The Phnom Penh tour offers visitors an in-depth exploration of Cambodia’s tumultuous past. By visiting the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21, travelers can bear witness to the harrowing events of the Khmer Rouge regime. Beyond the somberness, the tour also includes a trip to Oudong Hill, the former royal capital, where travelers can appreciate Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. As one delves into this tour, the juxtaposition of tragedy and resilience becomes a powerful narrative, inviting deeper reflection on the complexities of the nation’s history.
Good To Know
- The Phnom Penh tour includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, and Oudong Hill, providing a comprehensive exploration of Cambodia’s historical and cultural highlights.
- The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned prison and interrogation center, serves as a memorial and educational resource on the Khmer Rouge atrocities.
- The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, the site of mass executions, feature a memorial stupa containing over 5,000 human skulls and an audio tour with first-hand accounts of the killings.
- Oudong Hill, the former royal capital of Cambodia, offers a scenic and tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore the monumental royal necropolis with stupas and pagodas.
- The tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable and well-organized experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Phnom Penh Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural highlights.
The tour includes visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, and Oudong Hill, all for a price starting from €40.31 per person.
The tour lasts approximately 8.25 hours, with each site visit ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 hours.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now & pay later option.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to the various sites.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phnom Penh.
Itinerary and Locations
Travelers have the option to be picked up for this tour at either Wat Phnom or Sisowath Riverside Park.
The main stops on the itinerary include the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which visitors can explore for around 2 hours.
The tour then proceeds to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where visitors spend approximately 1.5 hours.
The final major stop is Oudong Hill, which offers 2.25 hours to take in the former royal capital and its monumental royal necropolis.
A lunch break is included during the tour.
Throughout the day, an English-speaking driver and guide accompany the travelers.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
What makes the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum such a poignant and haunting site? This former high school served as a central prison and interrogation center for the Khmer Rouge regime.
Visitors can see the cramped cells, torture devices, and harrowing photographs of prisoners. Chilling reminders of the regime’s brutality, only 12 prisoners survived the notorious S-21 prison out of an estimated 20,000 who passed through its doors.
The museum powerfully preserves the evidence of these Khmer Rouge atrocities, serving as a somber memorial and important educational resource to understand Cambodia’s tragic history.
Killing Fields (Choeung Ek)
Located just 20 kilometers from Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek served as a brutal execution site for the Khmer Rouge regime. Visitors can explore the mass graves, memorial stupa, and remnants of the gruesome atrocities that took place here from 1975 to 1979. The site offers a sobering glimpse into Cambodia’s tragic history and the scale of the Khmer Rouge’s crimes.
Monument | Description |
---|---|
Mass Graves | Over 8,000 bodies exhumed from mass graves |
Memorial Stupa | Contains over 5,000 human skulls on display |
Killing Tree | Used to execute prisoners by bashing their heads |
Bone Fragments | Bone and clothing fragments still litter the grounds |
Audio Tour | Provides harrowing first-hand accounts of the killings |
Oudong Hill
Oudong Hill, the former royal capital of Cambodia for over 250 years, offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Situated approximately 40 kilometers from Phnom Penh, the site is known for its monumental royal necropolis, featuring several stupas and pagodas that house the remains of Khmer kings.
Visitors can explore the hilltop’s winding paths, taking in the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere.
The tour allows for 2.25 hours at Oudong Hill, providing ample time to discover the site’s historical significance and appreciate the serene natural surroundings.
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Historical Significance
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields stand as solemn reminders of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
The museum preserves harrowing evidence of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities, with only 12 former inmates surviving the prison’s horrors from 1975 to 1979.
The Killing Fields, located just outside Phnom Penh, were the site of mass executions, offering a profound insight into the scale of the regime’s violence.
In contrast, Oudong Hill holds historical significance as the former royal capital, providing visitors with a chance to reflect on Cambodia’s rich heritage amidst the scenic views and monumental royal necropolis.
Tour Inclusions
The tour package includes an air-conditioned car or van, along with the services of an English-speaking driver and guide.
Cold water is provided throughout the journey.
Entrance fees are covered for the following attractions:
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: $10 per person.
- Killing Fields (Choeung Ek): $6 per person.
- Oudong Hill: $10 per person.
Travelers can also choose to purchase optional food while touring the sites.
Accessibility and Communication
Notably, the tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to the needs of all travelers.
The driver arrives 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth pickup, and the guide holds a sign with the traveler’s name for easy identification.
To facilitate communication, the tour company encourages guests to share their WhatsApp information, enabling seamless interactions with the local guide before arrival.
This attention to accessibility and communication demonstrates the tour’s commitment to providing a comfortable and well-organized experience for all participants, regardless of their mobility or communication needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t mention any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator to inquire about any available concessions that may be offered.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?
The tour can be customized to include additional sites, though this may incur an extra cost. Travelers should discuss their specific interests with the tour operator to see if the itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate their requests.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Memorial Sites?
The tour operator recommends visitors dress respectfully when visiting the memorial sites. Casual, modest clothing is advised, as these are solemn places that commemorate tragedy. Shorts, tank tops, and overly revealing attire should be avoided.
Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and videography are generally allowed during the tour, but visitors are advised to be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior. Some sites may have restrictions, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions.
Can the Tour Be Arranged for a Private Group?
The tour can be arranged for a private group. Travelers can request a private tour and enjoy a personalized experience with the flexibility to customize the itinerary to their preferences.
Sum Up
The Phnom Penh Tour offers a profound exploration of Cambodia’s harrowing past. Visitors can explore the history of the Khmer Rouge regime at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The tour also includes a visit to Oudong Hill, allowing travelers to appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive experience provides a sobering yet meaningful insight into Cambodia’s history.
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