Private Tour to Anlong Veng (Khmer Rouge Stronghold)

The private tour to Anlong Veng, the former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, offers a harrowing glimpse into Cambodia’s dark past. Visitors can explore the residences and haunts of key figures like Ta Mok, Son Sen, and Pol Pot, gaining a profound understanding of the atrocities committed by the regime. From the somber Ta Mok House to the chilling Pol Pot’s Cremation Place, the tour immerses participants in the complex and tragic narrative that has left an indelible mark on the region. Those ready to confront this history will discover a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience.

Key Points

• The private tour explores Anlong Veng, the final stronghold of the Khmer Rouge regime, visiting key sites like Ta Mok House, Son Sen Cremation Place, and Pol Pot’s Cremation Place.
• The tour provides an in-depth understanding of the Khmer Rouge’s brutal legacy, allowing visitors to gain insights into the lives and actions of its notorious leaders.
• The itinerary includes a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap, exploration of various historical sites, and the opportunity to see the houses of Khmer Rouge commanders.
• The tour is a small-group experience limited to 12 participants, with transportation, a professional guide, and necessary fees included.
• The tour offers a pay-later option and free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, making it accessible and flexible for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

This private tour to Anlong Veng, the former Khmer Rouge stronghold, provides an 8-hour exploration of the region’s dark history. It’s a small group experience, limited to 12 participants, with pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap.

The tour includes visits to key sites like the Ta Mok House, Son Sen Cremation Place, and Pol Pot’s Cremation Place, allowing visitors to learn about the brutality of the Khmer Rouge’s 3-year, 8-month, and 20-day reign. Transportation, a professional guide, and necessary fees are included, though meals and temple tickets are extra.

Guests can reserve this tour with a pay-later option and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free.

Itinerary Overview

The private tour to Anlong Veng begins with a pickup in Siem Reap and a 2-hour drive to the former Khmer Rouge stronghold. Visitors will first explore the Ta Mok House, where the brutal Khmer Rouge leader once resided.

Next, they’ll visit the Son Sen Cremation Place and the Ta Mok Shrine. The tour then moves to the Ta Mok Transportation Work Site and the Pol Pot Cremation Place.

Afterward, you will have the opportunity to see Son Sen’s House and Pol Pot’s House. Finally, the tour returns to Siem Reap, providing an in-depth look at the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and the lingering impact of their reign.

Visiting Ta Mok House

After the drive to Anlong Veng, visitors first explore the Ta Mok House, where the brutal Khmer Rouge leader once resided. Ta Mok, nicknamed "The Butcher", was one of the most ruthless commanders of the regime.

The humble home provides a glimpse into his personal life and the devious workings of the Khmer Rouge. Visitors can see the bedroom, living room, and kitchen where Ta Mok planned his sinister operations. The house has been preserved to maintain the atmosphere of the Khmer Rouge era, allowing visitors to better understand the grim realities of this dark period in Cambodian history.

Through this experience, the true human cost of the regime’s atrocities becomes palpable.

Exploring Son Sen’s Cremation Place

Visitors then make their way to Son Sen’s Cremation Place, where they can learn more about the fate of this prominent Khmer Rouge leader. The site is a somber reminder of the violence and brutality of the regime.

Here, Son Sen, the former defense minister, was killed on the orders of Pol Pot in 1997. Guests can see the remains of the funeral pyre and the charred ground where Son Sen’s body was cremated. The guide provides historical context, explaining how this act marked the final downfall of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror.

Exploring this site offers a deeper understanding of the complex and tragic history of Cambodia during this period.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Discovering Ta Mok Shrine

Discovering Ta Mok Shrine, visitors learn about the legacy of one of the Khmer Rouge‘s most notorious leaders. The shrine serves as a memorial to Ta Mok, a senior Khmer Rouge commander known as "The Butcher" for his ruthless tactics.

Visitors can explore the modest shrine and gain insights into Ta Mok’s role in the brutal regime. The site provides a somber reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, underscoring the importance of understanding this dark chapter in Cambodia’s history. As part of the tour, guests spend 15 minutes exploring the shrine and reflecting on its deeper significance.

Examining Ta Mok Transportation Work Site

The Ta Mok Transportation Work Site stands as a testament to the Khmer Rouge’s relentless efforts to control transportation and infrastructure during their reign of terror. Visitors can explore the remnants of this strategic site, where the regime sought to maintain its grip on the region.

Crumbling buildings and dilapidated machinery serve as stark reminders of the regime’s ruthless exploitation of labor and resources. The site offers a sobering glimpse into the Khmer Rouge’s systematic attempts to isolate Anlong Veng and restrict the movement of its residents. By understanding this transportation hub, one can better grasp the regime’s broader strategies for consolidating power and suppressing dissent.

Visiting Pol Pot’s Cremation Place

One arrives at Pol Pot’s Cremation Place, a somber site that marks the final resting place of the Khmer Rouge’s notorious leader. The small, unassuming area is marked by a simple concrete slab, a quiet reminder of the death of a man responsible for the deaths of millions.

Visitors can ponder the grim legacy of Pol Pot’s reign of terror, which lasted from 1975 to 1979. The site offers a sobering glimpse into the complex and painful history of the Khmer Rouge, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding the past in order to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.

Exploring Son Sen’s House and Pol Pot House

After visiting the somber Pol Pot Cremation Place, the tour moves on to explore the homes of two other key Khmer Rouge leaders – Son Sen’s House and Pol Pot House.

At Son Sen’s House, visitors can see the modest living conditions of the Khmer Rouge’s military commander, providing insight into their austere lifestyle. Visiting Pol Pot’s House, the tour group learns how the infamous leader lived in relative comfort, a stark contrast to the suffering he inflicted on the Cambodian people.

The tour offers a nuanced understanding of the Khmer Rouge’s leadership and its legacy.

• Gain insight into the living conditions of Khmer Rouge leaders
• Understand the contrasts between the leaders’ lifestyles
• Reflect on the Khmer Rouge’s brutality and its lasting impact
• Appreciate the opportunity to learn about this complex history

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children due to the sensitive historical content and locations related to the Khmer Rouge’s brutality. Parents should exercise discretion when considering this tour for younger participants.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and request changes to the itinerary within the tour’s overall scope and duration.

Are There Any Restrictions or Dress Code?

There are no strict dress code requirements, but visitors should wear respectful attire when visiting the sites. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended, as these are places of historical significance and may require some decorum.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, taking photographs is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience or capturing sensitive areas without permission from the guide.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for This Tour?

The tour’s level of difficulty is moderate. Participants will do some walking, but the terrain is mostly flat. The tour’s pace allows time for exploration and reflection at each site.

Recap

The private tour to Anlong Veng provides a profound and somber exploration of the Khmer Rouge’s dark legacy. Visitors can explore the lives and residences of key figures, gaining a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed and their lasting impact on the region. Through visits to significant sites, the tour immerses participants in the complex narrative of the regime’s reign, offering a thought-provoking and educational experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: