About 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. 

Must See

  • Buddhist Stupa. 
  • Memorial of Mass Graves. 
  • Museum

How to reach

Taxi from Phnom Penh to Choeung Ek takes 10 minutes, and one-way fare varies from $9 USD that is 36748.80 Cambodian riel to $12 USD that is 48998.40 Cambodian riel to cover a distance of 11.1 km.
Where as if you drive from Phnom Penh to Choeung Ek the cost will be 4083.20 Cambodian riel  to 8166.40 Cambodian riel.
The easiest way to get to Choeung Ek is by tuk tuk, It takes about 45 minutes (1.5 hours round trip) + time spent at the actual site and the cost is about $20 or so for 4hours 81664.00 Cambodian riel.

Tips

  • Audio guide is highly recommended as it is easy to use and proves informative along the route.
  • There are 19 spots along the route to listen to what the audio guide has to say, do check all the spots.
  • Hire a guide to get more information about some of the stories behind the photographs.
  • Please be aware that there are few images and sites along the route that you may find uncomfortable. So be prepared for these images and sites
  • After the visit here, you may feel depressed, but you will become aware of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, and its impact on Cambodia today. So do not let the visit get the better of you. 
  • Keep a bottle of water.
  • Do not miss a small indoor museum along the route.
  • Keep Cambodian Riels (KHR), if you are paying for really small things on the street, but for the most part, use USD.

Visit Time

Sunday:                7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday:               7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday:              7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday:         7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday:             7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday:                  7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday:              7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Waiting Time

No wait time

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Entrance fee to the Killing Fields costs $3 USD that is 12249.60 Cambodian riel.
Cost of audio guide is an extra $3 USD that is 12249.60 Cambodian riel.

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Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Scattered Clouds 28°C

 

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