A Thrilling History
The Killing Fields in Cambodia were a series of sites where the Khmer Rouge regime executed and buried over a million people during their rule from 1975 to 1979. The most infamous site is Choeung Ek near Phnom Penh, where thousands were killed and buried in mass graves. Cambodian people still remember these events by the TULIP flower and by keeping the victims’ skeletons and clothing at the place, which is called a KILLING FIELD.
Location
The Killing Fields at Choeung Ek are located just about 15 kilometers (around 40 minutes) southwest of Phnom Penh. I remember the first time I made the trip—it’s a quiet drive, heading down Monireth Boulevard and continuing onto National Road 2, as the bustling city gradually fades away. The peaceful surroundings of the site seem almost surreal given the heartbreaking history tied to it.
When you arrive, you’ll notice a serene memorial with a towering Buddhist stupa, where many of the victims’ remains are respectfully kept. It’s a place for reflection, and I’d recommend spending a few hours there to really take in the gravity of what happened.
Getting there is easy enough with a tuk-tuk or hired car from the city, and if you’re in Phnom Penh for a few days, this is definitely a place to visit. It’s a heavy experience, but an important one to understand Cambodia’s history on a deeper level.
ADDRESS
Perfect Time to Visit
I was so afraid before going there because they keep the real skeletons of victims & thought about it many times and then finally decided to go explore.
The field is generally open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. I went there at noon (after 12:00), which was very hot and dry. The uncomfortable weather, combined with the lack of trees on the field, made it even less bearable.
So, the perfect time to go there is in the morning (after 8:00). You will experience more comfortable weather and enjoy the visit much more than I did. Haha.
Explore the Real Killing Weapons and Other Related Items
- You can choose any vehicle to go there by using a ride-sharing app which’s name is PASS APP.
- After arriving there, you have to buy tickets. (There are different ticket prices for children and adults.)
- They will provide you with a mini cell phone and headphones. Don’t be confused like me; follow these instructions:
Mini Cell Phone: It contains recorded speeches about all the places, one by one. You have to press button 0 to proceed and explore the history well.
Headphone: Used for connecting the mini cell phone to hear the voices speeches.
- After setting up the cellphone, proceed ahead, and you will see a building in front of you. Here, the Cambodians have kept the real skeletons of victims of all ages, along with their clothing and the actual weapons used by the killers.
Before entering, you can find flowers. If you want to pay respect to the victims, you can buy them and proceed without shoes. If you don’t want to, it’s no problem.
After that, enter the building, and your journey will start from there.
Each place is marked by a number, just like the explanations on the mini cell phones. This will make your visit easier.
Is there an entrance fee to visit this field?
Yes, there’s a small entrance fee to visit the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek—usually around $3 to $6 USD. The fee includes an audio guide, and I definitely recommend using it. It really helps bring the place to life, with stories and explanations that guide you through each section of the site.
The audio guide is available in multiple languages, and it adds so much depth to the experience. Honestly, for just a few dollars, it’s a meaningful way to fully take in the history and reflect on what happened here. Definitely worth it!
Visitor’s Experience & Related Movie (Based on real history)
After visiting the Killing Fields, you will feel like the scenario is right in front of you; sometimes you will feel sad, sometimes you will be afraid.
For an even greater experience, you can watch a movie before your visit:
One notable film is “The Killing Fields,” released in 1984. Directed by Roland Joffé, the film tells the story of an American journalist and his Cambodian interpreter as they navigate the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Quick Travel Diary Tips Before Go
The weather can get pretty hot, so don’t forget to bring water. You’ll want to stay hydrated during your visit, especially if you’re walking around the site.
It’s important to wear respectful clothing since the Killing Fields are such a solemn place. Think about light, comfortable clothes that also show respect for the history.
Honestly, visiting the Killing Fields can be pretty intense. The stories and history behind it are heartbreaking, so just be ready for it to feel a bit heavy. It’s emotional but also really important to experience.
If you are afraid of skeletons, then don’t go!
In summary, while the Killing Fields are safe to visit and offer important historical insights, it’s essential to approach the visit with respect and awareness.
So, that’s all about Cambodia's Killing Fields. If you guys think that I need to explain more or if you have any questions, put them in the comments below. Thanks for being with me.
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