1. Phnom Penh: Private City and Genocide Tours
1. The first stop will be at a couple of the most significant sites in Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom and Lady Penh Statue. Before visiting the actual Temple you will see the statue of Lady Penh, who Phnom Penh is named after. Learn her story before taking the steps up to the Wat (Temple). Entry fee: $1pp 2. Wat Onnalom was originally built in 1442 after the capital was founded in 1434 by King Ponhea Yarth. It is one of the most important monasteries in Phnom Penh. Free entry. 3. The National Museum was built in 1920 while Cambodia was a French colony. It is worth visiting, if only from the outside, to admire one of the best examples of traditional Cambodian style building. Free 4. The Royal Palace is most beautiful in the morning with the sun as it faces east. Perfect for photography opportunities. The public park in front is popular with local people to relax and socialise with family and friends. Outside visit only: Free. 5. The Cambodian Vietnam Friendship Monument commemorates the former alliance between the two countries. It is located not far from the Royal Palace in Botum Park. Free. 6. The King Norodom Sihanouk Statue stands impressively on the largest park strip in Phnom Penh. It was built in honour of the King in 2013 after his death the year before. Free. 7. The striking Independence Monument is nearby, representing independence of Cambodia from French colonisation which lasted for 90 years, from 1863 - 1953. It was built in 1958 and completed in 1962. Free 8. The darker and tragic side of Cambodian history takes us to the Genocide Museum. Formally a school, the site became a significant centre of imprisonment and torture during the Khmer Rouges reign. Approximately one and half hours is a suitable time to spend here. An audio guide is included in the entry fee of $10 pp. 9. We make a lunch stop at a local restaurant before heading to the Killing Fields, 45 minutes from the city. This is the second significant historical site of Khmer Rouge Genocide in Phnom Penh. An audio guide is included in the entry fee of $6pp. 10. The Russian Market is a great place to pick up Khmer products for souvenirs, many of which have been sourced from local businesses and organisations. Free. 11. Explore Diamond Island at the end of the tour, the 'Paris of Phnom Penh'. A swamp prior to 2000, it now continues to develop as a satellite city to the main central city of Phnom Penh. Along the way you will see the Patriarch of Monks Statue, the Buddhist Institute, the Cambodian Parliament Building, China Town and other newer developments of the capital. Nearby is the confluent of the Tonle Sap, Upper and Lower Mekong Rivers and Tonle Bassac. You will learn the significance and uniqueness of the rivers that meet here and flow through Cambodia. Free.