Phnom Penh: S-21 Prison and Killing Fields Half-Day Tour

Exploring Cambodia’s tragic past can be a moving and profound experience. The Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour takes visitors on a poignant journey, delving into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. From the harrowing accounts at the S-21 Prison to the sobering memorial of the Killing Fields, this tour offers a glimpse into a history that forever changed the nation. As one former guest remarked, "It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty."

Contents show

Key Points

This 4-hour guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) in Phnom Penh.
Visitors can learn about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime, with opportunities for self-guided exploration and audio-guided tours.
The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, refreshments, and entrance fees, starting from $116 for up to 2 participants.
Visitors can expect a serene yet haunting atmosphere at the Killing Fields, with a memorial stupa housing thousands of skulls.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum exhibits interrogation rooms, victim photographs, and historical context, providing an emotional confrontation with the regime’s brutality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s somber yet essential historical sites. Priced from $116 for up to 2 participants, this 4-hour experience departs at 8 AM from hotels.

Guests will visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, the final resting place of over 17,000 victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. They’ll also explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school converted into a notorious prison and torture center.

Transportation, an English-speaking guide, refreshments, and entrance fees are included. With 4.8/5 ratings, this tour provides a powerful, educational, and deeply moving experience.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Phnom Penh

Itinerary and Highlights

This half-day tour departs at 8:00 AM from participants’ hotels, kicking off an immersive exploration of Phnom Penh’s somber historical sites.

The first stop is the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, located 16 km south of the city. This serene yet haunting location was the final resting place for over 17,000 victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, which is estimated to have killed 2 to 4 million Cambodians between 1975-1979.

Next, the tour visits the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school converted into a prison and torture center under the regime.

Visiting the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

Arriving at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, visitors are immediately struck by the serene yet haunting atmosphere of the site. Rows of mass graves dot the grounds, a grim reminder of the atrocities that occurred here. A large memorial stupa stands tall, housing thousands of skulls exhumed from the pits below. Visitors can explore the site at their own pace, guided by informative placards that recount the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

| What’s Here | What Happened | How to Explore |

| – | – | – |

| Mass graves | Over 17,000 victims executed | Self-guided tour |

| Memorial stupa | Skulls and bones on display | Audio guide available |

| Informative placards | Chilling details of the killings | Respectful reflection encouraged |

Exploring the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

After departing the haunting grounds of the Killing Fields, visitors make their way to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once an unassuming high school that the Khmer Rouge transformed into a notorious prison and torture center.

Upon entering, a profound sense of unease settles in as they confront the grim remnants of the regime’s brutality, including:

Chilling interrogation rooms and cells where prisoners endured horrific abuses
Eerie photographs of victims, their faces etched with fear and despair
Rusting iron beds where detainees were shackled and tortured
Sobering statistics of the tens of thousands who perished within these walls

More Great Tours Nearby

Understanding the Khmer Rouge Regime

Although the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum paints a harrowing picture of the Khmer Rouge’s cruelty, truly understanding the full scope of their regime’s devastation requires delving deeper into the complex history and ideology that fueled one of the 20th century’s most horrific genocides. At the height of the Khmer Rouge’s power, an estimated 2 to 4 million Cambodians were killed through mass executions, forced labor, and deliberate starvation. The group’s radical vision of an agrarian utopia led to the systematic persecution of intellectuals, minorities, and even their own party members. As this tragic table illustrates, the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror left an indelible mark on Cambodia’s history:

| Victims | Executed | Died of Starvation/Disease |

|———|———–|——————————|

| Ethnic Minorities | 100,000 | 50,000 |

| Intellectuals | 55,000 | 30,000 |

| Former Government Officials | 25,000 | 15,000 |

There's plenty more to explore in Phnom Penh

Inclusions and Additional Information

The Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour offers a comprehensive package that ensures travelers make the most of their time.

Transportation, an English-speaking guide, refreshment, and cold towels are all included. Plus, the tour provides entrance fees to both the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21).

Travelers have the option to enhance their experience with audio tours at these historical sites. These thoughtful inclusions create a seamless and immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully engage with the somber yet vital history of Cambodia’s past.

The tour maximizes efficiency and value for an emotionally impactful journey.

The tour maximizes efficiency and value for an emotionally impactful journey.

Transportation
English-speaking guide
Refreshment and cold towel
Audio tours available

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Travelers consistently rave about the profound impact of the Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 63 reviews. Visitors commend the knowledgeable guides who provide deep insights into Cambodia’s complex history, enhancing the emotional and educational experience. The quality of transportation also earns high praise, with a 4.9/5 rating.

|—————|————————|—————–|——————-|

| 5/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | Guides offer personal interactions with survivors, elevating the tour. |

Travelers emphasize the tour’s ability to evoke empathy and understanding, leaving a lasting impression despite the heavy subject matter.

Recommendations and Considerations

While the Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour is emotionally and educationally powerful, guides often assist travelers with additional recommendations to enhance their overall experience.

Guides can suggest nearby restaurants and make reservations, allowing visitors to continue processing the impactful tour while enjoying a local meal. They may also point out sites for further exploration, such as:

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda for insights into Cambodian culture and history
The National Museum for a comprehensive look at Khmer art and artifacts
Riverside promenade for scenic views and atmospheric cafes
Phsar Thmei Central Market for vibrant local shopping experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Travel Insurance Provided for This Tour?

The tour does not include travel insurance. Travelers are responsible for securing their own coverage prior to the tour. The focus is on providing an educational and immersive experience at the historical sites.

Can Children Under 12 Attend the Tour?

Children under 12 can attend the tour, but it’s best suited for older kids and adults due to the emotional and educational nature of the sites. Guides offer flexible options to accommodate family needs.

Are Photographs Allowed Inside the Museums?

Photographs are generally allowed inside the museums, though visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid using flashes. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to capture the somber atmosphere and poignant displays that provide a window into Cambodia’s tragic history.

Is the Tour Guide Available to Answer Additional Questions Afterward?

The tour guide is available to answer additional questions from travelers after the tour. Guests often engage the guide further to delve deeper into the history and personal stories surrounding the Khmer Rouge atrocities.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Requirements for Visitors?

There’s no formal dress code, but visitors are advised to dress modestly out of respect. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and be prepared for an emotional and moving experience at these historic sites.

The Sum Up

The Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour is a profoundly moving experience that sheds light on Cambodia’s harrowing past. Visitors are guided through the sobering S-21 Prison and Killing Fields, gaining a deeper understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities. Though the subject matter is heavy, the tour’s informative exhibits and memorial stupa leave a lasting impression, encouraging reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.