Private Half Day Trip to Genocidal Museum & Killing Field

Exploring Cambodia’s dark past can be a poignant and eye-opening experience. A private half-day trip to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields provides an insightful look into the harrowing realities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the transformation of a former high school into a notorious interrogation center and an old cemetery into an extermination camp, honoring the memory of those lost. As visitors reflect on the resilience of the Cambodian people, they’ll be left with a deeper understanding of this chapter in history and a desire to learn more.

Key Points

• Private guided tour in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
• Gain insight into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a sobering look at the former detention and torture center.
• Choeung Ek Killing Fields contains a memorial stupa housing the remains of thousands of victims.
• Comprehensive tour package includes private transportation, water, and admission fees to both historical sites.

Tour Overview

The private half-day trip in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, takes visitors to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.

This tour allows travelers to reflect on the impact of the Khmer Rouge regime on modern Cambodia. At Tuol Sleng, a former high school that became an interrogation and torture center, visitors will learn about the estimated 12,273 detainees, most of whom were tortured or executed.

The tour then proceeds to Choeung Ek, an old Chinese cemetery transformed into an extermination camp, where 8,985 remains exhumed from mass graves are housed in a memorial stupa.

Historical Context

Tuol Sleng, a former high school, became an interrogation and torture center under the Khmer Rouge regime. Approximately 17,000 people entered Tuol Sleng; only seven survived.

Choeung Ek, an old Chinese cemetery, was transformed into an extermination camp for political prisoners. 8,985 remains exhumed from mass graves are housed in a memorial stupa at Choeung Ek.

The Khmer Rouge, a brutal communist regime, ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Their regime was responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.5 to 3 million Cambodians through execution, torture, starvation, and forced labor.

This dark chapter in Cambodia’s history continues to impact the country’s present and future.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A former high school, Tuol Sleng became the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) under the Khmer Rouge regime. It was the main political prison where suspected enemies were detained, interrogated, and tortured.

An estimated 12,273 detainees passed through S-21, and only seven are known to have survived. Visitors today can see the harrowing exhibits, including cells, torture instruments, and photographs of the victims.

The museum provides a somber and powerful glimpse into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge against the Cambodian people. Admission to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum isn’t included in the tour price.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

At Choeung Ek, an old Chinese cemetery was transformed into an extermination camp for political prisoners during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The museum at Choeung Ek features harrowing photographs of victims, including foreigners. Between 1975 and 1978, approximately 20,000 people from the S-21 prison were taken to Choeung Ek and executed.

The memorial stupa at Choeung Ek houses 8,985 exhumed remains from the mass graves.

Visiting this site provides a somber reflection on the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities and the resilience of the Cambodian people in the face of this dark chapter in their history.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a private guide and air-conditioned transportation for the half-day experience.

Pure drinking water is provided throughout the tour.

Admission fees to both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center are covered, costing $5 and $3 per person, respectively.

However, food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour is priced at $130 for a group of up to 6 people.

Additional Information

Pickup for the tour is arranged at the hotel lobby, so guests need to provide the hotel name and address when booking.

This private tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

Guests are advised to bring bug spray and wear suitable shoes for the potentially muddy conditions at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.

The tour is priced at $130.00 per group, which can accommodate up to 6 people, making it an affordable option for small groups.

Tour Pricing

Although the tour is priced at $130.00 per group, it can accommodate up to 6 people, making it an affordable option for small groups. The pricing structure is detailed in the table below:

Item	Cost
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Admission	$5 per person
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center Admission	$3 per person
Private Tour Guide and Transportation with A/C	Included
Drinking Water	Included
Food and Other Drinks	Not Included

The tour covers the key historical sites, provides a private guide, and includes admission fees for both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, offering a comprehensive and personalized experience for a reasonable price.

Guest Reviews

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this private half-day tour, awarding it a perfect 5.0 rating based on 6 reviews.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable tour guides who provide insightful historical context. The comfortable transportation with air conditioning also receives commendation.

Reviewers recommend bringing bug spray and wearing suitable footwear for the potentially muddy conditions at the Killing Fields site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Visit These Sites as a Solo Traveler?

As a solo traveler, visiting these historical sites is generally safe. However, it’s recommended to exercise caution, stay alert, and consider joining a guided tour to enhance the experience and ensure personal safety.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Museums?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, but they should be respectful and avoid disturbing other visitors. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to ask the staff.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to dress modestly. Covering up and avoiding revealing clothing is recommended out of respect for the somber nature of the sites. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the subject matter may not be suitable for very young children. Parental discretion is advised.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended if needed. Travelers can discuss extending the tour with the guide, who will accommodate their preferences and ensure they have enough time to fully explore the sites.

Recap

This private half-day tour offers a poignant and sobering glimpse into Cambodia’s tragic past. Visitors can reflect on the resilience of the Cambodian people while honoring the memory of those lost at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this insightful excursion delves into the harrowing realities of the Khmer Rouge regime.