Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Phnom Penh
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
4.5
About
These were the execution grounds for the Khmer Rouge.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
17 within 5 kms
Feel Good KF Cafe
27
0.1 km$ • Mexican • American • Cafe
Espresso Plus
2
0 m$ • Southwestern • Asian • Thai
Empress Cafe & Tea
1
3.1 km$ • Japanese • Southwestern • Asian
iCOF Café
5
3.5 kmCafe
Shenanigans Bar & Entertainment
18
3.6 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • Brew Pub • Bar
Indopak Halal Restaurant
1
3.5 kmMiddle Eastern • Pakistani
Elephant Restaurant
9
3.6 kmChinese • European • Asian • Contemporary
C' Café
5
4.3 km$
Tnot Chhrum Cafe
1
4.3 kmInternational • Asian • Cambodian
Les Cocktails Restaurant & Lounge
13
4.8 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • French • European
Attractions
68 within 10 kms
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
12,728
History Museums
Fly Phnom Penh
75
Amusement & Theme Parks
Bassac Lane
152
Neighbourhoods
Silver Pagoda
2,721
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Royal Palace
8,110
Historic Sites • Castles
Aeon Mall
573
Shopping Malls
Central Market
6,188
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
319
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Wat Langka
148
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Samai Distillery
43
Distilleries
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
12,566 reviews
Excellent
9,138
Very good
2,800
Average
481
Poor
85
Terrible
62
Devid Sophornprak
Phnom Penh, Cambodia58 contributions
Short visited with group of student
Mar. 2021 • Family
We went there with a group of student to see and visit some of history over there, many people came to visit it everyday
Should come early morning to spend more time here, highly recommended
Should come early morning to spend more time here, highly recommended
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JayRae1
Glasgow, UK1,543 contributions
Harrowing, but worth the visit
Mar. 2020
Visiting Choeung Ek is not a warm experience but, like most such places, it is essential if you want to understand what happened in Cambodia during the time of the Pol Pot regime. I foolishly took my camera with me but, once inside, I felt it would be disrespectful to take photos in such a place. Others did take photos, but that is a matter for their own conscience.
In spite of what I write here, I would recommend that anyone visiting the area should include a tour of Choeung Ek.
In spite of what I write here, I would recommend that anyone visiting the area should include a tour of Choeung Ek.
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MarkWaters79
England, UK169 contributions
Worth the visit....
Dec. 2020 • Solo
It’s about 13kms South of the main centre. $3 entry. There a couple of shops close for water/drinks etc.
It’s a small area. Easy to walk around. An hour is fine, 90mins max. It’s not really well kept...but I don’t know if that was due to lack of tourists due to Covid.
Obviously it’s not really a place to take photos/selfies. You’ll walk away silently.
It’s a small area. Easy to walk around. An hour is fine, 90mins max. It’s not really well kept...but I don’t know if that was due to lack of tourists due to Covid.
Obviously it’s not really a place to take photos/selfies. You’ll walk away silently.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sherpa591575
Phnom Penh, Cambodia147 contributions
My visit to the Killing Fields, Phnom Penh
Jan. 2020
The Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, Phnom Penh
Overcast skies greet me today but this seems in-keeping with the place I’m about to visit. My trusty driver is ready & we set off at 10am for the hour or so 15km drive to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. The distinctive stupa comes into view as we arrive.
My first visit here was in November 2003 and I can’t remember for sure, but I think looks much the same, apart from what appears to be some remodeling of the area & gardens in particular.
At the main gate I pay the entrance fee which includes an optional audio kit. I make my way to the small museum, photograph the sign at the entrance & go in. I read with much horror, the signs telling the story of Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, & how babies were murdered by smashing them against a tree. Outside, I photograph the signs detailing the Truck Stop, Detention Room, Executioners Office & Chemical Storage facility. Onward now to the stupa, constructed in 1988, where so many skulls & bones are housed & carefully preserved. I take more photos & note the mood amongst visitors is predictably somber.
I decide to sit down & ponder over what I’ve seen & read & try to relate it to S21 & imagine what it might have looked like here. Trucks arriving from S21 full of terrified prisoners of all ages about to be killed by equally terrified conscripts wielding axes, wooden staves & all manner of rudimentary farming implements. The mercilessly bludgeoned & battered bodies lying on the bloodstained earth telling their own story...
I recommend visiting S21Toul Sleng Genocide Museum & then the Killing Fields. There is an entry charge for each place plus an optional audio headphones tour, available in many languages, which will guide you through the different sections, describing exhibits & of course you can go at your own pace. Before you leave, you may wish to sit in the gardens in quiet reflection. Others may wish to retrace their steps to review what they have seen and consider the affect it has had on them.
Visitors, please respect all those here, by dressing & acting in a dignified manner
Overcast skies greet me today but this seems in-keeping with the place I’m about to visit. My trusty driver is ready & we set off at 10am for the hour or so 15km drive to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. The distinctive stupa comes into view as we arrive.
My first visit here was in November 2003 and I can’t remember for sure, but I think looks much the same, apart from what appears to be some remodeling of the area & gardens in particular.
At the main gate I pay the entrance fee which includes an optional audio kit. I make my way to the small museum, photograph the sign at the entrance & go in. I read with much horror, the signs telling the story of Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, & how babies were murdered by smashing them against a tree. Outside, I photograph the signs detailing the Truck Stop, Detention Room, Executioners Office & Chemical Storage facility. Onward now to the stupa, constructed in 1988, where so many skulls & bones are housed & carefully preserved. I take more photos & note the mood amongst visitors is predictably somber.
I decide to sit down & ponder over what I’ve seen & read & try to relate it to S21 & imagine what it might have looked like here. Trucks arriving from S21 full of terrified prisoners of all ages about to be killed by equally terrified conscripts wielding axes, wooden staves & all manner of rudimentary farming implements. The mercilessly bludgeoned & battered bodies lying on the bloodstained earth telling their own story...
I recommend visiting S21Toul Sleng Genocide Museum & then the Killing Fields. There is an entry charge for each place plus an optional audio headphones tour, available in many languages, which will guide you through the different sections, describing exhibits & of course you can go at your own pace. Before you leave, you may wish to sit in the gardens in quiet reflection. Others may wish to retrace their steps to review what they have seen and consider the affect it has had on them.
Visitors, please respect all those here, by dressing & acting in a dignified manner
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MarkdHughes
Bangkok, Thailand48 contributions
Another Khmer Rouge atrocity site
Jul. 2020
That photo is a building with hundreds of skulls of the innocent murdered by the genocidal Khmer Rouge. There is even a tree in the grounds against which babies' heads were swung to kill them. At least now Cambodia, poor as it is, is escaping its dreadful past.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bhodgkinson
Preston, UK244 contributions
Heartbreaking but a must visit
Aug. 2019 • Solo
Complete an audioguided tour of the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre. It is a harrowing experience, but important to learn about the atrocities committed here and the other genocidal centres across Cambodia.
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Becca0493
Aintree, UK66 contributions
Extremely important but very harrowing
Jan. 2020
I don't really want to have to rate this place again how can you rate a place that details an important and extremely sad and upsetting part of history.
I think this place is extremely important to visit and anybody visiting the country or area should look to go here.
Once you have purchased your ticket and headset you can begin the walk around and each area is explained in detail. I found all of it extremely upsetting as it is hard to get your head around the fact that something like this was able to happen and not that long ago either. The horrific stories that are told about everyone including what happened to the children in babies is beyond belief and extremely upsetting and sad.
I would advise to take your time to reflect upon going around but definitely advise to come here to learn about an important part of history
I think this place is extremely important to visit and anybody visiting the country or area should look to go here.
Once you have purchased your ticket and headset you can begin the walk around and each area is explained in detail. I found all of it extremely upsetting as it is hard to get your head around the fact that something like this was able to happen and not that long ago either. The horrific stories that are told about everyone including what happened to the children in babies is beyond belief and extremely upsetting and sad.
I would advise to take your time to reflect upon going around but definitely advise to come here to learn about an important part of history
Written 19 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
V. Bobb
Merritt Island, FL22 contributions
It was so heartbreaking to see but necessary for understanding.
Dec. 2019
This is a site you must visit when in Cambodia to understand the history of the people here. It is hard to take in, but is done well so you aren't overwhelmed.
Written 14 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mikel Ryan
2 contributions
Very sad but definitely a must see
Dec. 2019
Being on the grounds and actually seeing, reading, and hearing everything about it will really give you a different perspective.
It's incredibly sad, but it's certainly one of the most eye opening experiences that I've had while traveling.
Be sure to get the audio as it gives a lot of good information and stories from survivors and family members.
Highly recommend.
It's incredibly sad, but it's certainly one of the most eye opening experiences that I've had while traveling.
Be sure to get the audio as it gives a lot of good information and stories from survivors and family members.
Highly recommend.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada3,896 contributions
must see but very disturbing
Dec. 2019
We went on a guided tour of the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. The entrance fee was about $6usd per adult. (did not include the guide). You can rent a head set that will guide you threw the site.
This was a real eyeopening and very sad day. Lots of horrible history and detailed stories were shared from our guide. It is not a very large place. Between 1975-1978, over 20,000 men, women and children who were tortured at S21 prison were transported to this extermination camp.They show the gravesites were many bodies found. You can see the clothes of the victims still in the ground. They have a 17 story building that you can tightly squeeze through to see all the skulls, bones, clothes and weapons that were found on site.
It took us about 45min- 1 hour to walk around.
This was a real eyeopening and very sad day. Lots of horrible history and detailed stories were shared from our guide. It is not a very large place. Between 1975-1978, over 20,000 men, women and children who were tortured at S21 prison were transported to this extermination camp.They show the gravesites were many bodies found. You can see the clothes of the victims still in the ground. They have a 17 story building that you can tightly squeeze through to see all the skulls, bones, clothes and weapons that were found on site.
It took us about 45min- 1 hour to walk around.
Written 24 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi, are you open tomorrow on 10 Dec 2019 (Tuesday)?
Thanks.
Kiwi
14 contributions
ppen mpst days ask your hotel cocierge
erikdejonge_1979
Best, The Netherlands32 contributions
Hi we are going to Cambodia next year. We want to visit the kiling fields, sadly it is part of the history. We are travelling with 2 kids, 11 and 8 teams old. We have read lots of topics about taking them or not, we will think about this. Does anyone knows if there is a place outside where they can stay, like a café? So we can visit the fields seperately without the kids?
Thanks!
FamArnhem
Arnhem, The Netherlands61 contributions
Beste je kan prima de kinderen meenemen naar de killing fields wij hebben onze kinderen van 11 en 13 meegenomen en zij hebben de hele rondleiding meegelopen met de koptelefoons. Heel indrukwekkend
erik
Best, The Netherlands
Hi we are going to Cambodia next year. We want to visit the kiling fields, sadly it is part of the history. We are travelling with 2 kids, 11 and 8 teams old. We have read lots of topics about taking them or not, we will think about this. Does anyone knows if there is a place outside where they can stay, like a café? So we can visit the fields seperately without the kids?
Thanks!
bpligthart
Houten, The Netherlands34 contributions
In accordance with the first answer I agree that there is no good place for your kids to play. Of course they can sit and wait at the entrance and read a book or something like that. If your children are next year 12 and 9 years old, I strongly recommend to take them with you. The visit will take approximately 45 minutes - one hour.
Years ago you could see awful sights (like little pieces of bone in the ground), but nowadays that has gone. Our children (the youngest being 14 years) liked the audio-guide (also in Dutch), although quite impressive.
Maybe it is an idea to watch the movie “first they killed my father” together with your oldest child?
Have a wonderful time in Cambodia!
Krishna R Nair
Singapore, Singapore51 contributions
I am a solo traveller. May I know how we can do budget travel from Phnom Penh city to Tuol Sleng Museum and Genocide Killing field. What is the cheapest option from city to these 2 sites and back? Public transportation available? Or the cheapest is to hire a tuk tuk? Appreciate any help on this.
Euan R
Ettalong Beach, Australia466 contributions
Tuk Tuk is about $15, otherwise go with a car hire company, public transport is unknown
Nikhil Sahdev
Luton, UK51 contributions
Are you open 01/06/2019? I believe it is children’s day tomorrow?
Michael M
76 contributions
I’d ask your hotel concierges service to contact them to confirm. It just may be open.
Is this location open on the 13th and 14th of May, with the birthday of king Sihamoni?
hans.verscharen
Brunssum, The Netherlands252 contributions
You can look on several sites of this fields looking for opening times.
I didn't liked it much. Not much to be seen. How terrible and horrible it was. This may never happen again. But there is not much to see. Better have a look in Prison 21.
plivingston
Conroe, TX522 contributions
What is foreigner entrance fee with and including the audio tour? no guide.
Rob S
New South Wales, Australia107 contributions
I think it was around $10 (Australian ) and Audio included
Jonaor
Tübingen, Germany12 contributions
Hello, we are on the 31.12 and the 1.1 in Phnom Penh.
Is the 1 of January a holiday day? Or is it no problem zo make a visit?
NessasReiseRausch
Bavaria, Germany260 contributions
Der 1.1 ist dort auch ein Feiertag. Aber falls ihr schon ein Hotel gebucht habt würde ich mal ne Mail schreiben, ob dann auch die Sehenswürdigkeiten geschlossen haben. Falls ihr sonst noch fragen habt oder Tipps braucht könnt ihr mir gerne eine private Nachricht schreiben.
Frequently Asked Questions about Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
- We recommend booking Choeung Ek Genocidal Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 83 Choeung Ek Genocidal Center tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Choeung Ek Genocidal Center:
- The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum Tour (From AU$31.69)
- Phnom Penh Vital Discovery-Full Day Tour (Including all services) (From AU$116.54)
- Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour (From AU$171.39)
- The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Tour (From AU$30.89)
- Phnom Penh history side S-21&killing field (From AU$84.25)
- Hotels near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center:
- (6.66 km) iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort
- (8.12 km) Baitong Hotel & Resort
- (9.28 km) Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
- (7.11 km) Arthur and Paul (A&P)
- (7.09 km) Rambutan Resort - Phnom Penh
- Restaurants near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center:
- (0.00 km) Espresso Plus
- (0.14 km) Feel Good KF Cafe
- (6.37 km) Elia Greek Kitchen Russian Market
- (6.32 km) Curry Pot TTP
- (7.98 km) Namaste India Restaurant BKK