Half-Day Tour of the Killing Field and S21

Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Half-Day Tour of the Killing Field and S21

Active

(12 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A professional English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the killing fields of Choeung Ek Genocide Center – 17km away south of Phnom Penh. The infamous killing fields have a bloody history. Once an orchard and a Chinese cemetery, the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, turned the place into what became known as the killing fields, where they executed around 20.000 victims.

Available options

Half-Day Tour of the Killing Field and S21

Pickup included

What's included

A professional English speaking tour guide

A professional driver with driving license.

Water and snack

A clean and safe transportation.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Is the site of a former orchard and mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge – killed between 1975 and 1979 – in Dangkao Section, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, about 17 kilometers (11 mi) south of the Phnom Penh city center. It is the best-known of the sites known as the Killing Fields, where the Khmer Rouge regime executed over one million people between 1975 and 1979. Mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. Many of the dead were former political prisoners who were kept by the Khmer Rouge in their Tuol Sleng detention center and in other Cambodian detention centers. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial, marked by a Buddhist stupa. The stupa has acrylic glass sides and is filled with more than 9,000 human skulls. Some of the lower levels are opened during the day so that the skulls can be seen directly. Many have been shattered or smashed in. Tourists are encouraged by the Cambodian government to visit Choeung Ek.

Stop 2

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or simply Tuol Sleng is a museum chronicling the Cambodian genocide. Located in Phnom Penh, the site is a former secondary school which was used as Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 until its fall in 1979. To accommodate the victims of purges that were important enough for the attention of the Khmer Rouge, a new detention center was planned in the building that was formerly known as the Tuol Svay Pray High School, named after a royal ancestor of King Norodom Sihanouk, the five buildings of the complex were converted in March or April 1976 into a prison and an interrogation center.

What's not included

Tipping service and other personal expenses.

Personal travel insurance

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

178 Corner Sisovat quay, Riverside Path, Phnom Penh 120201

Important notes

1. Departure morning:
- 8:00AM to 12:00PM
2. Departure afternoon:
- 1:00PM to 5:00PM
3. Travelers need to provide us WhatsApp contact so that we can communicate faster.
4. We provide free pick up directly at the travelers' hotel, hostel, apartment, etc., only in the city center, 2.7 kilometers from the radius of the meeting point.
5. Traveler do not have to exchange voucher at the meeting point one day before the tour start as all important information are in the online ticket. It means " no need to redeem the ticket"
6. Travelers can send email or contact us via WhatsApp for any concerns. Our WhatsApp are +855 78 45 71 58 and +855 96 38 81 388
7. From Nov 25th to Nov 29th, we request the travelers to come to the meeting point as Cambodia is celebrating Water Festival. So, some streets around celebration area are be blocked.

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