Phnom Penh: Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour

Exploring Cambodia’s tumultuous past is a profound and sobering experience. The Phnom Penh: Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour offers an in-depth look into the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in the country’s history. Through carefully curated visits to significant sites and informative onboard documentaries, the tour guides participants on a journey that is as educational as it is emotionally impactful. As one delves into the harrowing narratives of the past, the significance of preserving memory and promoting reconciliation becomes increasingly evident.

Good To Know

• A comprehensive 4.5-hour bus tour that explores the Killing Fields and Prison S21 in Phnom Penh, providing insights into Cambodia’s tragic Khmer Rouge history.
• Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an onboard documentary to enhance the learning experience.
• Features English-speaking assistance and amenities like free Wi-Fi and drinking water for a comfortable tour.
• Offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
• Tour receives an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from previous customers, with praise for the smooth operations and informative nature of the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For those interested in exploring Cambodia’s dark past, the Phnom Penh Bus Tour offers a comprehensive 4.5-hour excursion to the Killing Fields and Prison S21 (Genocide Museum).

Priced from €13.47 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and guided visits to these historically significant sites.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made without upfront payment.

The tour features an air-conditioned bus with ample legroom, an onboard documentary, and English-speaking assistance, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience for visitors.

Historical Significance

The Phnom Penh Bus Tour takes visitors on a somber journey through Cambodia’s tragic past, exploring the Killing Fields and Prison S21, two sites that bear witness to the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

At Prison S21, a former school turned interrogation and torture facility, guests will learn about the Khmer Rouge’s systematic persecution of intellectuals, professionals, and dissidents.

The Killing Fields, located 11 km south of Phnom Penh, serve as a sobering memorial to the mass executions and burials that occurred there during the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror from 1975 to 1979.

Through these powerful sites, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s harrowing history and the resilience of its people.

Experience and Amenities

A comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus with ample legroom and panoramic window views transports guests through the streets of Phnom Penh.

Onboard, a documentary film educates travelers about Cambodia’s history during the drive to the Killing Fields. English-speaking tour assistants are available to provide support and guidance throughout the experience.

Free Wi-Fi and complimentary drinking water ensure a convenient and refreshing journey.

At the sites, visitors can rent audio guides in 15 languages to enhance their understanding of the tragic events that unfolded at the Prison S21 and Killing Fields.

The tour’s thoughtful amenities and informative components create an immersive and impactful experience for all participants.

Itinerary Details

Hotel pickup at select downtown locations (Riverside, Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, Independence Monument, Kirrirom Residential) starts the tour.

Visitors will first spend 1 hour and 15 minutes at Prison S21, a former school turned interrogation and torture facility under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Then, a 30-minute drive takes them to the Killing Fields, where they’ll have 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore this site of mass executions and burials.

Audio guides are available for rent in 15 languages at both locations, providing an immersive and informative experience.

The tour concludes with a return to the hotel.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Visit to Prison S21 (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Drive to Killing Fields (30 minutes)
• Explore Killing Fields (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Audio guides available in 15 languages

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Tourists have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this Phnom Penh bus tour, rating it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars overall based on 532 reviews.

The tour’s guide received a solid 3.9 rating, while the transportation and service were praised with 4.4 and 4.5 respectively.

Customers highlighted the smooth operations, convenient pick-up and drop-off, and the informative nature of the tour.

Some suggestions were made for longer visit durations at each site to allow more time for exploration.

Tour Highlights

Though the Phnom Penh bus tour covers some of the darkest chapters in Cambodia’s history, it offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors seeking to understand the country’s past.

The tour includes a visit to the Genocide Museum at the former Prison S21, where visitors can learn about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. The tour then proceeds to the Killing Fields, a poignant site of mass executions and burials.

Throughout the journey, an onboard documentary provides historical context, and an English-speaking guide is available for assistance. The tour’s amenities, including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and free water, ensure a comfortable and informative experience.

Key highlights of the tour include:

• Exploration of the Genocide Museum at Prison S21
• Visit to the Killing Fields, a somber memorial site
• Onboard documentary film on Cambodian history
• English-speaking guide for assistance
• Comfortable, air-conditioned bus with amenities

Inclusion and Exclusions

The Phnom Penh bus tour‘s inclusions cover the key elements needed for an informative and engaging exploration of Cambodia’s somber history.

The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, admission to both the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, and an onboard documentary film. English-speaking tour assistants are available to provide guidance and address any questions.

Complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi and drinking water ensure a comfortable journey. While audio guides are available for rent at additional cost, the core tour package provides ample opportunity to learn about this tragic period in the country’s past.

Visitors will come away with a deeper understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime and its devastating impact.

Booking Information

One can easily reserve a spot on the Phnom Penh bus tour through the operator’s website. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and customers can book their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned bus with more legroom and window views
• Onboard documentary film on Cambodian history
• English-speaking tour assistant for assistance
• Free Wi-Fi and drinking water provided on the bus
• Audio guides available in 15 languages for rent at both sites

This flexible and convenient booking process allows visitors to secure their spot on this historically significant tour with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Clothing for the Tour?

No special equipment is required for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress modestly, as they’ll be visiting sites of historical significance. The tour provides transportation and any necessary amenities.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though some areas may restrict photography out of respect for the site’s solemn history. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidelines on photography.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it covers sensitive historical topics related to the Khmer Rouge genocide. It’s recommended for older children and teenagers accompanied by adults who can provide context and support as needed.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration at the Sites?

Yes, tour participants can choose to extend their visit duration at the sites. The tour provider offers the flexibility to spend more time exploring Prison S21 and the Killing Fields, for an additional fee.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour provider offers group discounts, though the specific discount rates are not publicly advertised. Customers interested in group bookings should inquire directly with the tour operator to discuss available pricing options and potential savings.

Sum Up

The Phnom Penh Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour offers a profound exploration of Cambodia’s harrowing history under the Khmer Rouge. With insightful visits, informative documentaries, and comfortable amenities, this comprehensive 4.5-hour tour provides participants with a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed between 1975 and 1979, making it an impactful and educational experience. The tour’s high ratings from customers further validate its value as a must-do activity for those seeking to learn about this dark chapter in Cambodian history.

You can check if your dates are available here: