Killing Fields and S21 Genocide Museum Tour from Phnom Penh

It is very graphic. I even had friends who felt sick. There were items on display that were actually tortured, before blood glue and other substances were attached. I learned anew the horrors of the Pol Pot era. It was terrifying to think that something terrible was happening in Cambodia, even though I was still a child, even though I was on the same planet. It was a good learning experience because I haven't studied much about the Pol Pot era in Japan. I was not sure if I should ask a guide to explain it to me or not, but I was glad that I was able to see enough of it myself.

Would recommend this tour. Was very interesting but was great having a guide and not just a set of headphones at the venues. Almost every Cambodian is personally affected by what happened during this period, so being with a guide made it hit home even more.

The two monuments testify to the terrible time the Cambodians have lived, without the outside world knew quite a lot about it. Absolutely a must when you are in Cambodia.

We walked 2 blocks from our hotel to the Toul Sleng Museum and were the first to walk thru the gates at 8am (opening) we took the voice recorded guide to the Museum which was a very solemn guide. You get to walk thru small but somewhat terrifying area which was a school before the horrors of murder of thousands of Cambodians who were detained and horrendously tortured by the Khmer Rouge. It was a difficult thing to listen to the stories which were told and hard to grasp how Cambodians were murdering their own people. The Killing fields are less than 15km south by tuktuk or grab(we used grab because it works out to be the same price but with some comfort) there were several Senior Citizens with us so that was another point to take grab. The Killing fields again offered voice recorded guide to an area less than a football field which was the location of many of those who were detained in the Genocide Museum 15 km north who were then mustered out on 6x6 trucks then were held in small sheds until they were marched out into open pits where they were killed with metal spikes and other objects before their throats were slit (as what the guide said, this was done in order to save bullets). more than 40 years later, its hard to imagine the death which happened in such a beautiful location. You can't help but feel sad, and shed a tear -when you see the killing tree. Its something that other countries may try to erase from history, but the cambodian government and people embrace thisdark past and use it to share with the rest of the world and visitors of from all walks of life an insight to the history of Cambodia.

+12

This is an experience not to be missed, however it is also very sad and heartbreaking as to what these people went through. There are photos of all the people lost and stories from survivors that leave you in disbelief as to what one human being can and did to another. They are still finding bones and clothing at the grave sites which wash to the surface with the rains.

I first visited the Tuol Sleng Museum (the "Genocide Museum") and the Killing Fields separately, but went back again and did the half-day tour that covers both. It really is impossible to understand present-day Cambodia without facing it's horrendous history with the Khmer Rouge. It also makes it easier to appreciate the present day efforts in Cambodia to revive the country's culture and arts which were almost wiped out by the Khmer Rouge. For both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, recorded guide is really essential and is superbly done and is easy to use. It's available in 14 languages.

What an amazing country Cambodia is, and while the population admirably look forward and not backward, it is such a humbling tour to take, be prepared to learn of horrors that are in some cases are unbelievable in this age, but happened just short years ago. I thoroughly encourage you take the Tuol Sleng or S21 Museum tour first, you can even meet a rare survivor or two... and you simply must use the accompanying audio guide. The audio will even inform you before entering an area that it may be too horrific and you may wish to stay outside and just listen to the audio. The Cheung Ek Killing Fields are 30 minutes away by Tuk Tuk, but compared to what awaited the many others who took this journey is a breeze through the crowded streets of Phnom Penh, you are met with a preserved area that while sobering is a place of remembrance in a garden style setting. Be prepared to face some horrendous stories told on the Audio tour, and I would recommend you do press the 'extra' button when there is an 'extra' to the story... I allowed myself plenty of time... but I would advise you also to allow some 'cool down' or reflective time for yourself after the tour concludes, yes, I was in tears, and needed the time to adjust back into the present day...

We wanted to know what happened here in Cambodia. This visit was very interesting and very difficult. The throat is often tied and tears show in the eyes. Mood is heavy and taking a few pictures was difficult. Memorable visit

This was a somber tour but gives you insight and understanding in some of Cambodia’s history. I was fortunate as I was on the tour alone, and my guide (sorry, can’t remember her name, starts w S and means “lucky”, I believe!) was excellent. Though there are audio guides available at these places, I appreciated her personal stories. Would recommend this for anyone who visits Phnom Penh.

A must see for us to get a little understanding of the reign of terror undertaken by Pol Pot .The cruelty of this regime is really beyond our comprehension.The museum is a must see place even if only to be amazed as to how Cambodians could be forced to murder their own people. .