The Phnom Penh Half Day Tour to the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum provides a powerful and poignant exploration of Cambodia’s troubled past. Visitors have the chance to explore the nation’s history under the Khmer Rouge regime, uncovering the profound tragedy that unfolded. Through guided visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum, participants can gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter, leaving them with a renewed perspective on the resilience of the Cambodian people. With thoughtful curation and logistical support, this tour offers a meaningful way to confront the complexities of the past and consider their lasting impact.
Good To Know
- This half-day tour explores the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, providing insights into Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge history.
- The tour is priced at $160 for groups up to 6 participants and includes an English-speaking guide, comfortable minivan transportation, and entrance fees.
- Participants can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and no upfront payment is required for booking.
- The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours at the Genocide Museum and an optional 1-hour visit to the Killing Fields.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and complimentary bottled water and soda are provided throughout the experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Phnom Penh Half Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s haunting history.
Priced at $160 per group (up to 6 participants), the tour includes a visit to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can book their spot without any upfront payment.
Throughout the tour, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insights into this dark chapter of Cambodia’s past.
The tour also includes transportation in a comfortable minivan, as well as complimentary water and soda.
Ready for more culture? More museums we feature in Phnom Penh
Tour Highlights
A key highlight of the Phnom Penh Half Day Tour is the visit to the infamous Killing Fields. This burial site of Khmer Rouge victims features a glass-walled stupa filled with skulls, serving as a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during that dark period. Participants will also explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former interrogation and execution center (S21) where nearly 20,000 prisoners were tortured and killed. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and comfortable transportation, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
Tour Highlights |
---|
Visit the Killing Fields |
Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum |
English-speaking guide included |
Good minivan and driver provided |
Opportunity to learn about Cambodia’s history |
Historical Context
Rooted in the Khmer Rouge regime‘s brutal 1975-1979 rule, this half-day tour explores the sobering legacy of the country’s darkest chapter.
Under the Khmer Rouge’s genocidal policies, an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians perished. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school turned torture center, serves as a grim reminder of the regime’s atrocities, with over 20,000 victims passing through its gates.
The Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh harbor the remains of around 8,000 bodies, a chilling testament to the scale of the massacres.
Kang Kek Iew, the prison chief, was convicted for crimes against humanity and died in prison in 2020, but the scars of this dark period remain.
Itinerary and Logistics
This half-day tour begins with pickup from either the Phnom Penh 51 Hotel or the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, providing participants with the flexibility to start their journey from a convenient location.
The visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offering a deeply moving look into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Afterward, the tour proceeds to the Killing Fields, located 15 km outside Phnom Penh, where visitors can spend an optional 1 hour exploring the site and its haunting memorial.
The tour concludes with drop-off at the same location as the pickup.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWhat’s Included
The Phnom Penh Half Day Tour includes pickup by an English-speaking guide, a comfortable minivan, and a dedicated driver.
Participants will also receive complimentary cool water and soda throughout the tour.
Entrance fees to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ($5 per person) and the Killing Fields ($3 per person) are covered.
It’s important for participants to provide their pickup location and name in advance to ensure proper arrangements.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and informative experience of Phnom Penh’s dark history during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Participants can be picked up from either the Phnom Penh 51 Hotel or the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. After the tour, they’ll be dropped off at the same locations.
Pickup Location | Drop-off Location |
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Phnom Penh 51 Hotel | Phnom Penh 51 Hotel |
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum | Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum |
The tour visits the Genocide Museum for 1.5 hours and the optional Killing Fields for 1 hour, with an extra fee. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to all.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for the tour are $5 per person for the Genocide Museum and $3 per person for the optional Killing Fields visit.
These fees provide access to these historical sites and help maintain the facilities. Participants are responsible for covering the entrance costs, which aren’t included in the overall tour price.
Visitors are advised to bring the exact amount in cash to expedite the entry process.
The tour includes pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and refreshments, but the entrance fees are payable separately at each location.
Participant Requirements
All participants must provide their pickup location and full name when booking the tour to facilitate arrangements. This is necessary for the tour operator to coordinate the pickup and drop-off logistics.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing individuals with mobility limitations to participate. Participants should arrive at the designated pickup location on time, as the tour follows a tight schedule.
The tour provides complimentary bottled water and soda throughout the day to keep guests hydrated. By providing this information upfront, the tour can run smoothly and ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed at the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum?
Photography is allowed at the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, but visitors should be respectful and avoid flash photography. Some areas may have restrictions due to the sensitive nature of the sites.
Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. The tour includes water and soda, but additional food and drinks may be brought if desired to consume during the tour.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 12 Years Old?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children under 12. However, the content of the sites can be disturbing, so parental discretion is advised. The tour provider recommends it for ages 12 and up.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?
Participants don’t need any special equipment or clothing for the tour. Casual, comfortable attire and walking shoes are recommended. Visitors should be prepared for the somber and emotional nature of the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum sites.
Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring Into the Sites?
Visitors can bring cameras, water, and snacks, but large bags, weapons, and pets are generally not allowed. Some sites may have security screenings, so it’s best to pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items.
Sum Up
The Phnom Penh Half Day Tour to the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum provides a profound and educational experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and all-inclusive features, this tour ensures a reflective and impactful exploration of these historically significant sites.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Museum Experiences in Phnom Penh
- Killing Fields & Toul Sleng Genocide Museum Tickets With Tuk Tuk
- Private Half Day Trip to Genocidal Museum & Killing Field
- The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Tour
- Royal Palace, S-21 Genocide, National Museum & Killing Field
- Phnom Penh: History Inside the Genocide Museums (1975-1979)
- Khmer Rouge In Depth: Tuol Sleng Museum & Killing Fields
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