classrooms and narrow corridors offers a powerful insight into Cambodia’s turbulent past. Photographs of prisoners and preserved artifacts provide a solemn reminder of the suffering endured during this period. Though emotional, this visit offers important historical understanding of the country. Next, visit The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, originally constructed in 1866 during the French colonial period. The Royal Palace remains the official residence of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda is renowned for its floor, which is covered with 5,329 solid silver tiles, giving the temple its name. The pagoda houses many precious national treasures, including gold and jeweled Buddha statues, notably the highly prized 17th-century Baccarat crystal Buddha. Within the palace compound, you will also find Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where royal ceremonies are held, as well as several stupas, including the stupa of King Ang Duong and the burial site of former King Norodom.  Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit The National Museum of Cambodia, home to one of the world’s finest collections of Khmer art and sculpture, spanning over a millennium of history. The museum is housed in a beautiful terracotta building of traditional design, constructed between 1917 and 1920, featuring a peaceful courtyard garden. Continue to Psar Thmei (Central Market), an iconic Art Deco landmark of Phnom Penh. Its impressive domed structure is resembles a Babylonian ziggurat , one of the largest in Asia. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the bustling market where locals sell a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. Finally, visit Wat Phnom, the symbolic heart of Phnom Penh and the legendary birthplace of the city, before transferring to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight. Services Included: • Private transportation with driver • English-speaking guide • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch