Discover one of the darkest and most horrifying times of Cambodia’s history on this unforgettable journey. It’s certainly not for squeamish as most of the tour will be spent in Tuoel Sleng Museum and Killing Fields. Also included are visits to the splendid Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the National Museum.
After pickup from the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Sihanoukville, meet your private driver and knowledgeable guide who’ll take you on a comfortable 4-hour ride to Phnom Penh about 230km away. Begin the trip at the grand Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo). A spectacular lavish structure, the Silver Pagoda features a silver-covered floor, a Baccarat-crystal Buddha perched on a gilded pedestal and a life-sized solid-gold Buddha encrusted with nearly 1,000 diamonds. Then stop at the nearby National Museum, which houses one of the largest displays of Khmer heritage in the world. See well-presented exhibits on Hindu and Buddhist artifacts including daily objects and ceramics dating back from the Neolithic period.
You’ll be served local Khmer cuisine in midday before heading to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Originally a high school compound, Tuol Sleng was converted to a detention and torture center under the name of S-21 when Khmer Rouge rose to power in 1975. Inside, you’ll see hundreds of prisoners’ portrait photos lining the walls, together with photographs and memorabilia documenting the barbarism of Khmer Rouge army. Next, head to Choeng Ek Killing Fields, one of the many gravesites built for unfortunate prisoners. Having witnessed nearly 17,000 deaths, Choeung Ek is now a memorial to all men and women who died there. End your trip with return transport to Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in good time for your cruise departure.
