Choeung Ek Killing Fields
A place of remembrance for the victims of the Khmer Rouge genocide
Content Notice
This memorial contains graphic content including mass graves, human remains, and detailed accounts of genocide. Visitor discretion is advised. The site is treated as sacred ground by Cambodians, and respectful behavior is expected.
2-3 Hours
Visit Duration
$6 USD
Entry + Audio
7:30AM-5:30PM
Opening Hours
15 km
From City Center
Overview
Choeung Ek is one of the sites known as the "Killing Fields," where the Khmer Rouge regime executed and buried an estimated 17,000 men, women, and children between 1975 and 1979. Today, it serves as a memorial and educational center to ensure the world never forgets the atrocities that claimed nearly 2 million Cambodian lives.
Prisoners were transported here from the notorious S-21 security prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum) after being tortured into false confessions. Due to the scarcity of bullets, victims were executed using farming tools, bamboo, and other crude weapons.
Historical Context
The Khmer Rouge, under Pol Pot, sought to create an agrarian utopia by evacuating cities, abolishing money, religion, and private property, and executing anyone deemed a threat—including intellectuals, professionals, minorities, and eventually their own members.
Key Facts
Regime Duration: 1975-1979 (3 years, 8 months, 20 days)
Estimated Deaths: 1.7-2.5 million (21-24% of population)
Choeung Ek Victims: Approximately 17,000
Mass Graves Discovered: Over 100 at this site alone
Killing Fields Nationwide: Over 300 documented sites
The Memorial
The centerpiece of Choeung Ek is the Buddhist memorial stupa, completed in 1988. This 17-level structure contains over 8,000 skulls of victims, arranged by age and gender, with acrylic glass sides allowing visitors to pay respects.
Memorial Stupa
The glass-sided tower containing 8,000+ skulls of victims. Visitors often leave bracelets and flowers as offerings.
Mass Graves
Sunken pits mark the excavated mass graves. Bone fragments and cloth still surface after heavy rains.
The Killing Tree
A tree against which children were killed. One of the most emotionally difficult spots, often covered in memorial bracelets.
Museum Building
Contains photographs, documentation, and context about the Khmer Rouge regime and the victims.
Practical Information
Visit Details
Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily
Admission: $6 USD (includes excellent audio tour)
Location: 15 km south of Phnom Penh (30-40 min drive)
Transport: Tuk-tuk $15-20 round trip, Grab $10-15
Combine with S-21
Many visitors tour the Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21) first, then Choeung Ek. This follows the historical path of victims and provides context. Both sites offer audio tours in multiple languages.
The Audio Tour
The included audio tour is essential. Narrated by survivors and historians, it provides crucial context, personal stories, and details that bring the history to life. Plan 2-3 hours to complete it fully.
- Available in 15 languages including English, French, Chinese, Japanese
- A children's version is available (less graphic content)
- Bring headphones for better audio quality
Reflection & Respect
Visiting Choeung Ek is not typical tourism—it is bearing witness. Many visitors are deeply moved and need time to process what they've learned.
Ways to Show Respect
- • Dress modestly (as at temples)
- • Speak quietly and avoid loud conversations
- • Many visitors leave bracelets or flowers at the stupa
- • Don't step on bone fragments if you see them (notify staff)
- • Photograph thoughtfully and for remembrance, not social media
- • Take time afterward to process and reflect
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.