Exploring Cambodia’s tragic past is a deeply moving experience. The S21 Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields tour in Phnom Penh provides a poignant glimpse into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. This guided 5-hour journey takes visitors through the haunting remnants of a former prison and mass execution site, offering a profound understanding of the country’s history. With hotel pickup, lunch, and an English-speaking guide, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the complex legacy left by one of the 20th century’s darkest chapters.

Key Points

A guided tour of the S21 Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, offering an immersive and informative experience on Cambodia’s dark history.
Priced from $30.00 per person, with a duration of approximately 5 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, tuk-tuk transportation, water, snacks, and a local lunch.
Entrance fees to both sites are covered, and a full refund is available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour provides valuable historical context and emotional impact, highlighting the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.
Recommended to bring sunglasses, camera, and sunscreen, as the tour operates rain or shine and is not suitable for pregnant women due to the challenging subject matter.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided tour of Phnom Penh’s S21 Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields is priced from $30.00 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours.

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an experienced driver in a tuk-tuk, water and snacks, a delicious lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Entrance fees to both sites are covered.

Visitors have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reservations can be made without upfront payment.

The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should bring sunglasses, a camera, and sunscreen.

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Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with pickup from your location in Phnom Penh.

Your first stop is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), where you’ll take a guided tour for 2 hours. This former high school was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Next, you’ll visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, the site of approximately 20,000 executions, for another 2-hour guided tour.

After the sobering experiences, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Phnom Penh.

The itinerary is subject to change, but the tour give you an immersive and informative experience.

Historical Significance

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) was a former high school that the Khmer Rouge regime converted into a prison and torture center during their brutal rule from 1975 to 1979.

The site now serves as a museum, highlighting Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge. Visitors can see the gruesome conditions and learn about the estimated 20,000 prisoners who were executed and buried at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

The museum at Tuol Sleng showcases Cambodia’s grim history under the Khmer Rouge, with visitors learning about the 20,000 prisoners executed at Choeung Ek.

The Killing Fields were the site of mass executions, with around 2.5 million victims massacred and buried during the Khmer Rouge’s reign.

This sobering tour provides an eye-opening look into Cambodia’s past.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing for a seamless experience.

Travelers will be driven by an experienced Tuk Tuk driver throughout the tour. Water and snacks are provided, ensuring hydration and sustenance.

During the tour, a delicious local lunch is included, offering a chance to savor authentic Cambodian cuisine.

The knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide in-depth insights at both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

Entrance fees to these significant historical sites are also covered, making the tour a comprehensive and convenient experience.

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Important Information and Recommendations

What’s not suitable for this tour are pregnant women, as the subject matter may be emotionally challenging.

Visitors should bring sunglasses, camera, and sunscreen to protect themselves. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour. The tour operates rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately.

Overall, customer reviews have been positive, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and informative experiences.

The tour covers the historical significance of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, providing a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime.

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Customer Reviews

| Review Highlights |

| — | — |

| Knowledgeable Guides | Informative Experiences |

| Emotional Impact | Valuable Historical Context |

The tour consistently receives 5-star ratings, with customers highlighting its ability to provide a meaningful and impactful exploration of Phnom Penh’s harrowing history.

Booking and Reservations

Customers can easily book the Phnom Penh: S21 Tuol Sleng Museum & Killing Fields tour through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

The booking process is hassle-free, with the option to:

Reserve the tour without upfront payment
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure a spot without any prepayment

With a 5-hour duration and an affordable price starting from $30 per person, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore Cambodia’s somber history.

The tour’s inclusions, such as hotel pickup, lunch, and knowledgeable guides, ensure a memorable and informative experience.

Exploring Phnom Penh’s Dark History

Visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provides a sobering yet essential glimpse into Cambodia’s dark past under the Khmer Rouge regime.

At the former S21 prison, now a museum, visitors can see the cells and torture instruments used to imprison and execute thousands.

The Killing Fields lay bare the tragic scale of the atrocities, with mass graves and a memorial stupa containing over 8,000 skulls.

Though harrowing, this tour offers vital insight into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s rule and the resilience of the Cambodian people in the face of such devastation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code, but visitors are recommended to dress modestly and comfortably. Avoid revealing clothing as the sites hold historical significance. Comfortable walking shoes are advised for the tour’s walking components.

Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

The tour is generally not recommended for children due to the sensitive and disturbing nature of the historical sites visited. It’s advised to consult with the tour operator about their specific policies on child participation.

Are Photography and Filming Allowed at the Sites?

Photography and filming are generally allowed at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disturbing other guests or disrupting the somber atmosphere at these sensitive historical sites.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour provider doesn’t mention any specific dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Guests with special dietary needs should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure accommodations can be made.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can inform the tour operator about any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. The standard itinerary covers the key historical sites and experiences as outlined in the tour details.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive Phnom Penh tour provides a powerful and poignant exploration of Cambodia’s tragic past. Visitors can gain profound insights into the Khmer Rouge regime by visiting the haunting Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. With hotel pickup, lunch, and an English-speaking guide, this immersive 5-hour experience is a must-do for those seeking to understand Cambodia’s history and honor the lives lost during this dark period.

Phnom Penh :S21 Tuol Sleng Museum & Killing Field With Lunch