Cambodia – Phnom Penh exploration 5 days

After breakfast, start our visit to Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, further our visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then visit Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset. Return to your hotel & overnight at your hotel in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, drive to visit the notorious Killing Fields ” Choeung Ek” 15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during Pol Pot regime (from 1975–1979). Then return back to the downtown and have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, transfer to a local boat pier to enjoy a boat ride to 02 Islands to observe the daily life of local village and have a chance to interact with the local people. After 20 minutes ride, we will arrive at Areiyakhsart Island where we will walk around about 45mins into the village. Then continue another boat tide to Prek Bangkorng Island where you will observe local people producing their traditional silk products. Then drive back to your hotel & overnight at your hotel in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, drive out of Phnom Penh city to Udong (The Victorious) which served as the capital of Cambodia under several sovereigns between 1618 and 1866, suggesting ‘victorious’ was an optimistic epithet, as Cambodia was in terminal decline at this time. A number of kings, including King Norodom, were crowned here. There, you will visit the various temples and the three large stupas where the ashes of three former kings are preserved. Then visit the most impressive structure of the site, the “Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha”. Have lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer back to Phnom Penh, stop en-route to visit the silversmith village of Kampong Luong. Return to the hotel & overnight at your hotel in Phnom Penh

Today is free at leisure until the time you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight or to next destination. End the trip in Phnom Penh.