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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center: A Memorial to Cambodia's Dark Past

Reflect on Cambodia's dark past at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a memorial to the Khmer Rouge's victims and a place for peace and remembrance.

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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, also known as the Killing Fields, stands as a chilling reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. Located just outside Phnom Penh, this former orchard became the execution site for over 17,000 men, women, and children. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims and a place for reflection on this tragic period in history.

A brief summary to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

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

Local tips

  • Dress modestly and conduct yourself with dignity to respect the solemn nature of the site.
  • Take the audio tour to gain a deeper understanding of the history and personal stories.
  • Bring water, as Cambodia can be very hot, and the visit may take several hours.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) for a more comprehensive understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From central Phnom Penh, the most popular way to reach Choeung Ek is by tuk-tuk. Negotiate the price before starting your journey; a round trip should cost around $12 to $20, including waiting time. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way. Tipping is not included in the fare.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a more comfortable option. A round trip can cost around $15 to $20. Negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app to ensure a fair price. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Tolls are not applicable for this route.

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Discover more about Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a harrowing yet essential site for understanding Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime. From 1975 to 1979, this tranquil orchard was transformed into a killing field where over 17,000 people, most of whom were prisoners from the Tuol Sleng detention center (S-21), were executed. Visiting Choeung Ek is a deeply moving experience. The centerpiece of the memorial is a large Buddhist stupa with acrylic glass sides, filled with over 5,000 human skulls arranged by sex and age. These skulls, many shattered, serve as a stark reminder of the brutality inflicted upon the victims. The grounds also feature mass graves, some of which remain untouched, and a "Killing Tree," against which executioners beat children. An audio tour, included with the admission fee, guides visitors through the site, providing historical context and personal accounts. The tour recounts the Khmer Rouge's radical vision of an agrarian utopia, which led to the systematic elimination of intellectuals, professionals, and anyone deemed a threat to their regime. Visitors can also explore a small museum displaying artifacts discovered at the site, including clothing, tools, and photographs of the victims. Choeung Ek stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, reconciliation, and resilience. In 2025, the site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its dark history, the center has been respectfully transformed into a peaceful memorial, honoring the lives lost and promoting peace education.

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