The 10 Best Full-Day Tours in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a city that rewards a well-planned full-day tour. Its mix of royal palaces, somber historical sites, bustling markets, and riverside scenery makes for a day packed with variety and compelling stories. We love tours that combine cultural highlights with meaningful history—like visiting the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields—and even those with a touch of adventure, such as boat cruises around the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The tours listed here cover a broad spectrum, from private, intimate experiences to small-group explorations, ensuring you’ll find one suited to your interests and travel style.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, personalized day out, the Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tour (link) is a standout. For those wanting a budget-friendly yet insightful day, the Full Day Tour for Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields & More (link) offers excellent value. For a taste of local life and scenic river views, consider the Oudong and Koh Chen Island tour (link). Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top choices and what makes them special.
1. Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tour Included All Admission Tickets
This full-day private tour offers a deep dive into Phnom Penh’s key sights with all admission tickets included. It covers the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, providing a comprehensive look at Cambodia’s royal and tragic histories. The private format means your guide can tailor the stops to your interests, and you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
What sets this tour apart is the exclusive experience—your group’s private guide will give detailed insights into each site, making history come alive. Reviews often praise its excellent organization and knowledgeable guides, like Silong and Sam, who answer every question with patience. Expect a well-rounded day that balances cultural beauty with sobering history, perfect for travelers who want an intimate, personalized experience.
Bottom Line: If you value private attention and a curated visit to Phnom Penh’s biggest highlights, this tour delivers at a fair price.
2. A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields & More
For around $40, this budget-friendly, yet highly detailed tour hits many of Phnom Penh’s major attractions. It includes visits to Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, and the National Museum with an expert guide explaining each site in detail. After a break for lunch, the tour continues with the sobering S21 Prison and Killing Fields, where you’ll learn about Cambodia’s darkest chapter under the Khmer Rouge.
Guests appreciate that the tour is small—limited to seven travelers—allowing for more personal conversations. The guide’s ability to translate and share stories makes complex history accessible. Many reviewers, like Sina and Jum Reap, find this a respectful yet eye-opening experience that balances historical depth with cultural exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want an affordable, rundown, including the harrowing history of Cambodia’s recent past.
3. Phnom Penh Vital Discovery-Full Day Tour (Including all services)
Ideal for first-time visitors, this private tour covers many of Phnom Penh’s highlights, from the Royal Palace to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The itinerary is customizable, and with included hotel transfers, the logistics are seamless. The tour also offers a lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of Cambodian cuisine.
What’s nice about this experience is the personalized attention—your guide will adapt the day to your interests. The included entrance fees make it straightforward, and guests report that the guide’s knowledge and friendliness enhance the experience. It’s a smart choice for those who want a balanced, well-organized day with cultural, historical, and shopping elements.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a flexible, all-inclusive private tour that hits the major sites comfortably, this tour is a top pick.
4. Oudong and Koh Chen Island – Full Day Cruise & Tour with English speaking guide
This full-day cruise combines a scenic river journey with cultural discovery. Starting from Phnom Penh, you’ll cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, exploring floating fishing villages and local riverbank life. The tour includes a visit to Koh Chen Island, famous for its silver crafts, where you can see artisans at work. The highlight is climbing Oudong Mountain to see Buddha statues amid spectacular scenery.
What makes this tour unique is its mix of boat travel, countryside exploration, and historic visits—all in one day. The guide’s local knowledge and the included lunch, drinks, and entrance fees add value. Guests rave about the staff’s friendliness and the relaxing boat ride that makes the trip special.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, culturally rich experience that combines river life with a historic mountain climb.
5. Full-Day Phnom Penh City Tours
This group-friendly tour offers a thorough exploration of Phnom Penh’s essential sights, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Killing Fields. The guide provides detailed stories behind each attraction, making the history accessible and engaging. The tour is a good choice for those who want a structured day without the hassle of planning.
Guests praise the guide, Jenny, for her ability to bring the sites to life, and the comfort of the air-conditioned transport. The tour is an efficient way to see the city’s highlights and historical memorials in one day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a guided overview of Phnom Penh’s top attractions with historical context.
6. Khmer Cooking Class Full Day
For something a bit different, this full-day cooking class is a flavorful way to connect with Cambodian culture. Starting with a walk through a local market, your instructor guides you through shopping for herbs and vegetables. Then, you’ll learn to cook traditional dishes like spring rolls, fish amok, and mango salad.
What makes this experience stand out is the hands-on approach and the chance to take home the recipes. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to bring a taste of Cambodia back home. Guests appreciate the chef’s assistance and the opportunity to learn in a friendly kitchen environment.
Bottom Line: Great for those interested in culinary arts and tasting authentic Khmer cuisine.
7. Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour & Killing Field
This comprehensive private tour combines cultural sightseeing with a poignant visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It covers the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Wat Phnom, followed by sobering memorial visits.
Guests often highlight the personal insights shared by guides like Sina, which add emotional depth to the experience. The day is well-paced, with private transport making the long distances manageable. It’s suited for travelers ready to confront Cambodia’s recent history in a respectful manner.
Bottom Line: If you want a full picture of Phnom Penh’s culture and its recent tragedies, this tour offers a thoughtful, guided journey.
8. Full Day Phnom Penh City Tour with Private vehicle and guide
This private, all-in-one tour hits major landmarks like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng, with the comfort of a private vehicle. The guide shares personal stories and detailed explanations, making the history relatable. The mass graves of the Killing Fields are also included, providing a solemn reminder of Cambodia’s recent trauma.
Guests find this tour valuable for its flexibility and the opportunity for personal attention. The guide’s insights about Cambodia’s culture and history elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a private, comprehensive tour with a knowledgeable guide.
9. Full Day Discover Oudong Mountain – Former Capital City & Phnom Penh City Tours
This private tour takes you outside Phnom Penh to Oudong Mountain, the ancient royal capital. The visit includes historic ruins, stupas, and sweeping views of the countryside. Returning to Phnom Penh, the tour covers key sites like Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace, making it a full-day culture.
Guests commend the tour guide’s knowledge and the scenic beauty of Oudong. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine history, architecture, and countryside views in one trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to explore Cambodia’s royal history beyond Phnom Penh’s city limits.
10. Free eSim Historical Phnom Penh Full Day Tour
This affordably priced tour offers a guided look at Phnom Penh’s main attractions, including the Central Market, Tuol Sleng Museum, and Choeung Ek. The eSIM makes navigation and communication easy, and the guide provides rich commentary on Cambodia’s recent history and culture.
Guests appreciate the flexible itinerary and the opportunity to shop at markets. The tour balances sightseeing with meaningful reflection on Cambodia’s past.
Bottom Line: Excellent for budget-conscious travelers wanting a guided overview with connectivity perks.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Phnom Penh
When selecting a full-day tour, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you prefer a private, personalized experience that focuses on in-depth storytelling, the Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tour (link) is hard to beat. For a more economical yet detailed history lesson, the Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields tour (link) offers excellent value.
History enthusiasts might favor the Full Day Discover Oudong Mountain (link), which combines royal history and scenic views. For those wanting a culinary twist, the Khmer Cooking Class (link) makes your visit memorable with hands-on cooking.
Timing also matters: tours like the City and Killing Fields combo avoid the midday heat by starting early, while river cruises are best during dry seasons. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak months.
Final Thoughts
Phnom Penh offers a wide range of full-day tours that suit different interests and budgets. If you’re after a thorough immersion, the private All-Inclusive Tour (link) will satisfy your curiosity about Cambodia’s royal and tragic past. For a more active or scenic day, the Oudong and Koh Chen trip (link) delivers memorable river views and craft demonstrations.
Travelers seeking a reflective experience should consider the Killing Fields and S21 Museum tours, which poignantly highlight Cambodia’s recent history. Meanwhile, culinary explorers will enjoy the Khmer cooking classes, which blend learning and tasting.
Whatever your interests, booking early ensures you secure your preferred date, especially in high season. With so many options, there’s no reason not to make the most of your full day in Phnom Penh.