This Phnom Penh Genocide Tour provides a profound look into Cambodia’s tragic Khmer Rouge era (1975-1979). Begin at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned prison, where over 17,000 were tortured before being sent to the Killing Fields. At Choeung Ek, 30 minutes from the city, visit mass graves and the memorial stupa with over 8,000 skulls, honoring the victims and reflecting on the regime’s brutality.
This Phnom Penh Genocide Tour offers a deeply moving exploration of Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979). Although not a joyful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks the keys to understanding the development of this still-developing country.
The journey begins at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school converted into the notorious S-21 prison. Here, over 17,000 individuals were subjected to brutal torture and abuse before being transported to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek for execution. The museum’s exhibits, preserved cells, and chilling photographs offer a harrowing glimpse into the atrocities committed during this dark period.
Approximately 30 minutes from Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek serves as a stark reminder of the regime’s brutality. This site of mass executions and burial pits holds the remains of tens of thousands of victims, including some foreigners. In 1980, excavations uncovered over 8,900 bodies, although many graves remain untouched. The memorial stupa at Choeung Ek, adorned with over 8,000 skulls, stands as a powerful tribute to those who perished. The stupa’s somber presence and the surrounding fields offer a poignant space for reflection and remembrance of the victims and the immense suffering endured during this period of Cambodian history.
*Remark: This tour involves sensitive and graphic content related to Cambodia’s tragic history, which may not be suitable for children. Discretion is advised.
