Phnom Penh’s historical tours focus on the essentials of Cambodia’s vibrant capital. The most practical and time-efficient option is the one-day private guided tour, covering the glittering Royal Palace and the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum. I’m especially fond of the cultural market tours – they combine the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples with the lively energy of local markets, giving visitors a real taste of daily life. For those interested in recent history, the genocide museum tours offer crucial historical context and moving testimonies from survivors. Back-to-back with these sites, the classic historical walking tours provide excellent value, with knowledgeable guides who explain complex history in simple terms. These top tours give visitors a meaningful look at Phnom Penh’s past and present.
Let’s explore the best historical tours you can book today:
Key Points
- The Phnom Penh Historical Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and Tuol Sleng Museum.
- The Genocide Museums Exploration tour provides a poignant and informative experience, visiting the S21 Prison and Choeung Ek Killing Fields to honor the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
- The 2-day tour combines the highlights of Phnom Penh, such as the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom, with an immersive experience in Khmer Rouge history and local cultural activities.
- The Heritage Tour in an electric bus covers 22 of Phnom Penh’s key landmarks, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- The Cultural and Market Tours provide an immersive experience, visiting the historic Buddhist Onalum Pagoda and the vibrant Toul Tompoul Market, while offering a traditional Cambodian lunch.
One Day Private Guide Tours History in Phnom Penh Incl. Admission
The one-day private guide tour in Phnom Penh provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history.
Priced at $128.21 per person, this full-day excursion includes a professional English-speaking guide, private transportation, and admission fees.
Highlights include sightseeing as specified in the itinerary, with travelers receiving two bottles of mineral water.
The tour starts at 8:30 am, with pickup from downtown hotels.
While lunch isn’t included, the tour is accessible for most travelers, though those with back problems or serious medical conditions may want to reconsider.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 7 reviews, this tour offers an enjoyable experience despite some minor communication issues.
Read our full review: One Day Private Guide Tours History in Phnom Penh Incl. Admission Review
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Historic Buddhist Temple & Local Market Tour With Lina
This comprehensive 4-hour Historic Buddhist Temple & Local Market Tour With Lina offers visitors an immersive exploration of Phnom Penh’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Priced at $49 per person, the tour takes participants to the bustling Toul Tompoul (Russian) Market, a local secondhand market, and the serene Onalum Pagoda.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the city’s history from a knowledgeable guide and enjoy a traditional Cambodian lunch.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required, this tour provides a flexible and budget-friendly way to discover Phnom Penh’s hidden gems.
The group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Read our full review: Historic Buddhist Temple & Local Market Tour With Lina Review
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Phnom Penh Historical Tour
Immerse oneself in the captivating historical narratives of Phnom Penh with the comprehensive Phnom Penh Historical Tour.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour covers the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and transportation in either a shared tuk-tuk or air-conditioned vehicle, the tour offers a seamless and comfortable experience.
Priced at ₹3,900.22 per person, the tour includes entry fees, cold water, local snacks, and a short break for local coffee.
Boasting an impressive 5.0 rating based on 12 reviews, this tour promises a fascinating insight into Phnom Penh’s rich history.
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Phnom Penh: History Inside the Genocide Museums (1975-1979)
Phnom Penh’s dark past comes into vivid focus with the guided tour of S21 Prison and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. For $65, visitors can explore these somber sites and gain insight into Cambodia’s tragic history.
The tour begins with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned prison where thousands were tortured and killed.
Next, travelers journey to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a memorial site containing mass graves and a stupa filled with victims’ skulls.
Throughout the 3-hour experience, a live English guide provides context and honors the resilience of survivors.
This immersive tour unveils the perils of unchecked power and human rights abuses, leaving a lasting impact on visitors.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: History Inside the Genocide Museums (1975-1979) Review
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PhnomPenh: 2 Days of Richest History And Culture of the City
Exploring the richest history and culture of Phnom Penh extends beyond the city’s somber past. This 2-day tour offers an immersive experience, from the grand Royal Palace to the serene Wat Phnom temple.
Explore Khmer Rouge history at the Toul Sleng Museum, then unwind with a scenic Mekong River sunset cruise.
Day 2 takes you to the former capital of Odoung Mountain, a local silk farm, and a silver village for jewelry crafting.
At just $119 per person, this small-group tour with a live English guide is a budget-friendly way to discover Phnom Penh’s vibrant heritage.
With free cancellation and a flexible payment option, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Read our full review: PhnomPenh: 2 Days of Richest History And Culture of the City Review
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Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo or Tuk Tuk
Dive into the rich historical tapestry of Phnom Penh on this guided day tour, which transports visitors through the city’s landmarks via cyclo or tuk tuk.
Priced from £127.64 per person, the tour offers a small group experience with a maximum of 10 participants. Highlights include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Cambodia National Museum, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and an optional visit to Wat Phnom.
Pickup, lunch, and all admission fees are included, while personal expenses and tips are not.
With a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient and budget-friendly way to explore Phnom Penh’s captivating history.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo or Tuk Tuk Review
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Heritage Tour of Phnom Penh in Electric Bus
Travelers seeking an efficient and eco-friendly way to explore Phnom Penh’s rich heritage can opt for the Heritage Tour of Phnom Penh in an electric bus.
This 2.5-hour tour covers 22 major cultural and historical landmarks, including the Hokkien temple and the Royal University of Fine Arts.
With 24 audio-video guides in 10 languages, the tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the city’s French colonial history, Khmer architecture, and the Khmer Rouge regime.
The complimentary tablets, headsets, and bottled water make the experience comfortable and informative.
At $27.15 per person, with free cancellation and no upfront payment, this tour offers excellent value for money, as evidenced by the impressive 5/5 rating from past travelers.
Read our full review: Heritage Tour of Phnom Penh in Electric Bus Review
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Phnom Penh Historical – Small Group Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Phnom Penh’s rich history and cultural heritage, the Phnom Penh Historical Small Group Tour offers an immersive 5-hour experience.
Priced at $29 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and transportation via tuk-tuk or air-conditioned vehicle.
Highlights include the iconic Royal Palace, the sacred Silver Pagoda, the 14th-century Wat Phnom, and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a convenient and budget-friendly way to discover Phnom Penh’s rich history.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh Historical – Small Group Tour Review
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Phnom Penh: Historical Guided Tour
The Phnom Penh Historical Guided Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. This 4.5-5 hour tour by tuk-tuk accommodates up to 6 participants and is led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Highlights include guided visits to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, as well as photo stops at Wat Phnom and the Independence Monument. Guests can learn about Cambodian history, including the Khmer Rouge era, and experience local customs.
The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, and refreshments, providing excellent value at $25 per person. With high ratings for transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour is a great way to discover Phnom Penh’s historical and cultural significance.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: Historical Guided Tour Review
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Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo and Tuk Tuk
This comprehensive Phnom Penh Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo and Tuk Tuk provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Priced at $135 per person, the tour includes visits to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Museum.
Travelers will experience a mix of transportation, from cyclos to tuk tuks, while an English-speaking guide provides insights along the way.
The tour’s duration is valid for one day, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, it’s not suitable for those over 70, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 220 lbs.
Comfortable attire, sun protection, and prompt pickup at the hotel are recommended.
Read our full review: Phnom Penh: Guided Historical Day Tour by Cyclo and Tuk Tuk Review
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Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, offers visitors an immersive sightseeing and history tour that showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour takes you to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, home to the famous Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Khmer artifacts.
You’ll also visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering reminder of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities.
Along the way, you’ll learn about Cambodia’s tumultuous past and witness the resilience of its people.
This comprehensive tour provides an affordable way to explore Phnom Penh‘s history and uncover its hidden gems.
Read our full review: Sightseeing and History Tour in Phnom Penh Review
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Sum Up
Phnom Penh offers a range of historical tours, catering to different interests and budgets. Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, from Buddhist temples to museums chronicling the Khmer Rouge regime. These tours provide an insightful and educational experience, allowing travelers to explore Cambodia’s complex history. Whether one-day private guides or small group outings, there’s an option to suit most travelers’ needs and preferences.