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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.

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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 murdered between 1975 and 1979. Today, it stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education.

A brief summary to The Well of Shadows

Local tips

  • Take time to walk around the entire monument to fully grasp the historical significance.
  • Dress respectfully to honor the victims and the solemn nature of the site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Wat Samrong Knong to understand the site's complete 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. Negotiate a fare in advance, which should cost around $5 to $10. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to 'The Well of Shadows' located at 46H9+FFP, Krong Battambang.

  • Public Transport

    While there are no direct buses, you can take a local bus from Battambang towards Pailin or Sisophon. Get off at the nearest village and hire a tuk-tuk or moto taxi to complete the 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 is a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Situated approximately 5 kilometers north of Battambang, this memorial marks a site where immense suffering and loss occurred. Originally part of the Wat Samrong Knong temple complex, the location was transformed into a prison and killing field between 1975 and 1979. It is estimated that over 10,000 innocent people were imprisoned, interrogated, and ultimately murdered within the temple grounds and surrounding areas. 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 stark visual serves as an 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. 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. Visiting the Well of Shadows is a deeply moving experience that connects visitors to the heart of Cambodian history and the enduring spirit of its people.

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