Review Of A Phnom Penh 3 Days Itinerary By Mrs. Asselot's Family

During this Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary, besides my husband and myself, we were accompanied by our two children: Clément (12 years old) and Camille (9 years old). That’s why we wanted to dedicate some time in Phnom Penh to ensure the children could fully enjoy themselves.
Our 3-day family trip in Phnom Penh was thoughtfully designed with the support of the Autour Asia team. On the first day, we explored the historical and cultural sites of Phnom Penh. On the second day, we set aside time for the kids to enjoy popular entertainment spots. Finally, on the last day, we relaxed by the Mekong River.
Regarding Phnom Penh weather, we were fortunate to travel to Cambodia in November, which is one of the best times of the year for tourism as it falls during the dry season. However, the number of tourists was quite significant since it’s also the peak season. This did not bother us, and we thoroughly enjoyed our decision to travel in November. Nevertheless, if you prefer to explore Cambodia in a quieter and less crowded setting, you might consider traveling during the low or mid-season of Phnom Penh weather.

The Royal Palace is a must-see in our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary. Located along the banks of the Mekong River, this palace complex is one of the city's most famous attractions and a stunning example of traditional Khmer architecture. Today, it still serves as the residence of the King of Cambodia. It's magnificent, with many buildings and beautifully maintained gardens. We were truly fascinated. Clément took many photos, and the kids insisted on taking pictures of us in front of all the statues and temples! 

Besides the palace, you can also visit the Silver Pagoda, which is equally beautiful. Part of it remains the King’s residence, so some areas are closed to the public. We paid an entrance fee of $25, and luckily, I changed into pants before leaving because wearing anything above the knee would have prevented us from entering. So, remember to wear or bring appropriate clothing.

During our 3 days in Phnom Penh, we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former school turned prison under the Khmer Rouge regime. It became the largest detention and torture center in the country, bearing witness to the atrocities committed between 1975 and 1979, which claimed the lives of over 2 million Cambodians. To protect our children, we opted not to take an audio guide, as the visuals and atmosphere alone were impactful. We had many discussions with our kids about this dark period and answered their questions about the civil war. However, we decided not to visit the Killing Fields, fearing the violent imagery might affect them.

Before lunch, we visited Wat Phnom, an iconic site in Phnom Penh. This temple, perched atop a hill, is a sacred place for locals and visitors alike. We took the opportunity to offer prayers and admire the traditional Khmer architecture and the serene atmosphere. It was also a great spot for taking souvenir photos of our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary, with its beautiful sculptures and lush greenery offering picturesque views of the city.

After a busy morning, the afternoon of our first day was more relaxed. We visited the Russian Market, a truly iconic place in Phnom Penh. It’s the perfect spot to find souvenirs and affordable clothing. The atmosphere was quite stifling due to the lack of air conditioning, but we got to experience an authentic slice of local culture. The market is a maze of stalls offering a wide variety of items: handmade jewelry, spices, textiles, musical instruments, and antiques. There were also many food stalls serving delicious local specialties and fresh tropical fruits. We spent hours browsing and picked up a few items: a new dress for Camille, some Cambodian silver bracelets, and a wooden elephant statue for our eldest, Clément.

To end our first day of the Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary, we opted for a guided cyclo tour - a fun and unique way to explore the city. This traditional tricycle offers a slower-paced experience compared to cars or tuk-tuks. During the ride, we admired several beautiful temples, including one with monkeys, much to the delight of the children. Among them was a majestic pagoda where monks dine, and street children wait at the end to collect leftovers. This impressive place stood out for its walls adorned with frescoes depicting the story of Buddha.

The second day of our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary was entirely dedicated to Clément and Camille, and the kids were already excited from the morning. Our first destination of the day was the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. Located about 40 km south of Phnom Penh, this sanctuary houses over 1,200 animals from more than 100 different species, many of which are endangered or threatened. Among its residents are elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, and crocodiles. The center's primary goal is to rehabilitate and care for wildlife affected by poaching or habitat destruction. The animals roam in large enclosures where they can move freely before being treated and potentially reintroduced into their natural environment. While Camille was a bit shy around the larger animals, Clément was extremely excited to see the elephants strolling peacefully. This young man has a particular fondness for elephants and tigers, and this experience seemed to fulfill his enthusiasm.

Children always love water parks, and Garden City Water Park was our family’s choice for the afternoon of the second day in our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary. Located about 15 km north of Phnom Penh, it is the largest water park in Cambodia. The park offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including fun slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a playground designed specifically for kids. Additionally, we rented folding chairs and a cabin for the whole family as it wasn’t practical to prepare a picnic on our own. We had lunch nearby, though restaurants are also available within the water park. Clément and Camille had a refreshing and enjoyable time here.

On our last day in Phnom Penh, we decided to do some shopping at AEON MALL Sen Sok after reading positive reviews. Like many shopping malls, it offers a wide variety of stores, although the prices are slightly high. Most shops favor card payments. The mall is very family-friendly, with several play areas, making it an ideal spot for families. My children settled into a bowling zone and seemed to have a great time.

To wrap up our 3 days in Phnom Penh, we opted for a boat cruise on the Mekong to enjoy the sunset. It was a stunning experience, offering breathtaking views of Phnom Penh as we gently glided along the water. During the cruise, we spotted local fishermen at work, floating houses, and, to our delight, even caught a glimpse of a few freshwater dolphins. It was a magical moment for the whole family. We captured many beautiful photos, thanks to the enchanting sunset.

I hope my insights into our family trip of 3 days in Phnom Penh will be helpful, especially if you plan a similar visit. I also want to thank Autour Asia for their invaluable assistance in organizing our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary and their excellent recommendations on places to visit. I highly recommend Autour Asia to anyone planning to visit Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries!