Two Day Trip out of Phnom Penh Capital City
Do not want to visit Killing Field and Genocidal Museum in Phnom Penh? This is a perfect itinerary for you to see some ancient temples and zoo. Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective and Phnom Penh's surroundings.
Highlights:
- Explore ancient Khmer temples including Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau
- Climb Phnom Chiso for panoramic countryside views
- Discover rarely visited Neang Khmao Temple ruins
- Visit Cambodias largest wildlife park at Tamao Zoo
- Walk the sacred hills of the former capital Udong
- See royal stupas and historic pagodas
- Visit Wat Traleng Keng and the ancient Long Vek capital area
- Experience a mix of history, culture, nature, and wildlife
- Private Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Driver Guide
- Car Parking
- Cold Waters
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
- Personal Expenses
- Any Entrance Fee
- Food and Drinks
- Accommodation
Program:
Day 1: Phnom Chiso, Tonle Bati and Tamao Zoo
Our tour guide and driver will go to pick up you at the lobby of hotel. Then, transfer to visit Ta Prohm, built by King Jayavarman VII on the site of a 6th century Khmer shrine. You'll see the main sanctuary which consists of five chambers, each with a lingam inside, and marvel at the tree that grows on and around the temple structure. Well then visit a temple surrounded by legend, Yeay Peau temple, named after King Ta Prohms mother. Phnom Chiso, a 133 m high and dedicated to the Hindu divinities Shiva and Vishnu. On the top, there is the Angkorian Temple built in the 11th century of laterite and bricks with carved sandstone lintels by the Khmer Empire king Suryavarman I with the original name Sri Suryaparvata (mean The Mountain of Sun). Neang Khmao temple is positioned in the yard of Neang Khmao pagoda. This temple was built by King Jayavarman IV (AD 921-941) in the 10th century for the worship of Brahmanism. The site originally consisted of three temples built side by side, however, only two are still standing, and both are heavily damaged. Tamao Zoo is the largest zoo in Cambodia with over 1,200 animals including elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, crocodiles and leopards.
Day 2: Udong Hill & Long Vek Territory
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at the lobby of hotel and transferred to visit Udong Hill, the former capital city from 1618 AD to 1866 AD. We explore the sacred hills here, which include historic pagodas and several stupas containing the remains of Cambodias former kings. There are panoramic views over the Cambodian countryside in every direction.
After that, we go to visit Wat Traleng Keng, a beautiful contemporary and very important monastery that houses remnants of the ancient era. The large grounds feature two pagodas while ancient remains include a laterite base beneath the older of the two pagodas, ornate sema stones, and sandstone fragments. This pagoda is in the territory of Long Vek, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1528 to 1594 during the Cambodias Middle Ages which began after the Khmer Empires Angkor Era. This city was chosen by King Ang Chan I. Longvek was one of the greatest cities in Cambodia. Return to your hotel in Phnom Penh.
Discover the Hidden Gems Around Phnom Penh on a Two Day Trip
If you want to find your guide and explore beyond the usual Phnom Penh travel hotspots, this two day trip offers a real mix of culture, nature, and history to spice up your Cambodia adventure. Ditching the common tours focused on heavy history, this experience takes you to ancient Khmer temples like Ta Prohm - where trees artfully weave through ruins - and Yeay Peau temple, wrapped in local legend. You'll climb Phnom Chiso for stunning panoramic views and stumble upon the rarely seen Neang Khmao temple ruins hiding inside a quiet pagoda yard. To add a wild twist, the largest wildlife park in Cambodia, Tamao Zoo, is your next stop, with elephants, tigers, bears, and more lounging around. On day two, wander the sacred hills of Udong Hill, the country's former capital filled with royal stupas and quiet pagodas, then head to Wat Traleng Keng inside the ancient Long Vek capital grounds for a cool mix of old meets new in Cambodian culture. Your hotel pick-up and drop-off keep things easy, so you spend time soaking it all in instead of worrying about logistics.
Tips for a Smooth and Fun Trip
Before you head off on this trip, here's a little friendly advice for a smooth, comfy adventure:
- Wear sturdy, comfy shoes - you'll be walking on uneven temple grounds and some hills.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing with a hat is the way to go, especially for sunny days.
- Bring insect repellent; those Cambodian jungly spots can get buggy.
- Pack a bottle of water to stay hydrated - even though cold water is provided during the tour, a little extra never hurts.
- The pace is easy to moderate but expect some climbing, like Phnom Chiso's 133-meter ascent.
- Weather-wise, the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to March when the heat is bearable.
- Camera ready! The landscapes and temples are picture-perfect.
- Be respectful with dress code at temples shoulders and knees covered are the safe bets.
Ready for your adventure? Let's hit the road and uncover Cambodia's lesser-known wonders.
More Facts About This Experience
Phnom Penh and its surroundings hold centuries of history and nature packed into surprisingly compact areas. For example, the Ta Prohm temple isn't just Instagram-famous for its giant tree roots engulfing stone walls; it's a symbol of Khmer resilience, built by King Jayavarman VII on a site dating back to the 6th century. The sacred hills of Udong offer more than a view - they're resting places for Cambodian kings, with pagodas holding royal remains, giving you a peek into Cambodia's royal past. Meanwhile, Tamao Zoo, Cambodia's largest wildlife sanctuary, is home to over 1,200 animals, including some rare species actively conserved here. The Wat Traleng Keng monastery stands as a living piece of history where architectural styles and artifacts showcase Cambodia's transition from its Angkorian roots to the middle ages. Walking these paths feels like turning the pages of a living history book, with local legends breathing life into every stone and tree. The itinerary offers nostalgia for history buffs and fresh discoveries for curious travelers alike.
Complementary Activities to Enhance Your Cambodia Stay
If this two day trip has whetted your appetite for more Cambodian exploration, consider diving into a Private Excursion to Battambang, where French colonial charm meets local artistry - a perfect cultural complement to your temple and nature tour. Another excellent addition is the Siem Reap Kulen Mountain Waterfall & Tonle Sap Lake Tour that refreshes your spirit with amazing natural sights. To round off your experience with a cultural highlight, the Apsara Dinner Show in Krong Siem Reap treats you to graceful traditional dance paired with local cuisine, blending entertainment and heritage in one elegant evening.
Who Will Most Enjoy This Experience?
This trip fits like a glove for couples craving a cultural escape away from the crowds, small groups of friends eager for a mix of wildlife and history, and solo travelers who enjoy deep dives into local life through the company of a knowledgeable guide. Families with older kids will also find this itinerary rewarding, balancing education and entertainment. If you're seeking the kind of travel experience that blends discovery with a laid-back vibe, this two day trip around Phnom Penh's surroundings will not disappoint.
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