Phnom Penh with a Twist in 2 days

Arrival in Phnom Penh airport and transfer to the hotel (room may not be ready until the afternoon)

Lunch at local restaurant
14:00 hours
Visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S21 prison).
This former school was 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.

Continue to visit the biggest local market and one of the most traditional markets located at the heart of the capital: Orussey. Don't expect to find any souvenirs there, nor any other tourists, expect rather an organized chaotic market where Cambodians go to buy anything from food, to clothing, from electric goods to silverware'85

End your afternoon with a visit to Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh's namesake.

Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high, Wat Phnom is the only hill in town. According to the legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha washed ashore by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name, Mrs Penh. West of the vihara is an enormous stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (reigned 1405 to 1463). Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success and return to give offerings (such as a garland of jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially fond) promised when their prayers have been answered.
16:45 hours
Board the most unique wooden catamaran in Cambodia and sail off for a Sunset Cruise watching the city's landscape from the waters where the Mekong and the Tonle Sap meet.
After the sunset cruise, be taken you back to the hotel or be dropped off into town, as preferred.

Dinner is not included

08:00 hours
This morning, visit the beautiful National Museum, built in 1917. It is an exceptional example of traditional architecture and is exclusively devoted to preserving and displaying Khmer art and sculptures. Hundreds of pieces are housed here including both pre-and post-Angkorian pieces.

Next to the National Museum, gleaming in gold, is the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh's most splendid architectural achievements. It was built in 1866 by His Majesty Preah Bat Norodom, great grandfather to our current King. The Royal Palace is built on the site of the old town. This site was especially chosen by a Commission of Royal Ministers and Astrologers because it had great geographical significance in relation to the King, who was regarded as a direct descendant of the gods, whose role it was to live and govern on earth under the influence of heaven.

The Royal Palace contains some spectacular buildings including the Throne Hall and its 59-meter tower, The Royal Treasury and the Napoleon III Villa and the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha of which the steps are crafted from Italian marble and the regal floor made of more than 500 solid silver blocks.

The magnificent 17th century emerald Buddha statue is made of jade. Another treasure is the life-sized solid gold Maitreya Buddha which weighs 90 kilograms and is adorned with 9,584 diamonds. The Silver Pagoda is home to a number of unbelievable treasures.

Because visits can take the energy out of your body, you will be treated with a 1hr body massage in a heavenly Spa, a space of physical, mental and spiritual healing which reflects traditional, non-clinical and holistic based therapies.

Walk to Friend's restaurant for lunch
Enjoy creative local cuisine and support students in their hospitality training and journey in becoming a skilled individual, ultimately building futures for themselves!
All profits made through this restaurant are reinvested into students in training and partner NGO existing as well as in future projects.

Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for departure flight to the next destination.