Background

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center: Cambodia's Haunting Memorial

Reflect on Cambodia's dark past at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and a testament to resilience.

4.6

Choeung Ek, one of Cambodia's infamous 'Killing Fields,' serves as a chilling memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Once an orchard and Chinese cemetery, it became the execution site for over 17,000 individuals, primarily prisoners from the S-21 prison. Today, it stands as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Cambodian genocide.

A brief summary to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

  • ផ្លូវជើងឯក, Phnom Penh, Khan Dangkor, KH
  • +85523305371
  • Monday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly and respectfully, as Choeung Ek is a memorial site.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the site and listen to the audio guide.
  • Consider visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) in Phnom Penh before or after visiting Choeung Ek to gain a deeper understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime.
  • Bring water, as Cambodia can be very hot, and the visit may take several hours.
  • Be prepared for an emotional experience, as the site is a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a popular and immersive way to reach Choeung Ek from Phnom Penh. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting the journey. A round trip from the city center typically costs between $12 and $20, including waiting time. The ride takes approximately 40-45 minutes each way.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab and PassApp offer a more comfortable and convenient option. A one-way taxi ride from downtown Phnom Penh to Choeung Ek takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $15-$20 for a round trip.

  • Public Transport

    Phnom Penh has a public bus system, and Line B travels near Choeung Ek, going south towards Ta Khmao. The fare is 1500 KHR (approximately $0.37 USD) per voyage, irrespective of distance. From the bus stop, you may need to take a short tuk-tuk ride or walk to reach the Genocidal Center.

Unlock the Best of Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, located about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, is a place of profound historical importance and a stark reminder of the Cambodian genocide. From 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, sought to transform Cambodia into an agrarian utopia, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 to 2.5 million people. Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, was one of approximately 300 sites where these atrocities took place. Originally an orchard and a Chinese cemetery, Choeung Ek became the execution site for prisoners from Tuol Sleng (S-21), the Khmer Rouge's notorious security prison in Phnom Penh. Victims were transported to Choeung Ek, often at night, and brutally murdered to conserve ammunition. The remains of nearly 9,000 individuals were exhumed in 1980, revealing the horrific scale of the killings. Today, Choeung Ek stands as a memorial to the victims. A towering Buddhist stupa with acrylic glass sides displays over 5,000 human skulls arranged by sex and age, a chilling testament to the scale of the genocide. The grounds also feature mass graves, some left untouched, and a small museum exhibiting artifacts and photographs from the Khmer Rouge era. An audio tour, available in multiple languages, guides visitors through the site, providing historical context and personal stories. Visiting Choeung Ek is a deeply emotional experience. The site serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the lives lost and promoting awareness of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. It stands as a reminder of the importance of preventing such tragedies from happening again.

Popular Experiences near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Popular Hotels near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Select Currency