Phnom Penh is a city with a notoriously complex history and a recent past that’s difficult to broach. 

It also has a completely underrated food scene – and a wonderful ‘hidden’ side that not many tourists get a chance to experience.

Most people tend to zip through Cambodia’s capital city on their way to or from Siem Reap. 

If you have limited time, a Phnom Penh tour could be just the thing you need to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodian history, life and culture in a short period.

Here are some of the key points I recommend you consider when choosing a tour in Phnom Penh.

Is the company locally owned? Supporting a Cambodian owned tour company – or at least a company that employs local guides – is an easy way to give back.

• Group size: Is the number of participants capped? Will the tour be intimate, or will it be a large group? There are advantages to having a smaller tour group.
  
• Additional fees: What’s included in the price and what’s not? Most tours don’t include entrance to attractions such as the Royal Place or the National Museum. Prices are steep ($10 a pop), so make sure you consider whether or not you want to spring for this before you book the tour.
  
  
• Flexibility: Is there room to move in the itinerary, or is the day packed full? If the weather turns bad (not uncommon in Cambodia, where it can start pouring at the drop of a hat!), is there a Plan B in place?
  Pick up/drop off from your accommodation: It is included? Not all tours offer this. If the itinerary starts some distance away from your accommodation, you’ll have to factor in the extra time and cost to get to the meeting place.
  
  
• Vehicle type: If transport is included, is it in and air-conditioned van, or will you be riding in a tuk tuk?