Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) - Green trees and foliage with a building in background.
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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields)

4.6
·2k reviews·Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A somber memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge, offering a profound and essential understanding of Cambodia's tragic past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Less crowded, more reflective

CrowdLow
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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) - Green trees and foliage with a building in background.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields)

Best Time

Morning

Less crowded, more reflective

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A somber memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge, offering a profound and essential understanding of Cambodia's tragic past.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"The audio guide is mandatory and incredibly informative, making this a must-visit for understanding Cambodia's history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎧 Essential Audio Guide

The audio guide is mandatory for understanding. It's incredibly informative and respectful.

😥 Prepare for Emotion

The stories are disturbing, especially about children. Be emotionally prepared.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Memorial Stupa

The Memorial Stupa

Center of the site

A glass-walled stupa filled with thousands of human skulls, a stark testament to the victims.

The Killing Tree

The Killing Tree

Near the stupa

A brutal reminder of the horrific methods used, where victims were bludgeoned to death.

Mass Graves

Mass Graves

Throughout the grounds

Numerous pits where victims were buried, many still visible and marked.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Profound Experience

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a deeply moving site. The audio guide is essential for understanding the history and is highly recommended by visitors. Be prepared for emotionally challenging content, especially regarding atrocities against children and babies. Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for your visit to fully absorb the information.

Audio Guide is Key

The audio guide is not just recommended, it's crucial for grasping the significance of Choeung Ek. Without it, the site can feel like just open fields. Visitors consistently praise its informative and respectful narrative, making it a vital companion for understanding the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Less crowded, more reflective
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Still manageable crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Killing Fields

🎧 Essential Audio Guide

The audio guide is mandatory for understanding. It's incredibly informative and respectful. Reddit

😥 Prepare for Emotion

The stories are disturbing, especially about children. Be emotionally prepared. Reddit

reddit.com

How easy is it to Grab a taxi back to Phnom Penh city centre from the Killing Fields?

reddit.com

Booking the killing fields, genocide museum and prison s21

⏰ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to fully absorb the history and reflect. Reddit

🙏 Pay Your Respects

Dress modestly and maintain a respectful demeanor throughout your visit. Reddit

reddit.com

Visit to Killing Field and Genocide Museam. Can they both be done in 1 day?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎧 Essential Audio Guide

The audio guide is mandatory for understanding. It's incredibly informative and respectful. Reddit

😥 Prepare for Emotion

The stories are disturbing, especially about children. Be emotionally prepared. Reddit

⏰ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to fully absorb the history and reflect. Reddit

🙏 Pay Your Respects

Dress modestly and maintain a respectful demeanor throughout your visit. Reddit

💧 Bring Tissues

Many visitors find themselves moved to tears by the tragic stories. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Choeung Ek Genocidal Center a profoundly moving and essential experience for understanding Cambodia's tragic history. The audio guide is consistently praised for its informative and respectful narrative, making the visit impactful. While deeply disturbing, especially regarding atrocities against children, the site is considered well-managed and a crucial place for remembrance and reflection.

"You have to visit to understand the past and what happened here.
The audio tour is really good. However, it is disturbing at times.
The tree featured towards the end of the tour holds disturbing facts and atrocities about the past.
It can be difficult for some to hear the information about what happened to the babies and children be warned."

Paul Citulski

"Impressive place to visit. When you doubt of going here after visiting Tuol Sleng (S21) Genocide Museum (like I did) still go here; it's add real to understanding what happened."

walter van ruitenbeek

"It is truly terrifying stories while I was visiting for three hours. When I listened with the audio aid device for the cases storytelling my heart is pounding, my eyes are weeping, my emotions are tingling, then I feel sobbing and pause of my listening. Praying for the people who suffered from the loss, pain and trauma. I pay respect and pray for them. The center is very well equipped, managed and informative and convenient. Ticket prices is fairly enough."

Kyaw Win Aung

What People Like

Essential audio guide
Deeply informative
Respectful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Emotionally disturbing content

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common ways to reach the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) from Phnom Penh are by taxi, tuk-tuk, or organized tour. Tuk-tuks are readily available and offer a more local experience, often costing around $15-20 USD for a round trip including waiting time. Many visitors combine a visit here with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison), so tours often include both. Reddit

Yes, it's generally easy to arrange transportation back. If you hired a tuk-tuk for the day, they will wait for you. Otherwise, you can ask staff at the entrance to help you find a tuk-tuk or taxi. Reddit

While you can rent a car, it's often more convenient and cost-effective to use local transport like tuk-tuks or join a guided tour, especially if you're not familiar with Cambodian roads. Reddit

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is located about 15-17 kilometers (9-10 miles) south of Phnom Penh city center. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

Public transport options are limited and not as straightforward for tourists. Hiring a tuk-tuk or joining a tour is the most practical approach for most visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is typically around $3 USD for entry. The audio guide, which is highly recommended and essential for understanding the site, costs an additional $6 USD for foreigners. Reddit

It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance for the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, booking a guided tour might be beneficial if you prefer a structured experience. Reddit

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit. Reddit

No, the audio guide is an additional cost on top of the entrance fee. Visitors strongly advise getting the audio guide as it's crucial for understanding the site's history. Reddit

Information on specific discounts for students or locals is not widely advertised for foreigners. The stated prices are generally for international visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, especially when utilizing the audio guide. This allows enough time to listen to the narratives and reflect on the exhibits. Reddit

It's recommended to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing as a sign of respect for the victims and the solemn nature of the site. Reddit

While children can visit, the content is extremely disturbing and graphic, particularly concerning the atrocities against babies and children. Parents should exercise discretion and be prepared to explain or shield children from the most graphic details. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available at the site. It's also advisable to bring your own water, especially during warmer months, though some vendors might be present. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted at Choeung Ek, but visitors are asked to be respectful. Avoid taking photos of individuals or in areas where it might be considered intrusive or disrespectful. The focus should be on learning and remembrance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The memorial stupa, the killing tree, and the various mass grave sites are poignant subjects. Focus on capturing the somber atmosphere and the scale of the tragedy rather than sensationalizing it. Reddit

While general photography is allowed, it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid intrusive shots and focus on capturing the historical significance. Some areas might have specific signage regarding photography. Reddit

Photos that capture the vastness of the grounds, the starkness of the memorial stupa, and the quiet reflection of visitors can be powerful. The goal is to convey the gravity of the history. Reddit

It's best to avoid flash photography out of respect for the solemnity of the site and other visitors. Natural light will likely be more appropriate for capturing the mood. Reddit

Lighting can vary depending on the time of day. Mornings often offer softer light, while afternoons can be harsher. The interior of the stupa is illuminated, but the exterior shots depend on natural light. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Choeung Ek Genocidal Center with children requires careful consideration. The content is extremely disturbing, with graphic details about the murder of babies and children being particularly distressing. Parents should be prepared to explain the history in an age-appropriate manner or shield younger children from the most graphic elements. The audio guide, while essential for adults, may need to be selectively listened to or explained by parents. Reddit

It's crucial to gauge your child's maturity and emotional resilience before deciding to visit. Some families opt to visit with older teenagers who can better process the historical context. If you do visit, focus on the lessons of remembrance and the importance of peace, rather than dwelling on the horrific details. Consider visiting the site with a guide who can tailor the narrative for younger audiences, if available. Reddit

🤔 Solo Travelers

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is very well-suited for solo travelers, especially with the mandatory and highly recommended audio guide. This allows you to explore the site at your own pace, absorbing the information and reflecting on the history individually. The audio guide provides a comprehensive narrative, so you won't feel lost or miss crucial context. Reddit

Many solo travelers find the experience deeply personal and impactful. You can pause, re-listen to sections, or spend more time at certain points of reflection without feeling rushed. The site is generally safe and well-managed, making it a straightforward visit for those traveling alone. It's a powerful opportunity for introspection and learning about Cambodia's tragic past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Audio Guide

The audio guide at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is universally praised as an indispensable tool for understanding the site's profound historical significance. Visitors consistently emphasize that without it, the grounds can feel like just open fields, lacking the context of the horrific events that transpired there. The guide provides a personal, quiet, and deeply informative narrative, detailing the stories of victims and perpetrators, and explaining the purpose of each location within the center. It's designed to be listened to individually, allowing for a personal and reflective experience. Reddit

Many reviews highlight the guide's respectful tone and its ability to convey the gravity of the atrocities without being gratuitous. It walks you through the history, from the Khmer Rouge's rise to power to the systematic extermination of millions. The guide often includes survivor testimonies and historical facts, making the experience incredibly impactful and educational. It's considered a mandatory component of the visit for anyone seeking to truly comprehend the Cambodian genocide. Reddit

Emotional Impact and Reflection

Visiting Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is an emotionally taxing experience. The sheer scale of the tragedy, coupled with the graphic details shared through the audio guide, can be overwhelming. Visitors often describe feeling heartbroken, weeping, and experiencing a profound sense of sorrow and anger. The stories of how babies and children were brutally murdered are particularly difficult to process, and many visitors recommend being emotionally prepared for this aspect of the visit. Reddit

Despite the emotional toll, the site is also described as a place for deep reflection and remembrance. The serene atmosphere, juxtaposed with the horrific past, encourages visitors to pause and contemplate the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of learning from history. Many feel a sense of duty to visit and bear witness, ensuring that the victims are not forgotten. It's a place that leaves a lasting impression, fostering a greater understanding of Cambodia's recent past and the devastating consequences of political extremism. Reddit

Understanding the Khmer Rouge Regime

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly known as the Killing Fields, is one of the most significant sites for understanding the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot. From 1975 to 1979, this regime sought to create a communist agrarian utopia, which involved the systematic persecution and execution of intellectuals, professionals, ethnic minorities, and anyone perceived as an enemy of the revolution. Millions of Cambodians perished due to execution, starvation, disease, or overwork. Reddit

The Killing Fields served as one of many execution sites where prisoners, often after enduring torture at prisons like Tuol Sleng (S-21), were brought to be killed and buried in mass graves. The methods were often crude and brutal, designed to save bullets, with victims sometimes bludgeoned to death. The site is a stark reminder of the scale of the genocide and the systematic dehumanization that occurred. Visiting Choeung Ek, alongside the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, provides a comprehensive, albeit harrowing, insight into this dark chapter of Cambodian history. Reddit

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