5-Day Phnom Penh and Koh Rong Sanloem Tour with Sunset Dhow Cruise

Welcome to Phnom Penh - Cambodia!

On your arrival day at KTI - Techo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, our first stop is for a brief walk and photos around the iconic Independence Monument, a lotus-shaped stupa built to celebrate Cambodia's liberation from French rule. Then head to Central Market, this famous art-deco landmark. Your guide can help you navigate the bustling stalls beneath the massive central dome, where you can browse for jewelry, clothing, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Tour Reminder: Please ensure your clothing covers both your shoulders and knees today, as this is strictly required to enter the Royal Palace grounds and active temples like Wat Phnom. No miniskirts or short trousers are allowed.

A short drive away, our next stop is the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. The tour guide will lead you through the beautiful manicured grounds of the Royal Palace. Explore the Silver Pagoda (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), famous for its floor featuring over 5,000 silver tiles, unique Buddha statues, and vibrant murals.

Our last stop is the Mekong River for a sunset dinner dhow cruise. Your driver will transfer you to the riverside promenade to board your boat. Relax on deck as you cruise past the junction of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, watching the city skyline light up as the sun goes down to perfectly wrap up your day. After the tour, we will drop you at your hotel or, if you prefer, at the riverside to enjoy your last night in Phnom Penh.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day with our driver picking you up from your hotel. After a comfortable ride, you will be dropped off at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21). This site holds significant historical importance, as it was originally a well-regarded high school that was later transformed into a heavily guarded prison during the time of Pol Pot's regime. Today, it functions as a museum, serving as a poignant reminder of the somber and distressing days of the past.

After exploring S21, we will proceed to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Genocide Center. This notorious location has a harrowing past. Once an idyllic orchard and a Chinese cemetery, it was tragically transformed by the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, into what became infamously known as the killing fields. Here, approximately 20,000 victims were executed, and an astounding 2.5 million individuals were mercilessly massacred and buried over a period of three years. The site stands as a stark testament to the atrocities committed during that dark chapter in history.

After the genocide tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or sample authentic street food in the area's vibrant food section. Your guide can offer excellent recommendations based on your preferences.

After the tour, we will go back to the hotel for time to refresh, followed by free time until dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Have your early breakfast at the hotel and complete your early check-out. Today, we will pick you up at 8:00 am to travel to Sihanoukville City. Enjoy the scenery on the way as we head out via the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. This modern toll road beautifully cuts the historic 5-6 hour journey down to an efficient 2 to 2.5 hours.

Arrive in the coastal city of Sihanoukville and enjoy a brief highlights tour, including the iconic Golden Lions Roundabout (Preah Thong Neang Neak) for a quick photo stop.

Local seafood buffet lunch. Sit down at a highly rated local restaurant to indulge in fresh Cambodian seafood.

After lunch, head over to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (Gate 6 / Pier area) to check in for the speedboat ferry. Board the modern high-speed ferry and enjoy the scenic 45-minute ride.

Step off onto the pristine white sands of Koh Rong Sanloem, typically at Saracen Bay or M'Pai Bay depending on your resort. Check in to your beach accommodation, settle in, and catch a stunning island sunset.

Dinner at the resort. Overnight stay at the resort on Koh Rong Sanloem Island.

Breakfast with a sea view. Wake up to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy breakfast overlooking the turquoise water.

All day - free time and island adventures (on pax account). Today is fully customizable based on your budget and energy levels.

Recommended activities on the island:

• Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding: rent gear directly from the resort or a nearby resort to explore the calm, crystal-clear waters of the bay.
• Island-hopping boat ride: hire a traditional local longtail boat to take you around the island to spots like Lazy Beach or over to neighboring Koh Rong Island.
• Local fishing trip: join a traditional fisherman's boat for a few hours out on the water, often ending with an onboard BBQ of whatever you catch.
• Snorkeling and diving: explore the coral reefs thriving with local marine life.

Beachfront chill. Relax at a beach bar, enjoy a seafood dinner right on the sand, and if the night is dark enough, look for the magical bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water.

Overnight stay at the resort on Koh Rong Sanloem Island.

Morning swim and breakfast. Enjoy your final morning on the island. Pack up and complete your resort check-out.

Board the morning speedboat ferry back to the mainland. The private driver will be waiting directly at the Sihanoukville Port arrival pier as you step off the boat. Then join the expressway heading back north toward the capital. A quick stop at an expressway service station can be made for a snack or restroom break.

Arrive seamlessly at Techo International Airport (KTI) in perfect time to check in for your afternoon or evening departure flight home.