Half Day War Museum Siem Reap Killing Fields and Artisans Angkor
Description
Both blissful as revealing, this half day outing brings forward key elements of how varied, enthralling and culturally diverse Siem Reap actually is. Moving away from the Angkor magnitude that has put Cambodia on the tourism map since its earliest discoveries, this bustling town has more up its sleeve for a break away from UNESCO-protected temples, jungle-clad ruins, and historical anecdotes of what once was the centre of the world. Through Buddhism, its almost unavoidable connection with past battles, and its current drive to give the less-fortunate to shine like never before, three totally different landmarks of Siem Reap are taking centre stage, yet are unmissable when getting a total picture of Cambodia’s main tourism destination.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We start our half day with a visit to Wat Thmey. This small pagoda has been thriving with life as many young monks see this as one of the most important places in Siem Reap to brush up on their English skills. The pagoda is well-known as a reminder of the cruel acts from the Khmer Rouge – a dedicated Killing Field memorial stupa has been erected on the temple grounds as a reminder of the harshness in the past. The stupa contains bones and skulls who have succumbed under the practices by the Khmer Rouge in the 20th century.
Our day continues to the War Museum; it shows visitors an insightful view of the lives of the Cambodian nation when it was engulfed in war for three decade .
We end the day at the building and work done at ‘Les Artisans d'Angkor’. This institution has been set up in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone-carving and wood-sculpting. Many of the apprentices of his centre have been part of an ever-growing art scene in Cambodia and their skills are recognized throughout the Kingdom. After this visit and a chance to browse through some of the completed art work, we bring you back to your hotel.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from only hotels inside Siem Reap, Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
- Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Siem Reap. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Tonle Sap, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei and Siem Reap International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
- To avoid any issues pertaining obtaining an arrival visa at the airport, please ensure that your passport contains at least two empty pages. Failure to do so may result in not gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Cambodia.
- To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which sites this is applicable.
- We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements.
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
- It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
- In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
- The sites included in this tour contain graphic content that may not be suitable for young children.
Reviews(9)
The overall experience was good. My guide was very eloquent and had a very broad knowledge of the subject. The trip was very much overpriced.
Dear Dianne, Thank you for sharing your feedback, we’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and appreciated your guide’s knowledge and professionalism. Regarding the price, this tour includes a private English-speaking guide, private vehicle with driver, all entrance and donation fees, and the necessary taxes and service charges. These elements ensure a smooth experience and a fair remuneration for the people involved in delivering it. We’re glad the overall experience was positive, and we hope to welcome you again in Cambodia or in our other destinations across Asia. Asian Trails Team
I would rate this 5 out of 5. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions. The driver was safe and drove very well. We learnt so much on this tour. A great morning out.
Thank you for this wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great morning discovering Siem Reap's history and craftsmanship. Our guide will be delighted to know his knowledge and explanations made a real difference to your experience, and we'll pass on your compliments to the driver as well. We notice you mentioned wanting to give 5 out of 5, too bad about those 4 stars then 😉 More seriously, we're glad you learned so much and enjoyed this experience with us. Safe travels and hope to welcome you back to Cambodia soon! Asian Trails Team
A side to history not well known, this gave us an insight into the history of Cambodia that is well not as well known as some of the other parts of Cambodia. Some parts were deeply emotional and brutally honest.
Hello Jessica! Thank you for this sincere feedback. This part of Cambodian history is indeed less known but essential to understand. We're glad this visit gave you an authentic insight, even though some moments are emotional and difficult. Thanks for choosing Asian Trails!
Suphreap was a very gracious guide for what was a serious experience due to the subject matter. Suphreap also escorted us round one of the city temples when we asked about it. Thank you so
Hello! Thank you for this feedback! Suphreap will be touched to know the guidance through this particular visit was so appropriate. And that's typical of Suphreap to offer the temple as a bonus! Thanks for choosing Asian Trails!
Thank you Suphreap for a very informative tour about the history of the Cambodian wars and the very sad results for some of your peoples. Thank you too for graciously taking us around the temple complex in town and sharing your knowledge about it with us.
Hello! Thank you for this touching message! Suphreap will be moved to read your words about this difficult period of Cambodian history. Sharing this history with respect and taking you to discover the temple complex, that's so typical of Suphreap. Thanks for choosing Asian Trails!
War museum very badly maintained, was more of a junk yard. The Artisians Angkor was useless. The killi g fields was just average.
Hello! Thank you for this feedback. We take note of your comments about this visit. This period of Cambodian history indeed deserves to be presented in the best conditions. We'll pass on your remarks to our local teams. The Asian Trails team
What a fascinating museum of the history and culture of Cambodia. We are so glad we did not miss this as this country is so amazing. We met the sweetest people and many we did meet shared their extraordinarily difficult lives during the atrocities of the civil war and genocide. It’s hard to imagine this happened during our lifetime. When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power….I pray one day that any and all who want to lead people abides by this
Hello! Thank you for this profound and touching testimonial. This period of Cambodian history is indeed difficult to grasp, but essential to understand. The encounters with Cambodians and their testimonies are often very moving. Your reflection on love and power particularly resonates. Thank you for taking the time to engage with this important history. The Asian Trails team
I have always wanted to know more about the killing fields in Cambodia. I enjoy learning about history and what better way than to learn about it from a qualified tour guide born and raised here.
Hello! Thank you for this feedback! Indeed, when it's told by someone from the country, it takes on a whole different dimension. This Cambodian history deserves to be understood in all its complexity. Glad our guide was able to convey that to you. Thanks for choosing Asian Trails!
We started our tour at the war museum. It was really good and informative. You learn a lot about the Khmer Rouge and what they did. It is a horrible story, but very interesting if you like history. The tanks, weapons, grenades and the helicopter was really cool to see in person. The killing fields was disappointing. The only thing to see are the monument with skulls, which is pretty dark and really reminds you how bad this war was to the Cambodian people. The Artisans Angkor was so cool. You really get to see how they make sculptures with stone, tree and other materials. Really worth a visit! Overall, I would recommend this trip to everyone who visit Siem Reap.
