How to Plan Your Phnom Penh: Mekong River Sunset Cruise

If you’re looking for a memorable experience during your visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Mekong River Sunset Cruise is an excellent option. This tour offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sunset along the Mekong River and explore the fascinating city of Phnom Penh in the evening. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your tour:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

To ensure that you have a spot on the tour, it’s best to book in advance. You can book the Phnom Penh: Mekong River Sunset Cruise on GetYourGuide, a trusted online travel agency. The tour includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off, boat cruise, entrance fees where applicable, and a one-way tuk-tuk ride. You’ll also enjoy free-flowing drinks (beer and soft drinks) and a fruit platter during the sunset cruise.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Tour

Before your tour, it’s important to prepare accordingly. Dress comfortably and bring appropriate clothing for the weather. You’ll likely want to bring a light jacket or sweater as it can get breezy on the boat during the sunset. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses, as it can get quite sunny during the day. You should also bring a camera to capture the beautiful sunset and city views.

Step 3: Enjoy Your Tour

On the day of your tour, a driver will pick you up from your hotel in the afternoon and take you to the boat pier. You’ll board a traditional wooden boat and start your journey along the Mekong River. The boat offers a unique and comfortable way to explore the river and take in the sunset.

During your cruise, you’ll admire the stunning views of the city while relaxing and indulging in free-flowing drinks and a fruit platter. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into the daily life of fishermen and witness the traditional stilted houses in the fishing neighborhoods along the river.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll experience a breathtaking view of the colonial sights in Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Diamond Island, and the Tonle Sap Four Faces River. You’ll likely want to capture this moment on camera to remember it forever.

After the tour, a tuk-tuk driver will transport you back to your hotel, ensuring that you’ll have a safe and comfortable ride.

Step 4: Special Notes

It’s important to note that the boat cruise is weather dependent, so it’s possible that the tour may be canceled in case of inclement weather. Additionally, it’s important to respect the local culture and environment and be mindful of your surroundings during the tour.

Conclusion

The Phnom Penh: Mekong River Sunset Cruise is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the city and the river at sunset. By following these simple steps, you can plan your tour and enjoy this incredible journey. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance, and prepare accordingly to ensure that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Insider’s Guide to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the bustling capital city of Cambodia, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The city is located on the banks of the Mekong River, providing tourists with a diverse range of activities and experiences. Here is an insider’s guide to exploring Phnom Penh, including its local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

Royal Palace: The Royal Palace is a must-visit attraction in Phnom Penh. It is the official residence of the King of Cambodia and features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and important cultural artifacts.

S-21 Prison Museum: The S-21 Prison Museum is a former school converted into a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. It is a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s tragic history and the atrocities committed during that time.

National Museum of Cambodia: The National Museum of Cambodia is the largest museum of cultural history in the country, showcasing Khmer artifacts and sculptures from the Angkor Wat era.

Russian Market: The Russian Market is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. It offers a variety of Cambodian handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Dining Spots

Romdeng: Romdeng is a restaurant specializing in traditional Cambodian cuisine. It is run by Friends-International, a local NGO that provides vocational training to disadvantaged youth.

Friends the Restaurant: Another restaurant associated with Friends-International is Friends the Restaurant. It offers a wide range of international and Cambodian dishes, all made from locally-sourced ingredients.

Bopha Phnom Penh Titanic Restaurant: This restaurant is located on a boat anchored on the Mekong River, offering stunning views of the city and a delicious selection of Khmer and international cuisine.

Vego Salad Bar: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, Vego Salad Bar offers a selection of delicious and healthy dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients.

Cultural Experiences

Apsara Dance Performance: The Apsara dance is a traditional Khmer dance that dates back to the Angkor Wat era. Several venues in Phnom Penh offer Apsara dance performances, giving tourists a chance to experience this unique art form.

Cambodian Living Arts: Cambodian Living Arts is an organization that aims to preserve and promote Cambodian performing arts. They offer regular performances in Phnom Penh, showcasing traditional dance, music, and theater.

Khmer Ceramics and Fine Arts Centre: The Khmer Ceramics and Fine Arts Centre is a studio that specializes in traditional Cambodian pottery and ceramic art. Visitors can take workshops and learn the techniques used by Khmer artisans.

Local History

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is also known as S-21, and it was one of the most notorious prisons during the Khmer Rouge regime. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn more about Cambodia’s tragic history and the atrocities committed during this time.

Killing Fields: The Killing Fields are a series of sites where the Khmer Rouge executed and buried thousands of innocent people. The Choeung Ek Killing Fields are located just outside Phnom Penh and are a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past.

Independence Monument: The Independence Monument is a historic landmark in Phnom Penh, symbolizing Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Kandal Market: Kandal Market is a local market offering a wide range of Cambodian cuisine. It is a great place to sample traditional street food and experience the local culture.

Koh Dach Island: Koh Dach Island is a small island in the Mekong River, located just a short ferry ride from Phnom Penh. It is known for its silk weaving, and visitors can see traditional silk-making techniques in action.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre is a sanctuary for over 1,200 animals, including endangered species. Visitors can take a guided tour of the center and learn more about the conservation efforts in Cambodia.

Conclusion

Phnom Penh offers visitors a diverse range of activities and experiences, from exploring the city’s rich history to sampling its delicious cuisine and enjoying its vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in traditional dance performances, local markets, or sobering reminders of Cambodia’s tragic past, there is something for everyone in this bustling city. Don’t forget to end your trip with a Mekong River sunset cruise, providing a perfect ending to your adventure in Phnom Penh.