[2025 Phnom Penh Attraction] Travel Guide for Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Updated Jul)

🌟🌈Imagine stepping onto an ancient and mysterious land, where every step echoes with history and every breeze carries the scent of stories. Cambodia, a treasure trove in Southeast Asia, made my National Day holiday truly unique with its charm. 🚶‍♂️As soon as I got off the plane, I felt the warmth of the Cambodian people. Their friendliness and respect for Chinese people made me feel at home. However, I also learned a lesson here: while enjoying the convenience of using my phone on the street, I had to be wary of the uninvited "motorbike thieves." The locals' reminders made me more vigilant while enjoying my trip. 🌧️October in Cambodia is the rainy season. Fortunately, a sudden shower brought a touch of coolness to the hot weather. After the rain, Phnom Penh was fresh and quiet, with few tourists, allowing me to enjoy the tranquility. 🏰Speaking of Phnom Penh, I must mention the magnificent Royal Palace. My friend and I traveled light, carrying only some change. The ticket was not expensive, but the sense of history was priceless. Every corner of the palace exuded the splendor and majesty of the Cambodian royal family. 🏛️Next, we visited the National Museum of Cambodia. It houses countless precious artifacts, each telling the long history of the country. The ticket was also $10, but I felt it was worth it because it gave me a deeper understanding of Cambodian culture. 🚗During our trip, we also experienced the local transportation - tuk-tuks. Using Move to call a tuk-tuk was convenient and fast, and it only cost 27 yuan to reach the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. This place is a scar in Cambodia's history, but also a history that cannot be forgotten. Listening to the Chinese commentary, I felt as if I had traveled through time and space, feeling the weight of that history. 🍽️Speaking of food, Cambodian cuisine is a must-try. It is cost-effective and authentic, especially the local Amok fish, which is a feast for the taste buds. As for accommodation, I recommend trying local homestays, which are affordable and offer a deeper experience of local life. 📌Travel tips: Remember to bring sunscreen and rain gear, as the weather in Cambodia can change quickly. Also, learning a few simple Khmer phrases, such as "thank you" and "how much," will make your trip smoother. 🌟Cambodia, a country full of historical and cultural charm, gave me an unforgettable travel experience. Here, every step is an exploration, and every glance is a discovery. If you are also looking for a unique trip, Cambodia is definitely your best choice. 🌟

Places you need to see in Cambodia 1. Wat Phnom Temple (picture 1) 2. Wat Ounalan Temple (picture 2) 3. Golden temple (picture 3) 4. Silk island (picture 4) 5. Monkey temple (picture 6) 6. Golden boat (picture 17) 7. Fishing village 8. Royal Palace (picture 8) 9. Central market (picture 7) 10. Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (picture 9) 11. Killing Fields of Choeung EK (picture 16) 12. Independence monument (picture 10) 13. King statue ( Norodom Sihanauk) (picture 12) 14. National museum (picture 11) 15. Phnom Penh Night Market (picture 13) 16.River Cruise on Mekong River (picture 14) #cambodia #phnompenh #solotravel #travel

Perhaps the most shocking place I have been is In the Cambodian Killing Fields. These were created when the communist rebel group “Khmer Rouge” decimated the population in the 1970’s starting just after the vietnam war. Hundreds of torture methods were performed here along with in the jail cells the population was held in just 10 minutes from the fields. People were dragged from their homes, inprisoned, forced to work, until eventually brought to the fields. 90% or more of the people were not shot in order to save bullets. Instead, while blind folded they were struck with blunt objects and tools as shown by most of the broken skulls. 1.5 million people killed, 25% of the population, and Pol Pot(The Khmer leader) was never punished. He lived his life in hiding until his late 80’s. #historicplaces #cambodiatravel #southeastasia #historicallandmarks #genocidemuseum

#summervacay Beyond the noise of Phnom Penh lies Choeung Ek, a quiet field that once echoed with unspeakable suffering. Here, over 17,000 innocent lives were taken during the Khmer Rouge regime — their voices now silenced beneath mass graves, marked only by fragments and fading cloth. At the center stands the Memorial Stupa, filled with over 8,000 human skulls — a powerful reminder of what happens when humanity forgets its own. You walk on grass, but beneath it is history. Pain. Memory. And the urgent call to never forget. It’s not just a place of death — it’s a place to reflect, to feel, and to remember that peace is never permanent unless protected. 🕰️ Opening hours: 7:30am–5:30pm 🎧 Strongly recommend taking the audio guide – moving and respectful 📍 About 30–40 minutes from central Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk 🙏 Visitors are encouraged to speak softly and dress modestly #ChoeungEk #KillingFieldsCambodia #RememberForPeace #CambodianHistory #NeverForget #MemorialStupa #HumanRightsHistory #DarkTourismWithRespect #PhnomPenhReflections #PeaceIsPrecious

#summervacay #killingfields #phnom_penh #cambodia The Killing Fields of Phnom Penh stand as a solemn testament to Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime. This historical site, once a place of unimaginable suffering, has been transformed into a space for reflection and remembrance. Visitors walk through quiet gardens, past ponds and lakes—landscapes that were once mass graves, holding the remains of thousands who perished. The contrast between the natural beauty of the surroundings and the weight of their past creates a haunting yet poignant atmosphere, reminding all who visit of the resilience of the Cambodian people. Memorial structures and informative displays guide visitors through the history, ensuring that the voices of those lost are never forgotten. The experience is deeply moving, offering an opportunity to understand the horrors of the past while witnessing the strength and perseverance that have shaped Cambodia’s present.

Walking through Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a deeply moving experience—a place of remembrance and reflection on Cambodia’s past. The serene surroundings contrast with the tragic history told through the audio guide and memorial stupa, filled with the echoes of those lost. A visit here is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of peace. History must never be forgotten. #favouriteitinerary

#getgoing2025 Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) A Site of Atrocity: Choeung Ek, one of the many "Killing Fields" in Cambodia, is a memorial site dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Mass Graves: The site contains mass graves where thousands of victims were buried. Memorial Stupa: A Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones of the victims stands as a poignant reminder of the tragedy. Audio Tour: An audio tour is available at the site, providing historical context and personal accounts from survivors. A Respectful Visit: It's important to visit Choeung Ek with respect and sensitivity, as it's a place of mourning and remembrance.

If you are human and care a little bit about the country you are visiting go here. I rented a motorbike and went to this place some km’s south of the capital Phnom Penh. I knew the story quite well but being there, hearing the stories through your audio device and imagining one of the worst doings in all of humanity is profound. Every single visitor was touched by all you see and hear at this sight. Be happy with what you have!#choeungekgenocide #killingfields

Location: 15km southwest of the city, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Recommended reason: Place where you can learn about history of Cambodia Tel:+855-23305371 Opening hours: 7:30-17:30 Entrance fee: about $3 There is a place where is full of horror stories and memories of the sadness of the country not far from Phnom Penh. The " Cheung Ek Killing Fields " is the name that people call this place. It carries a horrified past and reminds people that it is far better than the good times of the day.

#myhiddengems Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a powerful memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Known as the Killing Fields, this site offers a sobering glimpse into Cambodia's dark history, with preserved mass graves and evocative exhibits that honor the memory of those who suffered. It’s a place of reflection and education, reminding visitors of the resilience and strength of the Cambodian people. 📍Address: ផ្លូវជើងឯក, Phnom Penh, Cambodia #cambodia🇰🇭 #phnompenh

#familytrips2024 A must do in Cambodia. I had such an amazing experience at Choeung Ek today. It was extremely sad hearing about the history of Cambodia and being at the grounds where so many Cambodians lost their lives unnecessarily. The ‘Killing Tree’ was by far the hardest part of the tour - just standing next to it and hearing what happened I literally had shivers! The audio tour guide was fantastic, very easy to navigate and overall a great touch to the tour that meant you could do it at your own pace spending as much or as little in each section as you wanted. An unforgettable experience and one that you should put on your list of things to do when in Cambodia.

#cherryblossom2024 💭 Sharing a deeply moving experience that touched my soul as I explored Phnom Penh's haunting Killing Camps 🖤✨ 🌍 Distance from the city center: A short 15-mile (24 km) trip away, these sites are a poignant reminder of the city's tragic past. ⏰ Time to get there: The journey took us approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing ample time to reflect on the significance of our destination. 💰 Price of entrance: The admission fees were a mere $10 per person, a small sum considering the immense emotional and educational value we gained. 🚗 Transport: Embracing the local flavor, we chose to traverse the city in a tuk-tuk, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Phnom Penh ☑️ Our first stop was Choeung Ek, the infamous "Killing Fields." As we walked through the serene surroundings, we couldn't help but feel a haunting presence. The stories shared by our knowledgeable guide brought the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime to life. It was a somber reminder of the resilience of the Cambodian people. ☑️ Next, we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a hauntingly preserved former high school turned prison. The chilling exhibits and preserved interrogation rooms left us speechless. It was a stark reminder of the pain and suffering endured by countless innocent lives. 📚 This experience touched the depths of my soul, imparting a profound sense of empathy and reminding me of the importance of preserving memory. It serves as a tribute to the resilience of the Cambodian people and the global commitment to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. ⭐️ For a more profound immersion I recommend to read the book “they first killed my father” while visiting the country ⭐️ #PhnomPenhExperience #KillingCamps #killingfields #EmotionalJourney #Resilience #mytravelhacks

#winhkflight Choeung Ek is a former orchard, in Dangkao, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that was used as a Killing Field between 1975 and 1979 by the Khmer Rouge in perpetrating the Cambodian genocide. Situated about 17 kilometres south of the city centre, it was attached to the Tuol Sleng detention centre. Mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. Many of the dead were former political prisoners who the Khmer Rouge kept in their Tuol Sleng detention center and in other Cambodian detention centers. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial, marked by a Buddhist stupa. The stupa has acrylic glass sides and is filled with over 5,000 human skulls. Some lower levels are opened during the day so that the skulls can be seen directly. Many have been shattered or smashed in. You will need a ticket to enter the site, where you will feel instantly cold. I highly recommend to pay for a guide to explain the history, the guide we had was a survivor. I want to travel to Hong Kong to explore the cultural heritage sites!

I visited this place while backpacking. This is a place where you can learn about the dark history of the Pol Pot regime. Even if you are not interested in history, I think it is a place worth seeing. Many people have seen it in history textbooks, but if you actually visit, you will be surprised by the contents. It is shocking, but don't turn away, see the facts with your own eyes. You can enter for $6 with an audio guide. It is located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, so I recommend using a tuk-tuk or taxi to get around. I recommend using the Grab app, as you won't be ripped off. #polpot #cambodia #killingfields

great experience at the killing fields in Phnom Penh ...audio guide in English feels like travel back in time to experience what happened ...two thumbs up,a must go when in Phnom penh

#2024wish I am eagerly anticipating my visit to the Choeung Ek genocide museum in Cambodia, which has been allocated a specific day. This museum serves as a poignant reminder of the Khmer people's tragic fate during the Khmer Rouge regime, as it functioned as an extermination camp during that period. Choeung Ek, a former extermination camp in Cambodia, is now a peaceful site where visitors can learn about the horrors of the past. The camp, which housed 8985 people, was exhumed in 1980 from mass graves in a one-time longan orchard. The remains of these people are scattered around the disinterred pits, and over 8,000 skulls are visible behind the Memorial Stupa. The audio tour includes stories from survivors and a chilling account by a guard and executioner, Him Huy. The site also houses a museum and a memorial ceremony held annually on May 20th. The site is well-signposted in English and offers a remork-moto or shuttle-bus tour. I highly recommend visiting the Choeung Ek genocide museum to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Khmer people during the war. #Choeungekgenocide #killingfields #genocidesmuseum

This is the execution site where the Pol Pot regime arrested innocent people on false charges as opponents of the regime, tortured them, and brought them here for execution. Some buildings no longer remain, but you can rent an audio guide and tour the grounds while listening to it to relive the events and scenes of the time. I knew the background and what happened roughly because I learned about it in world history, but when I heard the testimony of people at the time and the details of the events on the audio guide, I was once again struck by the truth. It is quite far from the city center, but I would definitely recommend stopping by if you visit Phnom Penh. For reference (visited on December 5, 2023) Access: 40 minutes by tuk-tuk from Phnom Penh International Airport (there was no traffic jam because we got in before 9am) Fee: 28,600 riel on Glab The following is a side note about the trip. I thought the tuk-tuk would just leave when we arrived at the killing fields, but it said it would wait for us. I didn't want to use cash, so I planned to call a tuk-tuk by Grab on the way back, but I didn't have any bargaining skills and it was far from the city, so I thought it would be okay to have the driver wait for me. I spent an hour and a half touring the area, and they were happy to wait for me even though it took a long time. After the tour, the tuk-tuk driver opened Google Maps on his smartphone, so I entered my destination. I chose a restaurant about one block before the Grand Palace and it was $8. I didn't know the going rate and couldn't negotiate, so I thought it was okay, OK, and started moving. I changed my mind near the destination, so I called the driver and asked him to take me to the Grand Palace. It took about 50 minutes. After arriving, I paid $10 as a tip and left. I could have negotiated to get it cheaper, and I could have turned him away in the first place, but I hope this helps. Admission fee: $6 (with audio guide) Cash only. If you give him a $10 bill, you will get your change in riels, so be careful. You can also buy water lilies for 2,000 riel in front of the steps of the memorial monument in the middle of the grounds. They are covered with short, tiny thorns, so it hurts to hold them with your bare hands.

it was quite depressing to have known everything that happened here. tragic history, they have good audio system which tells us exactly how it happened. Pol pot and his Khmer rouge was not exactly an easy thing for Cambodians to move on from.##killingfields

#fallingseason Getting there- Rolouse Village, Sengkat Choeung Ek, Phnom Phen, Cambodia. The site of a former orchard and mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge for more than 18,000 prisoners. Although deeply sad and depressing, this memorial is a must when visiting Phnom Penh. It's a respectful way to explore and understand Cambodian history. Make use of the audio guides which enable the perfect experience at your own pace. Opening hour: 8:00am to 17:00pm

If you visit Phnom Penh, we recommend you visit both the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum. You can get a vivid understanding of Cambodia's modern history. If you visit the Killing Fields after understanding the history and origins of the camps at the Tuol Sleng Museum, you will be able to understand the contents better. At the Phnom Penh Night Market, located southeast of Wat Phnom, you can enjoy Cambodian food at the food stalls while listening to live local music. While Phnom Penh city has magnificent architecture such as Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace, you can experience and learn about both sides of the tragic history such as Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. #Cambodia #PhnomPenh #TuolSleng #KillingFields

CHOEUNG EK KILLING FIELD🇰🇭💀 Getting There - We rented a Motorbike to go here from the center of Pnom Penh. Attractions - This is one of the most unforgettable place that i've been in Cambodia other than Angkor Wat. This historical place collected a millions of people skulls ,bones were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge after the end of Cambodian Civil War (1975-1979). The people killed and died in this area is 1,386,734 million estimated total deaths , other documentary researcher estimates around 1.7million to 2.5million. UNICEF estimates 3million to 3.5million people. The feeling while i'm in the area is unfamiliar and it makes my hair stands on looking at those skulls and bones around the area 🫣 If you are interested in historical events , this place is really for you, i learned a lot visitings places like this 😊 #Cambodia #Masskillingfield #cambodia #phnompenh ##cambodiatourism #travel #history

You simply can't go to Cambodia without seeing the Killing Fields. This will make for a heavy day, but it's important to understanding the country. We started the day at S21, followed by a reflective lunch. After lunch, we were ready to take on the Killing Fields. They give you an audio tour with admission. Listen to all of the sub-stories. Take your time as well so you do not feel rushed. I advise to remain quiet during your time here. This is a sobering experience and it feels pretty disrespectful if you are loud, having a good time, taking selfies, etc. #givethanks #givethanks