Phnom Penh: Tour of Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial

Visiting the historical sites of Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh offers a profoundly meaningful experience for travelers to Cambodia. Exploring the former school-turned-prison provides a chilling glimpse into the horrific realities of the Khmer Rouge regime, while the Killing Fields memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the immense suffering endured by the Cambodian people. Though a somber and emotionally challenging tour, the insightful local guides lend a poignant perspective that deepens one’s understanding of this tragic chapter in the nation’s history. For those seeking to honor the memory of those lost, this tour promises an unforgettable, if harrowing, journey.

Good To Know

• This comprehensive tour explores the Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek Memorial, providing insight into Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide, as well as admission tickets to the sites.
• Visitors can expect a 1-hour guided tour at each location, learning about the over 17,000 victims killed by the Khmer Rouge.
• Local guides share personal anecdotes and stories, enhancing the emotional depth and historical understanding of the experience.
• The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or individuals over 95 years old, ensuring the safety and comfort of participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Tuol Sleng Prison and the Choeung Ek Memorial.

Priced at €19.76 per person, the 5-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation with air conditioning, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide.

Extras like Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields tickets are available for €5 and €3, respectively.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior or the "reserve now, pay later" option.

The tour provides a poignant insight into Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime, with personal anecdotes from local guides enhancing the experience.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with hotel pickup, followed by a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Guests will receive a 1-hour guided tour of this former high school that was repurposed as a prison by the Khmer Rouge regime.

After the museum, the group travels to Choeung Ek, the Killing Fields, for a 1-hour guided tour.

Here, they’ll learn more about the over 17,000 victims killed by the Khmer Rouge.

The tour then returns to Phnom Penh.

Throughout the experience, local guides share personal anecdotes, providing deeper insights into Cambodia’s tragic past and the impact of Pol Pot’s regime.

Historical Significance

Tuol Sleng, originally a high school, was repurposed as a prison by Pol Pot’s regime in 1975. The Killing Fields at Choeung Ek memorialize over 17,000 victims killed by the Khmer Rouge. This tour provides a sobering understanding of Cambodia’s tragic past, particularly the impact of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime.

Event	Death Toll
Cambodian Genocide	1.5-2 million
Tuol Sleng Prison	17,000+
Killing Fields	17,000+
Forced Labor	100,000s
Executions	300,000+

This poignant experience offers deeper insights into Cambodia’s history through personal anecdotes shared by local guides, some of whom are survivors of the Khmer Rouge era.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Travelers consistently rate this tour highly, awarding it an impressive 5/5 stars based on 25 reviews.

Highlighted reviews emphasize the emotional depth and personal stories shared by guides, including survivors of the Khmer Rouge era. Reviewers praise the tour’s insightful and poignant experience, particularly for those with limited time in Phnom Penh.

Key recommendations from past participants include:

• The guides’ personal anecdotes provide deeper insights into Cambodia’s history
• The tour offers a sobering yet necessary understanding of the country’s tragic past
• It’s an impactful experience, especially for first-time visitors to Phnom Penh
• Travelers suggest this tour as a must-do activity during their time in the city.

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Tour Restrictions and Considerations

According to the provided information, this tour may not be suitable for certain individuals.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 years old or for those over 95 years of age. However, the tour operator does offer small group options for a more personalized experience.

Participants are encouraged to wait in their hotel lobby at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.

These restrictions and considerations are likely in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all tour participants as they explore the sobering historical sites of Tuol Sleng Prison and the Choeng Ek Memorial.

Exploring Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The tour begins with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that was repurposed as a prison by the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975.

Visitors are guided through the chilling exhibits, which provide a sobering look into the horrors of the regime. Key highlights include:

• Preserved cells and interrogation rooms that serve as haunting reminders of the atrocities committed
• A collection of mugshot photographs taken of prisoners before their execution
• Graphic displays depicting the tortures and executions that took place within the prison walls
• Personal artifacts and stories that humanize the victims and the trauma they endured

This powerful experience lays the foundation for understanding the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror.

Visiting the Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Having visited Tuol Sleng, the tour proceeds to Choeung Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields located about an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh. At Choeung Ek, visitors take a guided tour of the memorial, which includes mass graves and a Buddhist stupa containing over 5,000 skulls. The tour provides a sobering reminder of the horrors inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. Visitors can reflect on the site’s tragic history and pay their respects to the victims. The tour’s personal anecdotes from local guides further enhance the emotional impact, fostering a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s harrowing past.

Key Facts
Location	Choeung Ek, 1 hour from Phnom Penh
Significance	Memorial to over 17,000 victims of Khmer Rouge
Highlights	Mass graves, Buddhist stupa with 5,000 skulls
Tour Duration	1 hour guided tour
Admission	$3

Personal Insights From Local Guides

While visiting the somber sites of Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek, travelers often find the personal anecdotes and stories shared by the local guides to be a profound and poignant aspect of the experience.

These local guides, some of whom are survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime, provide a deeply personal perspective that enhances the historical understanding:

• Firsthand accounts of the horrors experienced under Pol Pot’s rule
• Intimate knowledge of the sites’ significance and the wider impact on Cambodian society
• Emotional reflections on the long-lasting trauma and resilience of the Cambodian people
• Compelling narratives that humanize the tragic history and foster empathy in visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour overview, bottled water is provided, but guests can’t bring their own food or drinks. However, they’re welcome to enjoy the provided refreshments during the approximately 5-hour tour.

Are There Any Discounts for Large Groups?

Yes, the tour offers group discounts. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 10% discount on the per-person rate. It’s best to inquire about group pricing when booking the tour to take advantage of the savings.

Are There Wheelchair-Accessible Facilities?

The tour offers wheelchair-accessible facilities at both Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek Memorial. Guests with mobility challenges can fully participate in the guided tours and experience the historical sites with ease.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, but they’re advised to be respectful and avoid disturbing the solemn atmosphere at the sites. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions.

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

It’s best to wear comfortable, modest clothing for the tour. Avoid revealing or flashy attire, and consider bringing a light jacket as the museums can be cool. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended to navigate the sites.

Sum Up

The Phnom Penh tour of Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek Memorial provides a powerful and poignant exploration of Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the horrors faced by over 17,000 victims, with personal anecdotes from local guides adding an emotional depth to this sobering yet important experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: