The Pearl of Asia

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred by a local guide to your hotel for check-in (early check-in is NOT included and is subject to the hotel’s availability). As the capital and most populous city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has served as the national capital since the French colonization. It has grown to become the country’s economic, industrial, and cultural center.

An insightful tour in Phnom Penh that begins with a visit to the Independence Monument, an esteemed symbol of Cambodia’s liberation from French colonial rule in 1953. Next, we will explore the National Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Khmer art and sculptures spanning various periods of Cambodian history. After enjoying a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue our journey by admiring the beautiful colonial buildings that showcase a harmonious blend of French and Khmer architecture, including a stop at the Cambodian Railway Station, where you can relish a cup of coffee. Following this, we will visit the Post Office before making our way to Wat Phnom, a significant landmark in Phnom Penh. Our day will culminate with a visit to Wat Ounalom, where you will gain insights into Buddhism and the daily lives of local monks, as well as receive a monk blessing for luck and prosperity. Afterward, we will return to your hotel for some relaxation; dinner is at your own leisure.

Meals included: Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, where you can learn more about the Cambodian royal family, followed by a tour of the Silver Pagoda. Next, we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to gain insight into Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge history. While this site is somber, it is a vital part of the nation’s history, reflecting the events that occurred from 1975 to 1979. (Note: If you prefer not to visit the genocide museum, please inform your guide, who can take you to the art gallery street and Champei Academy of Arts instead.) Afterward, we will visit the Russian Market before returning to the hotel for some relaxation.

At 3 PM, our guide and driver will pick you up for a visit to the banana cooking class (shared experience), where you’ll meet a professional chef. Begin by exploring a lively local market, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds while observing vendors and selecting fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for your cooking lesson. Back in the kitchen, our chef will teach you authentic Khmer cooking techniques, revealing the secrets of traditional Cambodian cuisine. With guidance, you will prepare delicious dishes to enjoy for lunch, and you’ll receive the recipes to take home, allowing you to recreate this memorable culinary experience for your friends and family. Please note that this cooking class is a shared experience with other participants. Then our guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel, where you can unwind and relax for the rest of the day.

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner (cooking class)   

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a half-day exploration of the local lifestyle on the Mekong Islands, Koh Oknha Tei and Koh Dach. Our guide and driver will take you along the riverside for about 15 km before crossing the Mekong River by local ferry to reach the islands. Along the way, we will stop at local houses and farms to observe the daily work of the residents and visit a local school.

Next, we will visit Chamka Sne, a silk farm center, where you can witness the entire process of silk production, from the farm to the finished products. Before returning to the city center, we will be invited to the home of Bong Thea, a retired German-speaking guide, for a homemade lunch. During our meal, she will share her life story, including her childhood during the Khmer Rouge regime, her scholarship experience to study in Germany, and her 15 years of guiding.

After bidding farewell to Bong Thea, we will drive back to Phnom Penh. If time permits, we will stop at the bustling Central Market, filled with local products and everyday essentials. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

Airport transfer (drop off)