Killing Fields and S21 Half Day by Private Tour

The "Killing Fields and S21 Half Day by Private Tour" offers a profound and educational experience for those seeking to understand Cambodia’s dark past. Participants will explore the haunting remnants of the Khmer Rouge regime, visiting the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum with knowledgeable guides. This four-hour journey provides an immersive look into the country’s history, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the Cambodian people. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to broaden your perspective, this tour promises to leave a lasting impact.

Good To Know

• This private tour covers the Killing Fields and S21 Museum in Phnom Penh, providing an in-depth exploration of the Khmer Rouge atrocities.
• The tour is priced at $62.00 per person for a 4-hour experience, with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, audio guides, and refreshments included.
• Visitors will learn about the historical significance of the Killing Fields and its mass grave sites, as well as the Tuol Sleng Museum’s transformation from a high school to a notorious prison.
• The tour is not suitable for participants with specific medical conditions, and guidelines are in place to maintain a respectful environment.
• Transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with early hotel pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Killing Fields and S21 Tour offers a comprehensive half-day private tour that covers two of the most poignant historical sites in Phnom Penh.

Priced at $62.00 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, and the tour includes hotel pickup, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, audio guides, and refreshments.

The tour highlights the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Museum, providing an in-depth look at the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.

Certain participant restrictions apply, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with specific medical conditions.

Itinerary and Experience

Departing from the hotel at 8:00 AM, the tour ventures approximately 16 km south of Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, the final resting place for over 17,000 victims of the Khmer Rouge regime‘s atrocities between 1975 and 1978.

The tour then continues to the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former high school that was transformed into a prison and torture center during the regime.

A knowledgeable English-speaking guide provides a detailed tour, and an audio guide is included for both the Killing Fields and S21.

Refreshment drinks and cold towels are provided during the tour, which offers a harrowing yet important opportunity to learn about this dark chapter in Cambodian history.

Tour Highlights

Experiencing the Killing Fields and learning about the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities is the tour’s primary highlight.

Visitors will explore the Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21), a former high school turned prison and torture center, and uncover its harrowing history. An audio guide is included for both the Killing Fields and S21, providing a deeper understanding of the events that took place.

Refreshment drinks and cold towels are provided during the tour, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The knowledgeable English-speaking guide offers a detailed and informative account, allowing participants to fully enjoy this somber yet important part of Cambodia’s history.

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup from the hotel is included for the tour, with the guide and driver arriving 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

To ensure a smooth start, a clear hotel address is required for pickup. The transportation provided is comfortable and air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.

The tour highlights include:

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Arrival 30 minutes prior to departure

This hassle-free transportation and pickup arrangement allow participants to fully enjoy the profound historical experiences awaiting them at the Killing Fields and S21 museum.

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Participant Restrictions and Guidelines

The tour isn’t suitable for certain participants due to potential health risks.

Pregnant women or individuals with high blood pressure are advised against joining this tour. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

Plus, the tour prohibits the consumption of alcohol and drugs during the experience. This policy is in place to maintain a respectful and focused environment as visitors explore the somber and sensitive historical sites.

Participants are expected to adhere to these guidelines to fully engage with the tour and honor the memory of those affected by the Khmer Rouge regime.

Exploring the Killing Fields

After departing their hotel, visitors embark on a somber journey to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, located approximately 16 km south of Phnom Penh.

This final resting place for over 17,000 victims of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1978) serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark period.

Visitors explore the site, encountering:

• Mass graves and bone fragments scattered across the grounds
• A memorial stupa containing the skulls of those killed
• Placards detailing the horrific methods of torture and execution
• The chilling silence that permeates the once-bustling site

Through this powerful experience, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the Khmer Rouge’s brutal legacy and the resilience of the Cambodian people.

Uncovering Tuol Sleng Museum

From the Killing Fields, the tour continues to the former Tuol Sleng Museum, a harrowing reminder of the Khmer Rouge’s brutality.

Once a high school, the complex was transformed into a notorious prison and torture center known as S-21. Visitors will explore the grim exhibits, which include chilling photos of prisoners and the instruments of torture used by the regime.

A knowledgeable guide provides detailed explanations, shedding light on the museum’s dark history. The tour also includes an audio guide, allowing guests to delve deeper into the tragic events that unfolded at this site during the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror.

Guided Experience and Inclusions

A knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads the tour, providing detailed explanations and insights throughout the experience.

The tour includes:

• Audio guides for both the Killing Fields and S21 Museum, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the history and significance of these sites.
• Refreshment drinks and cold towels offered during the tour, ensuring comfort and hydration.
• Pickup from the hotel, with the guide and driver arriving 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start to the day.
• Restrictions on alcohol and drugs during the tour, maintaining a respectful and focused atmosphere.

This comprehensive tour offers an opportunity to uncover the harrowing history of the Khmer Rouge regime and pay respects to the victims of this tragic period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though certain areas may have restrictions. Photography is an important way to document and reflect on the historical significance of the sites.

How Are the Guides Selected and Trained?

The guides are carefully selected and undergo extensive training to ensure they are knowledgeable, sensitive, and able to provide a respectful and informative experience for guests. They’re well-versed in the history and able to share it thoughtfully.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing and closed-toe shoes. Revealing or overly casual attire is discouraged out of respect for the sensitive historical sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, though it’s not recommended for young children. Participants of all ages are welcome, but parents should consider the sensitive nature of the content when deciding if it’s appropriate for their family.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Water?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and water on the tour, though the tour provides a refreshment drink and cold towel. However, alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the tour.

Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a profound and educational experience, allowing visitors to explore the haunting remnants of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime. With knowledgeable guides, audio insights, and included refreshments, the tour ensures a respectful and comprehensive understanding of the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum – significant historical sites that bear witness to the country’s dark past.

You can check if your dates are available here: