Exploring Phnom Penh – 3D2N Adventure in Cambodia

Fly into Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs springing up across the city.

Visit the Royal Palace compound built in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, it is the most conspicuous feature and also one of the impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), which displays plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made of diamond, emerald, gold, and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit the Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodians took their country back from the French colony, continuing to the National Museum, the distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture was built in 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others.

This afternoon we will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially, you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison/torture center. Once you have gained an initial insight into the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime you will be driven 15 km from Phnom Penh to visit the ‘Killing Fields’. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to the next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.