5-Day Phnom Penh and Koh Sdach Island Tour with 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, begin with a brief walk and photo stop around the iconic Independence Monument, a lotus-shaped stupa built to celebrate Cambodia's liberation from French rule. Continue to Central Market, the city's 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 permitted.

A short drive away, continue to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Your tour guide will lead you through the beautifully manicured grounds of the Royal Palace. Explore the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, famous for its floor featuring over 5,000 silver tiles, unique Buddha statues, and vibrant murals.

Your 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 and perfectly wrap up your day. After the tour, you will be dropped off 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, start your day with pickup 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, continue 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, return to the hotel to refresh and enjoy free time until dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Have an early breakfast at the hotel and complete your early check-out. Today, you will be picked up at 8:00 am to travel to Dara Sakor Coastal City. Enjoy the scenery along the way as you head out via the Phnom Penh-Dara Sakor Expressway. This modern toll road beautifully cuts the historic 7-8 hour journey down to an efficient 4 to 4.5 hours.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can sit down and indulge in fresh Cambodian food.

After lunch, head to Koh Sdach Port to check in for the speedboat ferry. Board the speedboat and enjoy the scenic 5-minute ride.

Step onto the pristine white sands of Koh Sdach Island. Check into your beach accommodation, settle in, and catch a stunning island sunset.

Dinner at the resort. Overnight stay at the resort in Koh Sdach Island.

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

All day is free time for island adventures, at your own expense. Today is fully customizable based on your budget and energy levels.

Recommended activities on the island include kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent gear directly from the resort or a nearby resort to explore the calm, crystal-clear waters of the bay.

You may also hire a traditional local longtail boat for an island-hopping ride to spots like Lazy Beach or over to neighboring Koh Rong Island.

Another option is a local fishing trip, where you can 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 are also available, offering the chance to explore coral reefs thriving with local marine life.

For a slower pace, enjoy a beachfront chill at a beach bar and have dinner right by the seaview.

Overnight stay at the resort in Koh Sdach Island.

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

Board the morning speedboat back to the mainland. Your private driver will be waiting directly at the Koh Sdach Port arrival pier as you step off the boat. From there, 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.