Phnom Penh – The capital city still maintains considerable charm for visitor to see. The city has a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and finest cultural and historical attractions: starting from Wat Phnom and the beautiful Royal Palace, the trip continues to the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda, so named because of its floor that comprises 5,000 silver tiles and topped by a gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds.
If you have limited time to visit, the following itineary program is for you.
Half Day Visit
Mekong island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture and aquaculture. Travel across and stop to see the silk weavers at work in the village. Explore local Cambodian life on our sunset island visit and boat cruise.
Pick up in the afternoon is between 2 – 2.30pm by local moto-remork (Cambodian tuk tuk).
This afternoon we explore local Cambodian life on our sunset island visit and boat cruise. Head out of town on the Japanese Friendship Bridge destroyed in 1975 and reconstructed by the Japanese in 1993.
Catch a vehicle ferry across the mighty Mekong River to Mekong Island. You can purchase some of the local product if you wish. Visit a Buddhist temple and experience the simple life style of the local people around 85% of who earn their living from agriculture or aquaculture.
Take time to see fields of rice, morning glory and fruit. Enjoy some local snacks and wander around the small produce market. Stop to look around the Vietnamese village and see the fishing boats, floating fish farms and the pretty Catholic Church.
Enjoy the sunset from the water at the junction of the Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong Rivers. Enjoy seeing the distinctive architecture of Cambodia where Khmer influenced buildings such as Wat Ounalom, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda meet French colonial buildings
One-day itinerary
Begin your tour of this charming small city mountain – Wat Phnom. Founded in 1373, the pagoda was built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river and now it has been a popular for visitor.
Then Visit the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom. You can see the different structures of this pagoda-style compound and stroll in its beautiful garden and Silver Pagoda so named because of its floor that is comprised of 5,000 silver tiles. A gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha are also founded here.
Visit the nearby National Museum, built in 1917 Â – the exceptional example of traditional architecture and is exclusively devoted to preserving and displaying Khmer art and sculptures. Hundreds of pieces are housed here including both pre-and post-Angkorian pieces
Note: National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace are open every day. However, the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace may be closed without prior notice while H.M. the King is in the residence.