Best Day Trips and Tours in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: City Tour, Killing Fields and Mekong River

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Published October 28, 2010
by: Cassandra James

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's Main Tourist Destination with Its Tragic History and Bright Future

With Cambodia's tragic recent history, many people don't even consider visiting the country, which is sad as it's an amazing country with friendly people. Phnom Penh is one of Cambodia's most interesting places to visit and one of the country's top tourist spots. Phnom Penh also has many interesting tours and day trips, perfect for a first-time visitor to Cambodia. Take a city tour, learn more about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia's killing fields, or visit one of the world's largest rivers - the Mekong. All of this and more is possible on one of these fascinating Phom Penh tours.

Phnom Pehn City Tour - The best tour you should sign up for upon arrival in Phnom Pehn is the City Tour. It's a full-day trip and gives you the best introduction to this vibrant Cambodian city.

The tour begins at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (not a happy place to start on your vacation, but vital if you wish to understand the history of Cambodia and what its people went through). The museum is a former high school that was used by the Khmer Rouge for the torture and murder of tens of thousands of Cambodians.

From here, you'll head to the Royal Palace and the National Museum, where you'll see Angkor relics and artifacts and learn more about Cambodia's rich history. There's a break for lunch, and an authentic Cambodian meal at a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit Wat Phnom Temple, then spend the remainder of the day shopping at two incredible local markets, where you'll see how the locals live and be able to buy some unique food and handicrafts.

The Killing Fields and Tonle Bati Cycling Tour - Most of Phom Penh's 'Killing Fields' tours take you in an air conditioned bus to see this area. The Killing Fields and Tonle Bati Cycling tour instead has you in the open-air, cycling through Cambodia's beautiful countryside, while you experience the 'real Cambodia'.

On this wonderful cycling tour, your guide will meet you at your hotel, bring your bike and get it adjusted so you can ride comfortably. Then you'll set off on the 15 kilometer ride to Cheoung Ek, otherwise known as the 'Killing Fields'. After touring the site and seeing the small museum, you'll continue cycling through small Cambodian villages until you reach Tonle Bati. Tonle Bati is a beautiful area of Cambodia that several several Angkorian temples, which you can explore. Here, you'll also relax by the lake and eat a typical Cambodian picnic lunch that's included in the tour fee. (Bottled water and several snacks are also included in the price).

After a couple of hours enjoying the beautiful scenery, you'll cycle leisurely back to Phnom Penh, where you'll be taken back to your hotel in time for dinner.

Mekong Sunset Tour - Another of the best Phnom Penh tours is the Mekong Sunset Tour. A four hour tour, you'll take a boat on the famous Mekong River (one of the world's largest rivers), and see local Cambodian life at its most authentic.

Go to Mekong Island, well known for its silk weaving and agriculture. Here you'll see silk weavers at work, and learn how silk is really made, from the silk worm right up to the finished product. See one of the old Buddhist temples, then enjoy a stunning sunset at the junction of the Mekong, Tonle Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers.

The Mekong Sunset tour includes an English-speaking local guide, various Khmer snacks and bottled water, use of a life jacket (and insurance), the boat ride and a fun tuk-tuk ride to get to the river.