Phnom Penh is a lively city full of contrasts — ancient temples, colonial architecture, bustling markets, and sobering historical sites. While many travelers spend just a day or two exploring the capital, it’s worth setting aside time for a well-planned 2-day tour. Some visits focus on cultural landmarks like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, while others take you into surrounding countryside or even into the jungle for a trek up Cambodia’s highest peak. The 2-Day Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Temples tour stands out for its mix of historic site visits and local experiences, like tasting fried tarantulas at Skun Market. Meanwhile, the Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & Return, 2 Day Private Tour offers a private, tailored journey with stops at Oudong Hill and Prey Pros Lake, perfect for travelers who appreciate personalized service. For those who want a comprehensive look at Phnom Penh’s highlights, the Phnom Penh: 2-Day City Highlights Tour is an excellent choice, including the Genocidal Museum S21 Prison and river cruises. Whatever your interests, these options give you a taste of Cambodia’s history, scenery, and local life.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of 2-day tours in Phnom Penh, from cultural and historical explorations to scenic adventures. Some tours focus on visiting Angkor Temples with a mix of villages and local markets, like 2-Day Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Temples, while others offer private, tailored experiences that include stops at Oudong Hill or Prey Pros Lake. For adventurous travelers, there’s a hiking and camping option in the Aural Mountains, and for those interested in local life, tours visiting Skun Market or fishing villages are appealing. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you decide which fits your style and interests.
1. 2-Day Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Temples
This well-rounded 2-day tour offers a taste of Cambodian culture and history by combining a scenic journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with visits to Angkor Wat and surrounding UNESCO sites. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the famous temples of Angkor but also enjoy some local flavor along the way. The itinerary kicks off with a stop at Skun Spider Sanctuary where you can try fried tarantulas — a true local delicacy and conversation starter. Then, you’ll visit Kampong Kdei, an ancient bridge from the 12th century, and take a wooden boat to the Kampong Khleang village on Tonle Sap Lake. The second day begins early with the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat, a must-see experience. The guide makes the history accessible, and the combination of cultural sites and rural visits makes this trip a great value at just $125 per person.
Guests love the mix of interesting stops and culture. One reviewer notes, “Our driver Sithy was lovely and very knowledgeable, which made the trip easy.” Perfect for travelers who want a full experience in just two days without sacrificing depth.
Bottom Line: This tour balances history, culture, and local life in a way that’s engaging and affordable.
2. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & Return, 2 Day Private Tour
For those seeking privacy and flexibility, this private 2-day tour offers a tailored experience. Starting with a personal pickup from your hotel, the trip includes stops at Udong Hill, with stunning views and ancient stupas, and a visit to Skun Market to sample local snacks like fried spiders. The guide also takes you to Prey Pros Lake for a Khmer lunch, then continues to the historic Kampong Kdei bridge before arriving in Siem Reap. The next day features a sunrise at Angkor Wat and visits to other temples like Ta Prohm and Bayon, offering a comprehensive temple tour.
This private approach ensures you can customize your stops, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a personalized experience and more in-depth exploration. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the smooth, worry-free logistics. At $125 per person, it’s a good value for a personalized journey.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a flexible, intimate experience with expert guiding and tailored stops.
3. Two Day Tour, Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Angkor Temple and Back
This full-package, private two-day journey makes the most of your travel time between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It includes pit stops at Skun Spider Market for snacks, and Prasat Kuha Nokor, an Angkorian temple in Kampong Thom. The focus is on efficient sightseeing combined with scenic drives. Day 1 features a private taxi ride, with optional stops along the route, emphasizing comfort and convenience. The next day is spent at Angkor Wat, exploring its intricate carvings and expansive grounds.
While it’s slightly higher in price at $130, this tour offers flexible timings and the chance to see both cultural sights and local markets along the way. Reviewers note the smooth logistics and excellent driver service make this a stress-free choice for those on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine long-distance travel with culture in a comfortable, private setting.
4. Phnom Penh: 2-Day Aural Mountains Hiking Adventure
For the adventurous at heart, this 2-day hiking trip takes you to Cambodia’s highest peak, Phnom Aural, in the Cardamom Mountains. Starting from Phnom Penh, the tour involves trekking through lush forests, swimming at waterfalls, and camping in a remote, peaceful spot. During the hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views and a chance to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts. The tour is rated perfect by those who appreciate nature and physical activity — the trekking can be quite challenging, especially in the heat, but the payoff is a sense of achievement and unmatched scenery.
The guide, Lina, ensures everything runs smoothly, from trekking logistics to meals. One reviewer called it “a great experience” despite the difficulty, highlighting the camping under the stars as a highlight.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers wanting to combine hiking and camping in a pristine setting.
5. 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours
This private two-day tour covers major sights like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Starting at 8 am, your private guide will customize the day to focus on history, culture, and local markets. The itinerary includes shopping at Central Market and a visit to Wat Phnom, making it a rundown of Phnom Penh’s highlights. The guide’s personalized approach makes this tour flexible, and guests appreciate the careful attention to their interests.
Priced at $155, this tour offers a more intimate experience compared to group tours, ideal for visitors who want a detailed, relaxed look at Phnom Penh. The reviewer praised the guide’s knowledge and tasty lunch arrangements.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who prefer a personalized, in-depth city tour with flexible stops.
$155.00 per person
6. Phnom Penh: 2-Day City Highlights Tour
This group tour covers Phnom Penh’s key landmarks over two days, including the Royal Palace, Genocidal Museum S21, Wat Phnom, and the Mekong River. It’s designed for those who want a structured overview of the city’s most important sites, with transportation and guide included. The tour emphasizes Cambodia’s complex history and vibrant culture, with opportunities for shopping and scenic river views.
Rated an impressive 4.9/5, the tour is well-liked for its comprehensive itinerary and friendly guides. It’s perfect for travelers who want to tick off major sights without the hassle of planning, and the group size keeps it lively.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a full, organized exploration of Phnom Penh’s highlights.
$295 per group up to 6
7. Phnom Penh: 2-Day Guided Tour with Royal Palace & Market
This guided 2-day tour combines cultural visits with some shopping and local market exploration. Highlights include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Central Market. The guide also takes you to Wat Phnom and discusses Cambodia’s history with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum. A ferry cruise along the Mekong River adds a scenic touch. The tour focuses on history and local culture, making it suitable for travelers interested in in-depth stories and famous landmarks.
Rated 4.9/5, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and well-organized itinerary. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a structured, informative experience.
Bottom Line: Best for history enthusiasts wanting a detailed, guided look at Phnom Penh.
$336 per group up to 6
8. From Siem Reap: 2-Day Battambang and Phnom Penh Tour
This tour takes you from Siem Reap into the scenic countryside of Battambang, then onward to Phnom Penh. It’s perfect for those wanting to see more of Cambodia’s rural life, with highlights like French colonial architecture, the famous Bamboo Train, and Phnom Sam Pov bat exodus. The journey is marked by scenic views and cultural stops, offering a deep dive into local scenes that many mainland tours skip. The tour is priced at $269 per person and includes transport and guides.
Travelers enjoy the authentic village experiences and opportunity to witness traditional crafts. It suits those who want to combine city and countryside in their trip.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers interested in culture, scenery, and a slower pace.
$269 per person
9. Phnom Penh: 2-Day Tour to Phnom Da & Phnom Chiso
For history and archaeology buffs, this 2-day tour explores ancient temples like Phnom Da and Phnom Chiso, along with the ancient city of Long Vek. It offers insight into Cambodia’s prehistoric and early historic periods. You’ll also visit Udong Hill and see memorials related to the Khmer Rouge. The guide helps you appreciate the significance of these sites, and the scenery from the hills is stunning. It costs around $563 per group, making it suitable for small groups or families interested in less-visited archaeological sites.
Reviews highlight the depth of historical knowledge shared by guides and the peaceful rural setting.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those keen on archaeology, history, and cultural sites outside the usual tourist trail.
$563 per group up to 6
10. Phnom Penh: 2-Day Tour with Royal Palace & Killing Fields
This comprehensive tour covers both the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the somber history of the Killing Fields. It’s a balanced itinerary that combines royal splendor with tragic history. You’ll visit Wat Phnom, the Genocidal Museum S21, and the Killing Field, along with a stop at Phnom Tamao Zoological Park. Starting at $463, it is more expensive but provides a deep understanding of Cambodia’s past and present.
Guests note the emotional impact and educational value of visiting these sites together. It’s ideal for history-minded travelers who want a comprehensive view.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a full perspective on Cambodia’s history and culture in a single trip.
$463 per group up to 6
11. PhnomPenh: 2 Day Trekking & Camping to Mt. Knang Phsar
For outdoor enthusiasts, this tour offers trekking and camping on Mount Knang Phsar, Cambodia’s highest peak. It features trekking through forests, spotting local wildlife, and camping in beautiful, secluded spots. The experience varies with the season — lush greenery June-December or golden landscapes January-May. It’s highly rated for nature and adventure lovers who want to escape the city and enjoy authentic rural scenery.
Many describe the experience as “a great adventure,” with beautiful views and homemade wine from local communities. This is the tour for those who want physical challenge combined with cultural exchange.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers seeking outdoor adventure and scenic vistas.
$219 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect 2-Day Tour
When selecting your ideal 2-day trip in Phnom Penh, consider your interests and fitness level. Want to explore Angkor Temples with ease? The 2-Day Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Temples offers a well-rounded experience. Looking for personalized guidance? The Private Tour might be best. If you’re into adventure and nature, the Aural Mountains Hike provides a challenging trek with camping options.
Budget travelers should compare prices like $125 for many group or semi-private options, while history buffs may appreciate tours that include Killing Fields and S21. For convenience, book early, especially during peak season (November to February), and double-check if private or group tours better match your style.
In Summary
Phnom Penh offers a rich variety of 2-day tours suited to different interests — from cultural and historical explorations to adventures in nature. For a balanced introduction, the 2-Day Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Temples gives you a taste of temples, local life, and rural scenes. For something more personalized, the private tour options deliver tailored experiences with guides who know Cambodia inside out. If your idea of fun includes trekking and camping, the Mount Aural adventure will satisfy your craving for physical activity and scenic beauty.
No matter which you pick, booking early will ensure you secure your spot, especially during popular months. Cambodia’s diverse landscape and history make these tours a worthwhile investment in understanding this fascinating country.