Phnom Penh in 1 Day for Seniors - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda — coronation halls and national treasures
In Collaboration with Siem Reap Tour Guide. Updated on January 30, 2026.
Private, English-speaking guided half-day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. Visit the Royal Palace (including the Silver Pagoda), Wat Phnom, and the Independence Monument at a relaxed pace suitable for seniors and guests requiring easy access.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Siem Reap Tour Guide, inspired by the tour Half Day Tour to Royal Palace, Wat Phnom & Independent Monument. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda — coronation halls and national treasures
- Wat Phnom — Phnom Penh’s founding temple
- Independence Monument — iconic riverside landmark
- Private hotel pickup & comfortable A/C vehicle
- Short riverside coffee break to rest and refresh
Itinerary
Day 1
A gentle, accessible half-day sightseeing loop through Phnom Penh’s historic core. The guide and private vehicle will minimize walking distances and provide frequent rest stops.
Hotel pickup — lobby (central Phnom Penh)
Your private guide and A/C vehicle will meet you in your hotel lobby or a central pickup point in the city centre so you can board comfortably. Pickup time is 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Tips from local experts:
- If your hotel lobby has steps, request the driver to pull up as close as possible — most drivers will assist with luggage and mobility devices.
- Have any daily medicine (in original packaging) and mobility aids ready in hand for quick boarding.
- Confirm your room number and mobile phone number with the guide the evening before to avoid delays.
Transfer (short drive) to Royal Palace
Comfortable A/C drive across central Phnom Penh to the Royal Palace complex. Brief orientation from the guide en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Traffic can be light in the early morning—use this time to ask the guide questions about the day's route.
- Keep a small bottle of water handy; your guide provides bottled water, but a personal bottle is convenient between stops.
- For wheelchair users: confirm with the guide that they will drop you at the accessible entrance to minimize walking.
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda visit
Guided 60-minute visit through the Royal Palace grounds, Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda to see Cambodia’s most important royal treasures and architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. A light scarf is a good, senior-friendly option to keep with you.
- Wheelchair and stroller users: use the main accessible entrance and follow your guide—the palace has paved paths and seating areas but some sections have steps.
- Restroom facilities and shaded benches are available near the main entrance—ask your guide to point them out before you enter.
Transfer to Wat Phnom (drive)
Short drive to Wat Phnom. The guide will offer history and context while you ride; minimal walking required on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Seat belts are recommended—if you prefer to sit up front for easier egress, tell the driver.
- Morning visits are cooler and less crowded—ideal for photos without long queues.
- If you have difficulty with steps, advise the guide so they can arrange the gentlest approach point near the site.
Wat Phnom — short accessible visit
30-minute visit to the hilltop temple where Phnom Penh was founded. The guide explains the legend of Daun Penh and the temple’s significance.
Tips from local experts:
- Wat Phnom has steps to the top; if steps are difficult, request a shorter viewpoint visit from the base with your guide.
- There is limited shade on the hill—wear a sunhat and use a handheld fan if warm.
- Small altars and shaded benches near the base provide places to rest; the guide can help fetch cold water or assist with seating.
Walk / transfer to Independence Monument
Short, flat transfer or easy walk (depending on mobility) to the Independence Monument for photos and explanation of Cambodia’s modern history.
Tips from local experts:
- The monument sits in a busy roundabout—your guide will choose the safest spot for photos and minimize roadside walking.
- Morning is the best time for soft light photographs and cooler temperatures; bring sunglasses for the short exposure to sun.
- If you use a wheelchair, ask the guide to point out curb cuts and the best accessible approach for photos.
Independence Monument — visit & photos
20-minute visit to the monument area; learn about its role in Cambodian independence and key national ceremonies.
Tips from local experts:
- Traffic and noise levels can be higher around the roundabout—keep to the guide’s instructions for crossing streets.
- Benches and shaded spots around the nearby landscaped medians offer brief rest points—use them between photo ops.
- Ask the guide for a calm riverside photo angle (toward Sisowath Quay) to avoid the busy road in photos.
Riverside coffee & rest break (calm seating)
20-minute riverside pause at a quiet, senior-friendly spot to rest, use facilities and enjoy a drink before return. Guide recommends a light snack if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a shaded table; many riverside cafes have steps—ask for ground-floor seating when the guide orders.
- If you have dietary needs, request a simple snack like fruit, plain toast or tea—most cafes can accommodate basic requests.
- Use this time to recharge devices with the guide's portable charger or to take a short restroom break; confirm restroom accessibility before entering.
Transfer back to hotel & drop-off
Comfortable A/C transfer back to your hotel or central drop-off point. Driver and guide will assist with any steps or luggage.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off entrance with the guide (main lobby vs side entrance) to avoid stairs.
- If you need longer at the cafe or an extra restroom stop, request a short extension—most private tours can accommodate small timing shifts.
- Keep personal items and any souvenirs close; the guide will help load them into the vehicle to avoid bending or heavy lifting.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction, Break |