GENERAL INFORMATION

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The Amansara, 3 days

Phnom Penh Grand Palace

Cambodia Independent Travel Idea

Phnom Penh Stopover

3 Days

Phnom Penh the capital of Cambodia, is a great city with lots of things to do and see. The town is spread out on the banks of two rivers. One of the most enjoyable things to do is to take a walk down by the Tonle Sap river in the late afternoon when all the local Khmers are there. There is a lot of activity - eating, entertaining, praying - and everyone seems to be enjoying it. A very rewarding experience.

Day 1. Arrive in Phnom Penh.
You will be greeted by our professional guide at Phnom Penh International airport and then transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2. Phnom Penh.
After breakfast the tour begins visiting the Royal Palace, which was built in 1866 by King Norodom. The Palace is actually a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound. Within the compound, you'll see the Silver Pagoda which is so named because its floor is made up of over 5000 silver tiles. Inside, see treasures such as a solid gold Buddha encrusted wtih 9,584 diamonds adn weighing over 90 kilos. Also inside the Silver Pagoda, you'll see a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Next visit the National Museum, which houses Khmer art especially sculptures, from different periods of Cambodian history, 19th century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins. After, you'll stop at the stalls of Psar Toul Tom Puong otherwise known as "The Russian Market" to do a bit of shopping before lunch. This market is known for its antiquities, wood artifacts and silk scarves called "Kramas." Lunch will be on your own arrangements but we can recommend a few of our favourite places to choose from.

In the afternoon, visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. During the time of Pol Pot, the now museum was once a high school that served as a prison and torture chamber during the 1970s by the Khmer Rouge. After interrogations, the prisoners were eventually transferred to the extermination camps at Cheung Ek (the Killing Fields) to be bludgeoned to death and subsequently buried in mass graves. Today, over 8,000 skulls are displayed behind the glass of the memorial stupa, erected in 1988 to honour those who died. While the day can be difficult for many, the experience is important, shouldn't be missed and profoundly impacts those who visit. (B)

Day 3. Phnom Penh Departure.
Transfer from hotel to Phnom Penh airport for your onward destination. (B)

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

DEPARTURES:

Join any day.

PRICES:

Please request current prices.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Fully Private tour program with entrance fees ; private air-conditioned transportation with cold water and towelettes on board, local English speaking guide, two nights accommodation in Phnom Penh, daily breakfast.

Price Excludes:

International Airfares, Cambodia Visa (currently US $20 on arrival), Cambodian International Departure Tax (currently US $25), all lunches, drinks at meals, Tips/gratuities to guide/driver/hotel/restaurant staff/porters, items of personal nature.

HOTELS:

Please click the hotel of your choice from the list below.

MODERATE: Sunway Hotel

FIRST CLASS: Amanjaya Hotel

DELUXE: Raffles Hotel Le Royal