Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour

The Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore Cambodia’s harrowing past. Tracing the tragic events of the Khmer Rouge regime, the tour guides participants through the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, providing a poignant and emotional journey. With informative commentary and optional audio guides, the tour promises an immersive and respectful experience, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial chapter in Cambodian history. The tour’s intimate group size and air-conditioned transportation ensure a personal and comfortable exploration of these historically significant sites.

Key Points

• The tour offers transportation via air-conditioned coach from selected hotels in Phnom Penh to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Prison S21) and Killing Fields.
• Audio tours are available at both sites for an additional fee, providing an in-depth exploration of the historical context.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 18 travelers to ensure a more intimate and reflective experience.
• The tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours, with 1 hour and 15 minutes spent at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
• The tour is considered a must-do activity for its educational and emotional value, offering a powerful glimpse into Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Tour Overview

The tour includes visits to two significant sites of Khmer Rouge atrocities during the period of 1975-1979: the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as Prison S21, and the Killing Fields.

Round-trip transportation is provided from selected hotels in Phnom Penh via air-conditioned coach. Recorded commentary and a documentary film are included during the transit.

Audio tours can be purchased separately at each location for $5 at Prison S21 and $3 at the Killing Fields.

This half-day tour offers an opportunity for visitors to learn about the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge regime and its lasting impact on Cambodia.

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup for the tour is available at hotels near Central Market, Riverside, Royal Palace, and BKK.

Guests outside the pickup zones are advised to meet at the Riverside Night Market.

The morning tour pickup starts at 8am, while the afternoon tour starts at 1:30pm. It’s recommended that guests arrive at the pickup location at least 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the selected hotels in Phnom Penh via air-conditioned coach.

During the transit, guests can enjoy recorded commentary and a documentary film to enhance their understanding of the sites they’ll be visiting.

Tour Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes half-day transportation, an English-speaking tour assistant, a documentary film, and a single bottle of water. Entry fees for the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ($5) and Killing Fields ($3) are not included, nor are optional audio guides ($5 for Prison S21; $3 for Killing Fields) and live in-house guide services ($3-$5). The maximum group size is 18 travelers per tour.

Inclusions	Pricing
Transportation	Included
English-speaking assistant	Included
Documentary film	Included
Bottled water	Included
Entry fees	Not included ($5-$3)
Audio guides	Optional ($5-$3)
In-house guide services	Optional ($3-$5)

Visitor Experience and Recommendations

Moving on to the visitor experience, the tour at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Prison S21) lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the suggested highlight audio tour lasting 50 minutes.

Visitors should maintain a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions.

While the audio guides at both the Prison S21 and Killing Fields sites can enhance understanding, time constraints may limit the overall experience.

Ultimately, the emotional and educational value of this tour is emphasized, with many considering it a must-do activity while visiting Phnom Penh.

Reviews and Feedback

Based on 200 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.0.

Positive feedback highlights the informative staff, convenience, and emotional impact of the experience.

While some critiques mention a rushed pace and suggest alternative transportation for more flexibility, the tour’s educational and emotional value is widely emphasized.

Many consider it a must-do activity during a visit to Phnom Penh.

Guests praise the tour’s ability to provide a powerful and thought-provoking glimpse into the country’s dark history, with the informative staff and well-organized logistics contributing to an overall positive experience.

While some feel the pace could be more leisurely, the consensus is that the tour is a deeply meaningful and impactful way to learn about and reflect on this tragic chapter.

Significant Sites Visited

The tour includes visits to two significant sites of Khmer Rouge atrocities during the 1975-1979 period: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as Prison S21) and the Killing Fields.

At the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, visitors can explore the former high school that was converted into a notorious prison and interrogation center by the Khmer Rouge.

The tour then continues to the Killing Fields, the site where thousands of prisoners were executed and buried in mass graves.

These poignant destinations provide a somber yet essential glimpse into Cambodia’s dark history and the horrors inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime.

Audio Tour Options

At both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, visitors have the option to enhance their experience by purchasing audio guides. These optional audio tours provide an in-depth, immersive exploration of the sites and the history behind them.

At the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Prison S21), the audio guide costs $5 and offers a 50-minute guided experience. Similarly, the Killing Fields site has a $3 audio tour that further illuminates the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

While the audio guides aren’t included in the tour price, they can significantly deepen visitors’ understanding and emotional connection to these solemn historical places.

Tour Group Size

A maximum of 18 travelers can participate in each Killing Fields and Prison S21 bus tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for visitors.

This small group size allows the tour assistant to provide more focused attention and individualized support to each guest. It also creates a quieter, more reflective atmosphere as travelers explore these solemn historical sites.

The limited capacity helps maintain a respectful and immersive environment, enabling deeper engagement with the content and greater opportunities for meaningful discussion.

While larger tour groups may be more cost-effective, this tour’s intimate approach prioritizes quality over quantity, delivering a more profound and impactful experience for those seeking to understand Cambodia’s tragic past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Sites on My Own Instead of a Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on their own. This provides more flexibility, but a guided tour offers valuable historical context and insights that enhance the experience.

Are Photography and Filming Allowed at the Sites?

Photography and filming are generally allowed at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields sites, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the solemnity of these memorial spaces. Certain restrictions may apply.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions or requirements. However, it may not be suitable for young children due to the sensitive and disturbing nature of the sites visited. Discretion is advised for those with young travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are typically allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand as some may have restrictions on outside food and drinks.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour’s cancellation and refund policy generally allows for full refunds if cancellations are made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Shorter notice may result in partial or no refund, so it’s best to check the policy details.

Recap

The Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour provides a profound and respectful exploration of Cambodia’s tragic history.

Visitors can expect comfortable transportation, informative commentary, and an intimate group experience as they visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.

The tour offers optional audio guides for a deeper understanding, fostering an emotional connection to these crucial historical sites.