Background

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center: Cambodia's Killing Fields

Reflect on Cambodia's somber history at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, a poignant memorial to the Khmer Rouge's brutal regime and its victims.

4.6

Choeung Ek, a former orchard and Chinese cemetery, is a chilling memorial to the Cambodian genocide. As the best-known of the Killing Fields, it serves as a stark reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime's brutality between 1975 and 1979. Visitors can witness the memorial stupa filled with skulls and learn about the atrocities committed here, 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; avoid wearing short shorts or exposing your back.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to fully experience the site and audio tour.
  • Bring water, as Cambodia can be very hot, and the visit may take several hours.
  • Be prepared for an emotional experience and maintain a respectful demeanor throughout your visit.
  • Combine your visit with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) for a more comprehensive understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From central Phnom Penh, the most common and immersive way to reach Choeung Ek is by tuk-tuk. Negotiate the round trip fare in advance, which typically costs between $12 and $20, including waiting time. The journey takes approximately 40-45 minutes each way. Be sure to confirm that the driver knows the location, about 15 kilometers south of the city center, along ផ្លូវជើងឯក (Cheung Ek Road).

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    For a more comfortable and quicker journey, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Phnom Penh. A one-way trip to Choeung Ek will cost around $15-$20. Agree on the fare or check the meter before starting your journey. The trip typically takes 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask your driver to take you south of the city center on National Route 2, then turn onto Cheung Ek Road.

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 approximately 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, stands as a haunting testament to the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. From 1975 to 1979, this site was one of the infamous 'Killing Fields,' where over a million Cambodians were executed as part of Pol Pot's vision of an agrarian utopia. Originally a Chinese cemetery and orchard, Choeung Ek became the final destination for thousands of prisoners from the Tuol Sleng detention center (S-21). To save on ammunition, prisoners were brutally murdered with agricultural tools before being buried in mass graves. After the Khmer Rouge's fall, the remains of nearly 9,000 victims were exhumed in 1980. Today, Choeung Ek serves as a memorial to the victims. The centerpiece is a towering Buddhist stupa with acrylic glass sides, sheltering over 5,000 human skulls arranged by sex and age. The grounds bear witness to the horrors of the past, with visible pits marking former mass graves and scattered human bones. Visitors can explore a small museum displaying artifacts recovered from the site, along with photographs and information about the Khmer Rouge regime. An audio tour, available in multiple languages, provides harrowing accounts from survivors and perpetrators, deepening the visitor's understanding of this dark chapter in history. Visiting Choeung Ek is an emotional experience, offering a profound insight into the scale of the Cambodian genocide. It is a place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the lives lost and serving as a reminder of the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again. In 2025, the site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Popular Experiences near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Popular Hotels near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Select Currency