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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center: Remembrance and Reflection

Reflect on Cambodia's tragic past at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a poignant memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.

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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, one of Cambodia's infamous 'Killing Fields', stands as a chilling reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities between 1975 and 1979. Once an orchard and Chinese cemetery, it became the execution site for an estimated 17,000 individuals. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims, offering a somber yet essential insight into Cambodia's dark history.

A brief summary to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

  • ផ្លូវជើងឯក, Phnom Penh, Khan Dangkor, KH
  • +85523305371

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully; this is a memorial site, and modest attire is appropriate.
  • Take the audio tour; it provides essential context and survivor stories.
  • Be prepared for an emotional experience; the site is a stark reminder of the Khmer Rouge's brutality.
  • Bring water, especially during the hot season, as the visit can take several hours.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From central Phnom Penh, a tuk-tuk is a popular and immersive way to reach Choeung Ek. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a round trip should cost between $12 and $15, including waiting time. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Be prepared for traffic.

  • Taxi

    Taxis offer a more comfortable and direct route to Choeung Ek. A one-way trip from the city center typically costs around $15-$20. Agree on the price before departure. Some drivers may offer a half-day or full-day rate if you plan to visit other sites like Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

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Discover more about Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, located approximately 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, is a place of profound historical significance and somber reflection. This site is one of the most well-known of the 'Killing Fields' used by the Khmer Rouge regime, under the leadership of Pol Pot, between 1975 and 1979. During this period, an estimated 1.5 to 3 million Cambodians, about a quarter of the nation's population, perished due to execution, starvation, disease, or overwork. Originally an orchard and a Chinese cemetery, Choeung Ek was transformed into an execution site where prisoners from the Tuol Sleng (S-21) detention center were brought to be killed. The executions were carried out with brutal efficiency, often using agricultural tools to conserve bullets. The remains of nearly 9,000 victims have been exhumed from the mass graves at this site. In 1988, a memorial stupa was erected to house the skulls and bones of the victims. The stupa, with its acrylic glass sides, displays over 5,000 human skulls, many shattered, serving as a chilling testament to the brutality of the regime. Visitors can walk through the fields, observe the pits from which bodies were exhumed, and see the 'Killing Tree', against which children were murdered. An audio tour guides visitors through the site, providing historical context and personal accounts. The experience is deeply moving and confronting, offering insight into the scale of the atrocities committed. Choeung Ek stands as a place of remembrance, education, and warning. It reminds the world of the horrors of genocide and the importance of preventing such tragedies from happening again.

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