City Guide – Phnom Penh

September 26, 2023 – Phnom Penh

After breakfast on board this morning, Tuk Tuk drivers (2 pax/tuk tuk) meet you on the pier for an exciting morning tour of Phnom Penh. Drive pass Wat Phnom and Independence Monument before start your morning tour at Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to an “Emerald Buddha” made of Baccarat crystal, and a life-size Maitreya Buddha encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Your Tuk Tuk is waiting outside to take you on the short ride to the open-air National Museum, housing the largest collection of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts excavated at the Angkor Temple complex at Siem Reap, as well as other areas around Cambodia.

After returning to the ship, enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh—shopping, dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants, or exploring the city independently.

*There is a scheduled shuttle coach with your local guide provided from the port to the Central Market for your shopping time.

Before dinner, local children entertain guests on our Sun Deck with a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, as well as traditional folk dances.(B/L/D)

September 27, 2023 – Phnom Penh

This morning, learn more about the darkest days of Cambodian history. After a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship, you arrive at the Choeung Ek killing fields, where you may walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Before returning to the ship, tour Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former school converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.

After returning to the ship, enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh – shopping, dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants, or exploring the city independently.

This evening after dinner we’ll have an optional excursion visiting the local gay bars of Phnom Pehn. (B/L/D)

Free Time Activities:

Phnom Penh Autonomous port is located along the Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh 12201 near Chroy Changvar bridge.  Should you wish to explore Phnom Penh, you could order a taxi or local remok by Grab or ask the ship’s crew to assist. For every stop, there are a lot of remok drivers standing by. For your information, not all drivers can speak English.

SILK ISLAND Koh Okhna Tei  9.3 MI / 15 KM AWAY

Traditional silk-weaving center on an island, featuring villages with demonstrations, shops & tours.

Address: Oknha Tei Commune, Kandal Province, Cambodia.

Russian Market 4 MI / 6.5 KM AWAY

The market was called Russian after the Soviet expats who lived in the capital and shopped here in the 1980s, when the country was ruled by fellow Communist regime, Vietnam. At this time, Cambodia was shunned by most western countries and travelers. It’s the bustling market with vendors selling a wide array of souvenirs, clothing & other goods, plus food.

Hours: 6AM-4:30PM

Address: St. 163 Corner of St. 440, 12310, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Bassac Land 2.3 MI / 3.8 KM AWAY

A small walking laneway hidden just off the busy St.308 complete with Boutique Cocktail Bars & Restaurants, considered Phnom Penh’s hidden diamond

Hours: 5PM-12AM

Address: St 308, 12301, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Gay Phnom Penh:

Blue Chili Bar and Cafe

The longest running gay bar in Cambodia. https://www.facebook.com/newbluechilli

Address: #36e0, Street 178

Tel: +855 12 566 353

Space Hair Salon and Bar

During the day, the Salon offers a wide variety of hair coloring, cutting and texturing techniques applied by a licensed hairdresser to both men and women. During the evening, the salon becomes a unique gay bar in Phnom Penh, with the most exquisite cocktails and tons of fun. https://www.facebook.com/spacehairsalonandbar

Address: No. 66, Street 136, Pshar Kandal 1

Tel: +855 16 916 263

For more information on gay Phnom Penh: https://www.travelgay.com/destination/gay-cambodia/gay-phnom-penh

Restaurant Recommendations:

Fat Passion

Fat Passion located in the heart of Phnom Penh; is a relatively new café & restaurant that chef serves up some creative dishes, home-cooked pita breads, mixed salads, sandwiches and a selection of drinks and coffee.

Features: Cafe, restaurant, music, shop, free wi-fi

Address: street 184, Daun Penh, 12206

Tel: (855) 96 382 6447

Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

Hops Craft Beer Garden & Restaurant

It’s the first independent international craft beer brewery & beer garden, Hops’ unique, modern beer gardens are named after the “soul” of beer. An essential element that delivers resins and essential oils, Hops influences a beer’s aroma, flavor, bitterness, head retention and perceived sweetness.

Address: No. 17 Street 228 Phnom Penh, 12207

Tel: (855) 93 999 014

Hours: 11:00am – 01:11am

Website: http://hops-brewery.com/

Malis Restaurant

A high-end Cambodian restaurant which located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Malis serves Living Cambodian Cuisine in a beautiful fountain garden surrounded by indoor seating. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Malis also offers private dining rooms for business lunches or special events.

Address: No. 136 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tel: (855) 15 814 888

Hours: 06:30am – 10:30pm

Website: https://malis.thalias.com.kh/

Stonegrill

It is in a perfect location and has established itself in over 50 Countries worldwide and has become globally recognized as one of the healthiest ways to eat the true natural flavours of quality meat and seafood. Stonegrill was designed to provide a unique, healthy and interactive dining experience

Address: Street 169, Boeungkak, Sangkat SrasChrok, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh

Tel: (855) 81 333 220

Hours: 11:30am – Mid-night

Website: http://hops-brewery.com/