Phnom Penh tours

Things to do in Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, the city's contrasts are immediately apparent. The Royal Palace's spires gleam with an opulence that catches your eye, juxtaposed with the flowing expanse of the Mekong River. This city pulses with the allure of the undiscovered. With a local guide, your time here evolves into a journey through its layered history and dynamic present. Walking through bustling markets and tranquil pagodas, you feel the city's heartbeat. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a somber reminder of the past, yet a food and wine tour along Sisowath Quay lifts your spirits, as Cambodian cuisine offers a symphony of flavours. With priority access to notable sites, your guide narrates tales of perseverance and resurgence, connecting you to the core of Cambodia's capital in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Phnom Penh. Explore Phnom Penh your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Phnom Penh tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Phnom Penh for every interest, including: History tours: Walk the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda grounds to see the Emerald Buddha and intricate stupas, then trace Khmer Rouge history at Tuol Sleng (S-21) and the Choeung Ek memorial with context and time for reflection. Your guide can also point out French-era buildings around the Post Office and along Street 178. Off the beaten path tours: Ferry to Koh Dach (Silk Island) to meet weavers at home looms and cycle quiet farm lanes, or explore Orussey Market’s breakfast stalls for kuy teav noodles and num pang made to order. Finish with sunset laps at Olympic Stadium, joining locals for a very Phnom Penh workout. Museums tours: Explore the National Museum’s Angkorian sculpture with a guide who highlights easy-to-miss details, then visit the Sosoro Museum to learn how currency and trade shaped the city. If you’re curious about media and memory, add the Bophana Audiovisual Center for curated archives and rotating exhibits. Central areas are walkable for short distances, and there are city buses, but traffic is busy and stops aren’t always convenient. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation, including a car or tuk-tuk. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Phnom Penh inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Phnom Penh’s neighborhoods are best explored on a private tour with a guide who can show you the city's many layers. - Riverside: This vibrant area is great for families and groups, offering beautiful views of the Tonle Sap River, lively nightlife, and plenty of dining options. - Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung): Known for its bustling market, this neighborhood attracts cultural tourists looking to shop for unique local crafts and enjoy delicious street food. - Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1): A central hub for those seeking meaningful connections, BKK1 is filled with trendy cafes and boutiques, perfect for mingling with locals and expats alike. Day trip ideas from Phnom Penh From Phnom Penh, mix city energy with easy escapes to nearby temples, river islands, and green countryside on simple day trips and tours that follow your interests and pace. Oudong: Climb the hilltop stupas of the former royal capital for big views and a clear look at Cambodia’s Buddhist traditions, then wander local craft spots and small markets that show daily life outside the city. Koh Dach Silk Island: A short ferry ride lands you in quiet villages where looms click all day, and your tour can focus on meeting weavers, trying a simple workshop, cycling shaded lanes, and picking up handmade textiles at fair prices. Phnom Chisor and Tonle Bati: Explore 11th century temple ruins with sweeping views, then pair it with lakeside Ta Prohm at Tonle Bati for a relaxed picnic and calm water scenes, a good choice if you like light hikes and history in one day. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center: See rescued sun bears, gibbons, and other native wildlife in a forest setting, learning how conservation works in practice, and leave time for a roadside meal or a quick stop at nearby Tonle Bati if you want a varied day. Kampot and Kep: It is a longer day, yet pepper farms, a slow riverfront, salt fields, cave shrines, and the crab market in Kep make a strong mix for food lovers and photographers, with your tour balancing travel time and stops. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Phnom Penh most travellers miss.