Killing Fields and Toul Sleng S21 Museum Half-Day Tours

The Killing Fields and Toul Sleng S21 Museum are solemn reminders of Cambodia’s dark past. This half-day tour allows visitors to grapple with the country’s profound history of suffering under the Khmer Rouge regime. Through the lens of these poignant sites, one can begin to unravel the complexities of a nation’s resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy. As the tour unfolds, the weight of the past becomes palpable, inviting deeper reflection on the human condition.

Contents show

Key Points

Offer a half-day tour from Phnom Penh to Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, priced from $69 per person with live English-speaking guide.
Tour includes over an hour and a half at each site, with pickup and drop-off from various locations around the city.
Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to explore exhibits of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts from the Khmer Rouge regime.
Explore the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, featuring a memorial stupa with thousands of skulls and bones.
Tour subject matter is solemn, and visitors should prepare mentally and emotionally for this emotional experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The half-day tour from Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum offers visitors a sobering yet essential exploration of Cambodia’s tragic past.

Priced from $69 per person, this 4.5-hour experience includes a live English-speaking guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup and drop-off are provided from various locations around the city.

Visitors will spend over an hour and a half at each poignant site, seeing the museum’s exhibits and contemplating the remnants at the Killing Fields.

An emotional yet powerful journey, this tour provides an invaluable window into Cambodia’s history.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Phnom Penh

Itinerary Details

Pickup for the tour commences from one of three locations: Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, Phnom Penh International Airport, or central Phnom Penh.

The tour visits Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for 105 minutes, where visitors explore the exhibits of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts, learning about the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities.

Next, the tour moves to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields for 85 minutes, allowing visitors to pay respects at the mass graves and memorials.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the same locations as pickup. Itineraries may be subject to change.

Historical Context

Though the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields stand as somber reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities from 1975 to 1979, they also represent the resilience of the Cambodian people. The Tuol Sleng museum exhibits haunting photographs, documents, and personal belongings of the victims, while the Killing Fields offer a poignant memorial stupa filled with thousands of skulls and bones. The tours provide a deep understanding of this dark chapter, encouraging visitors to reflect on the past and the country’s ongoing healing.

| Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum | Choeung Ek Killing Fields |

| — | — |

| Former high school turned prison | Mass grave site |

| Exhibits of victims’ personal artifacts | Memorial stupa with skulls and bones |

Tour Highlights

A somber yet powerful experience awaits visitors on the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum tour.

At the Killing Fields, they’ll pay respects at remnants of mass graves and memorials, including the haunting Memorial Stupa filled with thousands of skulls and bones. The guided tours provide detailed, firsthand accounts of the victims’ experiences under the Khmer Rouge regime.

At the Killing Fields, visitors pay respects at remnants of mass graves and memorials, including the haunting Memorial Stupa filled with victims’ remains.

At Tuol Sleng, the former high school-turned-prison, harrowing exhibits of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts bear witness to the atrocities committed.

This emotionally charged journey allows visitors to reflect on the resilience of the Cambodian people in the face of such tragedy.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Visitors should keep several important considerations in mind when embarking on this tour. The subject matter is deeply solemn, and the sites aren’t recommended for young children.

Modest attire is required out of respect. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential, as is bringing water.

Though photography is permitted, it should be done thoughtfully and discreetly. This is an emotional experience, and visitors should prepare themselves mentally and emotionally.

Despite the gravity, the tour provides insight into Cambodia’s resilience in the face of unimaginable atrocities, offering a chance for reflection and understanding.

Museum hopping your thing? Check out these other cultural spots we've reviewed in Phnom Penh

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour kicks off with convenient pickup locations, giving participants flexibility in how they reach the starting point.

Travelers can be collected from the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, the international airport, or central Phnom Penh. This variety ensures everyone can easily join the experience, whether they’re arriving by plane, boat, or staying in the city.

After the tour’s poignant visits to the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, the guide drops visitors back at these same three spots, allowing them to continue their journey seamlessly.

The itinerary’s structure prioritizes accessibility and convenience for all.

Cancellation and Payment Options

Travelers enjoy the convenience of the tour’s flexible cancellation and payment options.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can plan with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.

Guests can plan with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The "reserve now, pay later" option also allows them to secure their spot without immediate payment, making the tour more accessible.

These amenities cater to the needs of modern travelers, providing them with a hassle-free booking experience.

The tour’s thoughtful policies ensure guests can easily navigate any last-minute adjustments, allowing them to focus on the powerful historical journey ahead.

Suitability and Dress Code

While the tour’s flexible booking policies cater to modern travelers, it’s important to note the suitability and dress code considerations. This somber experience is not recommended for children under 7 years old, as the subject matter may be too heavy. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and prepare for an emotionally impactful tour.

| Attire | Recommended | Not Recommended |

|——————-|——————————–|—————–|

| Top | Covered shoulders | Revealing tops |

| Bottoms | Pants or knee-length skirts | Shorts |

| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes | Flip-flops |

| Accessories | Hat, sunscreen | – |

| Overall | Respectful and modest | – |

Remembering to dress appropriately will help visitors maintain a solemn and reverent mindset throughout this powerful historical exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Permitted Inside the Killing Fields?

Photography is permitted at the Killing Fields, but visitors are advised to be respectful when capturing images. The site’s somber atmosphere and tragic history call for discretion and sensitivity.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends visitors dress modestly, as it’s an emotional experience exploring the somber Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Comfortable clothing and shoes are advised, along with a hat and sunscreen to stay protected.

Can Children Under 7 Years Old Join the Tour?

The tour is not recommended for children under 7 years old as the subject matter can be emotionally difficult for young participants. The tour is best suited for adults looking to learn about this somber historical event.

How Often Do the Tours Depart From Phnom Penh?

The tours depart from Phnom Penh multiple times daily, providing visitors with flexible scheduling options. Guests can choose from morning or afternoon departures, ensuring they can fit the emotional yet enlightening experience into their travel plans.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but travelers can work with the tour operator to customize aspects like pickup/drop-off locations or add extra time at the sites, though significant changes may incur additional fees.

The Sum Up

The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng S21 Museum tour offers a profound exploration into Cambodia’s tragic past, allowing visitors to bear witness to the resilience of the Khmer people amidst unimaginable sorrow. Through this solemn journey, participants gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and its enduring spirit, emerging with a renewed appreciation for the fragility and resilience of the human condition.