Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing fields)

The people of Cambodia suffered a lot during the Khmer Rouge. Yet another display of the atrocities they went through is at Choeung Ek. Between 1975 and 1978, 17000 people were tortured at S-21. They were then brought to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek. The prisoners were blindfolded and bound when brought here.

Almost 8000 graves were exhumed from the long orchard. Their skulls are displayed in the glass boxes at the Memorial Stupa. This visit is not complete without the audio tour. This vocal piece comprises of stories from the survivors, and the executioner Him Huy provides accounts of techniques of torture used on helpless women and children.

Visit the museum present here that takes you through a detailed description of the leadership of the Khmer Rouge. A memorial ceremony takes place on 9th May every year to commemorate respect to the deceased prisoners. While a chilling and sobering visit, the destination is sure to invoke strong emotions from all who visit this now peaceful site.

Going on a trip to Cambodia, Phnom penh, then one has to visit Choeung Ek (Killing fields). Yes, not only does the name, “killing fields” sound horrendous the atmosphere there makes you flinch and shed tears for the victims. Still, to know the history of a country torn apart by war, political instability and mass genocide, then one has to pass through this place too. The chilling account by Him Huy, a Choeung Ek guard and executioner, is available in the audio tour. 

Now, Choeung Ek is a clam, peaceful place paying tribute to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. When you see thousands of the skulls of men, women and children arranged, in the Buddhist Stupa one cannot but wonder of the sufferings and torture these, approximately 1.7 million victims underwent in four years, between 1975 and 1979. 

A visitor's spot in Choeung Ek is the killing tree has a collection of friendship bracelets at the base now, has its own story to tell. Many children lost their lives here as they were bashed off the tree, so as to stop them from taking revenge for the death of their parents. 

You can walk through the mass grave, with audio guide listening to the barbaric treatment of the victims brought here. On the way the bones that surface to the ground can be seen. Final Journey to killing field of the victims would mean the end of the torture and the end of their lives as well. Yes, tourists have tears streaming down walking along this place listening to, seeing the remains of the horrors faced by so many innocent people.