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The Well of Shadows: A Memorial to Cambodia's Past

Reflect on Cambodia's poignant history at The Well of Shadows in Battambang, a memorial to the Khmer Rouge genocide and a testament to resilience.

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The Well of Shadows, located near Battambang, is a poignant memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Formerly part of the Wat Samrong Knong temple complex, it became a prison and killing field where over 10,000 innocent people were killed between 1975 and 1979. Today, it stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education.

A brief summary to The Well of Shadows

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the Well of Shadows, as it is a place of mourning and remembrance.
  • Take your time to read the descriptions accompanying the bas-reliefs to fully understand the historical significance of the site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Wat Samrong Knong temple to gain a deeper understanding of the site's history.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    The most common way to reach The Well of Shadows from Battambang is by tuk-tuk. You can hire a tuk-tuk from your hotel or find one in the city center. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip; it should cost around $5 to $10 depending on your starting point. Ask the driver to take you to 'The Well of Shadows' located at 46H9+FFP, Krong Battambang. The journey will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    While there are no direct buses to 'The Well of Shadows,' you can take a local bus from Battambang to the nearest village. Look for buses heading towards Pailin or Sisophon. Once you reach the nearest village, you will need to hire a tuk-tuk or moto taxi to complete the last leg of your journey. The bus fare is typically around $1-2, and the tuk-tuk ride from the village to the Well may cost an additional $3-5.

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Discover more about The Well of Shadows

The Well of Shadows, situated approximately 5 kilometers north of Battambang, serves as a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. More than just a historical site, it is a place of remembrance, reflection, and education, inviting visitors to confront Cambodia's dark past and honor the memory of those who suffered and died. Originally part of the Wat Samrong Knong temple complex, the site was transformed into a prison and killing field between 1975 and 1979. During this period, it is estimated that over 10,000 innocent people were imprisoned, interrogated, and ultimately murdered within the temple grounds and the surrounding rice fields and woodlands. The centerpiece of the memorial is a large stupa, a Buddhist shrine, which houses a glass box containing the skulls and bones of victims exhumed from mass graves in the vicinity. This visual serves as a stark and unsettling reminder of the scale of the genocide and the brutality of the Khmer Rouge. The stupa is surrounded by bas-reliefs, concrete tiles depicting scenes of torture, execution, and suffering. These graphic depictions, accompanied by detailed explanations in English, offer a harrowing glimpse into the horrors endured by the prisoners. The atmosphere at the Well of Shadows is somber and contemplative. The site is well-maintained, with lush greenery providing a peaceful backdrop to the memorial. Visitors often spend time quietly reflecting on the events that transpired here, paying their respects to the victims, and contemplating the lessons of history. Despite the darkness of its past, the Well of Shadows also serves as a symbol of resilience and hope. It stands as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Cambodian people, their determination to overcome adversity, and their commitment to building a more peaceful future.

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