Phnom Penh in 1 Day for Seniors - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
In Collaboration with About Cambodia Travel & Tours . Updated on February 13, 2026.
Full-day private tour of Phnom Penh’s main sights with an English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up/drop-off and included entrance fees for the selected sites. Highlights: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom, Independence Monument and Central Market.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with About Cambodia Travel & Tours , inspired by the tour Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tour Included All Admission Tickets. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields and memorial stupa
- Wat Phnom and riverside highlights
- Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Itinerary
Day 1
A carefully paced private day tour around Phnom Penh’s principal historical and cultural sites. Hotel pick-up in the morning; the schedule below assumes an 08:00 start from your hotel lobby and returns to your hotel by 16:00.
Phnom Penh orientation (Riverside / Sisowath Quay)
Brief orientation drive and short riverside stop to introduce Phnom Penh, its river junction and the walkable riverside area before visiting the Royal Palace.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your hotel lobby ready for the 08:00 pick-up so the driver can depart on time.
- Keep a light layer handy — mornings can be slightly cooler near the river but warm up quickly.
- Bring a small bag for personal items you’ll need during short stops (water, hat, sunscreen).
Royal Palace
Visit the ornate Royal Palace complex, including the Throne Hall and royal grounds (parts of the palace remain closed where used by the royal family).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; some sites provide a sarong but having one speeds entry.
- Expect to remove shoes for certain buildings; wear easy-to-remove footwear for convenience.
- There are shaded seating areas on the palace grounds — use them to rest between walking segments.
Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morakot)
Located within the Royal Palace compound, the Silver Pagoda houses the Emerald/Baccarat crystal Buddha and a floor made of many silver tiles.
Tips from local experts:
- Observe the same modest dress rules as the Royal Palace; cameras are allowed but be respectful of worshippers.
- Floor surfaces can be uneven; walk slowly and use handrails when available.
- Carry a small bottle of water — staff provide drinking water during the tour, but a personal bottle is convenient between stops.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
Former secondary school turned security prison under the Khmer Rouge. A sobering museum documenting Cambodia’s recent history; visits are typically quiet and reflective.
Tips from local experts:
- This site is emotionally heavy; plan short, calm visits and sit when needed — benches are available in parts of the compound.
- Photography is permitted in many outdoor areas but follow signage and avoid photographing survivors' portraits up close.
- Carry tissues and drink water before entering; the museum has limited shaded outdoor waiting areas.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields)
Memorial site located outside central Phnom Penh marked by a stupa containing recovered skeletal remains and a walking path detailing the history of the site.
Tips from local experts:
- The memorial stupa is accessed by a short walk — bring a hat and water for the open, exposed areas.
- Wear comfortable, stable shoes for walking on paths that can be uneven; shaded benches are available at intervals.
- Observe quiet and respectful behavior throughout the memorial; audio guides are available onsite if you prefer paced narration.
Wat Phnom
The small hilltop pagoda that gave Phnom Penh its name. Short visit to the shrine and surrounding gardens.
Tips from local experts:
- The site sits on a small hill with steps — if stairs are difficult, inform the guide so they can suggest alternative viewpoints.
- Midday can be sunny; use sunscreen and the trees around the hill offer shade for short rests.
- Respect worship practices: speak quietly and avoid flash photography inside shaded shrine areas.
Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk (Independent Square area)
Short photo stop at the bronze memorial in the Independent Square area — a calm public space for a brief walk and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- This visit is a short outdoor stop — keep a small hat or umbrella for sun protection.
- Traffic around the square can be busy; stay with the guide while moving between viewpoints.
- Benches and shaded spots are nearby for a brief rest before the next stop.
Independence Monument
Lotus-shaped stupa monument commemorating Cambodia’s independence; quick visit and photo stop on the central boulevard.
Tips from local experts:
- The monument is best viewed from the roadside sidewalks; avoid stepping into traffic when taking photos.
- There are short walks between vista points — wear comfortable shoes and take a seat if you need a break.
- If you prefer a quieter moment, ask the guide to time the visit when traffic is lighter.
Wat Ounalom
Riverside pagoda near the Royal Palace that serves as an important Buddhist center with a library and traditional architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Modest dress remains required; cover shoulders and knees and remove hats inside covered shrine areas.
- Some areas have low lighting and steps — proceed slowly and use handrails where provided.
- There are often monks and worshippers on site — be courteous and avoid interrupting rituals or ceremonies.
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Iconic Art Deco market built in 1937 with covered domes and many stalls offering crafts, textiles and local goods — ideal for a short shopping stroll.
Tips from local experts:
- The market lanes can be busy and slightly uneven; keep small bags closed and close to you to avoid pickpocketing.
- If you plan to shop, carry small change and try items in a few stalls to compare—vendors are used to short negotiations.
- There are shaded sections and seating near the main dome — use them to rest and regroup before the transfer back to your hotel.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Shopping |
