Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour

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(205 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hop aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus and embark on a journey through Cambodia's haunting past. Begin your exploration at the Security Prison S21, established during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Discover the chilling transformation of a former school into a notorious interrogation and torture facility, where thousands endured unimaginable horrors.

Next, venture to the Killing Fields, situated 11 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. Here, witness the somber landscapes where mass executions and burials unfolded. Enrich your understanding of Cambodia's recent history with a documentary screening onboard, offering invaluable insights into the nation's turbulent past.

Available options

Phnom Penh Hop On Hop Off - Killing Fields and Prison S21 Tour

Option 1: Killing Fields and S21 Shuttle Bus Tour in the morning:

8:30am - 1pm. Free hotel pick up between 8:00am - 8:30am
<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Documentary film played on-board on the way to Killing Fields

Free WiFi on board (please ask tour assistant when you need it)

1 x bottle of drinking water

Half day transportation on an air-conditioned tour bus

English speaking tour assistant on hand to help

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the notorious prison under Khmer Rouge regime.
A school was turned into a security prison by Khmer Rouge in the middle of Phnom Penh city.

Stop 2

You will visit the execution site and mass grave where victims of Prison S21 run by Khmer Rouge. Now the site is a memorial centre of the victims killed by Khmer Rouge regime.

What's not included

Entry fees (Prison S21 $5, ; Killing Fields $3)

Audio guides (Prison S21 $5; Killing Fields $3, optional)

In-House live guide services (Prison S21 $3-$5, Optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

67 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

138 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please provide your WhatsApp number when you make the booking as we will contact you via WhatsApp for pick up time, or you can ask your hotel reception to call our local number 015745880 to confirm pick up time and location the night before the tour, or you can send us an email 1 day in advance to confirm hotel pick up time and location. Please provide hotel name & address (as some hotels have similar names), and room number for pick up.

The Killing Fields tour is a shared bus tour, please be on time for pickup. If your hotel is located near Riverside, Central Market (not including Russian BLVD), Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, Independence monument, Aeon Mall, Kirirom, BKK, we will offer free hotel pick up. But some hotels are not in our pick up zone due to traffic problem. Guests who stay in those hotels are advised to come to Night Market at Riverside (bus station) for pick up at 8am or 1:30pm, or to arrange your own transportation such as tuktuk ($2-$5 depending on your hotel location) to go to a meeting point for pick up. If you stay at a residential address within our pick up zone, you will be advised to go to a hotel suggested by our office for pick up. Please check the location of your hotel before you book this tour.

Pick up times: Morning tour pick up starts from 8am. If your hotel is near riverfront, pick up time will be between 8am - 8:15am. If your hotel is a bit far away from riverside, pick up time will be between 8:15am - 9:00am. Afternoon tour pick up starts from 1:30pm, if your hotel is near riverfront, pick up time will be between 1:30pm - 1:45pm, if your hotel is a bit far away from riverside, pick up time will be between 1:45pm - 2:30pm. Please come down to the reception area at lease 10 minutes in advance for pick up and inform the reception that you are waiting for pick up, because our tour assistant will go to ask the reception first. Please do not stay in your room or in the hotel restaurant. Pick up might be delayed due to traffic condition and special events. The duration of transfers is approximate.

Experience Phnom Penh’s profound history with a distinctive approach that caters to a diverse audience. Unlike conventional tours that rely on English-speaking guides, our tour offers a unique advantage: the freedom to explore the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields at your own pace, using multi-language audio guides. This ensures that every participant, regardless of their native language, receives an insightful and personalized experience for a minimal fee—often less than the cost of a cup of coffee. Our join tour accommodates a vibrant mix of cultures, allowing you to engage deeply with the historical sites while enjoying the flexibility and inclusivity of our self-guided approach. Discover the stories and significance of these pivotal landmarks in a way that’s tailored to you, enhancing both accessibility and understanding for all.

There are three options for visiting Prison S21: 1.Audio Guide ($5): Rent an audio guide with interviews, detailed explanations, and availability in 12 languages (English, Français, Deutsch, Nederlands, Italiano, Español, Pусский, 中文, แบบไทย, 한국인, 日本語, Tiếng, Việt ). It provides comprehensive insights into the exhibits and the history of the Khmer Rouge regime. 2.Live Guide ($3-$5): Hire an in-house live guide for a more interactive experience. A live guide offers detailed knowledge, answers questions, and shares personal stories to enhance your visit. Live guide service is only in English. 3.Self-Guided: Explore the museum on your own with plenty of written information, including placards and signage. This option allows you to move at your own pace and focus on areas of interest. Regarding the audio guide at the prison, there are two versions available: the Highlight version and the Long version. The Highlight version, marked in red on the guide map, lasts approximately 60 minutes. We recommend this version for those participating in our tour. The Long version, which lasts about 120 minutes, is more suitable for private tours. If you wish to delve deeper into the history of the Khmer Rouge and spend more time at the museum, a private tour is recommended. When renting the audio guide, please begin your tour promptly and maintain a steady pace between stops. Avoid spending excessive time at any one stop to ensure you complete the tour within the allocated time. Return to the bus at the time specified by the bus attendant. You will have approximately 80 minutes to visit the museum, which most visitors find sufficient. If you feel you need more time, we suggest opting for a private tour instead.

There are two options for visiting the Killing Fields: 1.Audio Guide ($3): Rent an audio guide with interviews, detailed explanations, and availability in 14 languages (English, Français, Deutsch, Nederlands, Italiano, Español, Pусский, Svenska, 中文, แบบไทย, 한국인, 日本語, Melayu, Tiếng, Việt ). 2.Self-Guided: Explore the Killing Fields on your own with maps and informational signs to help guide you through the various areas, including the memorial stupa, mass graves, and excavation sites. Audio guides at Prison S21 and Killing Fields are optional.

Our visit time assigned at the Prison is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. So you are suggested to take the highlight tour if you purchase the audio guide. Highlight Audio Tour is about 50 minutes. Please follow the numbers printed in RED on the guide map. Extensive audio guide is about 2 hours long and is not suitable for half day tour.

Entry fees not included, please prepare small money notes for entrance fees and audio tours.

Please choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget for a richer experience. Please note that our bus tour is distinct from a tuktuk tour. Our tour is designed with Western tourists in mind, focusing on comfort, safety, and a richer experience compared to a tuk-tuk, with an English-speaking bus attendant who provides general assistance. Our service includes air-conditioned transportation, audio commentary and documentaries on board, as well as Wi-Fi and drinking water. We understand that our tour may be more expensive than a tuk-tuk ride, but we aim to provide a more comfortable, comprehensive, informative, and safe experience.

Important notes

Audio Tours at Prison S21 and Killing Fields are optional. Audio Tour at Prison S21 is $5, available in 6 languages. Audio tour at Killing Fields is $3.

About Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city rich in history, culture, and bustling markets. Known for its French colonial architecture, the Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it offers a unique blend of the old and the new, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. It features beautiful Khmer architecture and is a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning design.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours 10 USD

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Also known as S-21, this museum is a former school turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge. It serves as a stark reminder of Cambodia's dark past.

Historical 1-2 hours 5 USD

Central Market

Also known as Phsar Thmei, this market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local food. The Art Deco building is an architectural gem.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary

Wat Phnom

This Buddhist temple is the namesake and heart of the city. It is believed to be the site where the first pagoda was built in Phnom Penh.

Religious 30 minutes 1 USD

National Museum of Cambodia

This museum houses a vast collection of Khmer artifacts, providing a deep dive into Cambodia's rich history and culture.

Museum 1-2 hours 10 USD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Amok

A creamy coconut curry with fish or chicken, steamed in banana leaves.

Main Dish Can be made with fish or chicken, vegetarian options available.

Lok Lak

Stir-fried beef with onions and a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce.

Main Dish Typically made with beef, but can be made with other meats.

Nom Banh Chok

Rice noodles topped with a fish-based gravy and fresh herbs.

Breakfast Vegetarian options available with tofu.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork with broken rice and pickled vegetables.

Breakfast Contains pork.

Popular Activities

Boat Tours Biking Hiking Spa Treatments Riverfront Promenade Coffee Shops Temple Visits Museum Tours

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

22°C - 32°C 72°F - 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Khmer
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common sense

Phnom Penh is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially at night and in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of tuk-tuk drivers offering tours or services, as they may overcharge or take you to overpriced shops
• Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices beforehand
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Phnom Penh International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Phnom Penh Railway Station

By bus

Central Market Bus Station, Siem Reap Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are affordable but can be crowded and slow. Routes cover major areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Riverside BKK1 Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Poung)

Day trips

Tonlé Sap Lake

150 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A large freshwater lake known for its floating villages and unique ecosystem.

Kampong Cham

120 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A riverside town with a mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Khmer temples.

Koh Dach Island

15 km from Phnom Penh • Half day

A peaceful island known for its silk weaving and rural landscapes.

Festivals

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 14-16 Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) • November (dates vary) Pchum Ben • September/October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Try local street food at the Central Market or Russian Market for an authentic experience
Take a tuk-tuk tour of the city to see the major attractions in a short amount of time
Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a sobering but important historical perspective
Explore the riverside area for great dining and nightlife options