Killing Fields in Cambodia

Killing fields memorial

Cambodia is a country with a rich history and culture, but one aspect that has left an indelible mark on the country is the Killing Fields. These sites are a stark reminder of Cambodia's darkest days and the tragic events that occurred during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.

Despite their haunting past, the Killing Fields are a significant part of Cambodia's history and an essential Cambodian tourist attraction.

Basic Facts about Killing Field Cambodia

Choeung ek genocide centre

The Killing Fields Cambodia refers to a collection of sites in Cambodia where many Cambodians were brutally murdered by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. These sites are the final resting place of many Cambodians who were executed during the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror.

There are several Killing Fields throughout Cambodia, but the most well-known one is Choeung Ek, which is located about 17 km south of Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

The Killing Fields are a stark reminder of Cambodia's recent past and the tragedy that occurred in the country.

The opening hours of the Killing Fields vary depending on the location, but generally, they are open daily from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. It's worth noting that some sites may have reduced hours or be closed on certain holidays.

Typically, the cost is around $3 to $5 USD per person. Some sites may also offer audio guides for an additional fee. It's important to note that some sites may have free admission for Cambodian citizens.

The History behind the Killing Fields Cambodia

Cambodia refugees in Thailand

The Killing Fields Cambodia is a dark chapter in Cambodia's history. The Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. During this time, the Khmer Rouge attempted to create an agrarian utopia by forcing people out of the cities and into the countryside to work on collective farms.

The Khmer Rouge considered anyone with an education or ties to the former government or foreign countries as enemies of the state. The regime tortured and executed thousands of people, including intellectuals, professionals, and anyone who did not conform to their ideology.

The Khmer Rouge used the Killing Fields to execute and bury their victims. Many of the victims were brought to these sites, blindfolded, tied up, and then executed.

The Khmer Rouge did not want to waste bullets, so they used tools like hammers, axes, and bamboo sticks to kill their victims. They also forced people to dig their mass graves before killing them. The victims were buried in shallow graves; their remains are still visible today.

Cultural Significance of the Killing Fields Cambodia

Arn Chorn-pond, whose talent of playing a flute keeps him alive

The Killing Fields Cambodia is important to Cambodia's history and culture. It serves as a reminder of the Khmer Rouge's atrocities and their impact on Cambodia.

The Killing Fields is a place for people to pay their respects to the victims and to learn about Cambodia's history. The site also plays a significant role in Cambodia's efforts to promote human rights and justice. It also becomes the must-to-do thing in Phnom Penh.

How to Tour the Killing Fields Cambodia

Entrance of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

To visit the Killing Fields Cambodia, you can take a guided tour from Phnom Penh or hire a private taxi to take you there. Most tours include a visit to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is a former high school that was turned into a prison and torture center during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The tours usually last for a half-day and provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Cambodia's recent history. The tours are usually conducted in English, and visitors are encouraged to ask questions.

However, it is not recommended for children under the age of 12 to visit the Killing Fields, as the content may be too graphic and disturbing for them to comprehend. Additionally, those easily triggered by graphic violence or those with a history of trauma or mental health issues may find visiting this site challenging.

Way to Get to the Killing Fields Cambodia

Tuk-tuk driver with a foreign traveler

The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is located about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. To get there, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes from the city center, and the cost varies depending on your transportation mode.

It's important to note that the road to the Killing Fields is bumpy, and it can be a bit of a jarring ride, so be prepared for that.

If you want to get to Phnom Penh from other cities or countries, you must check the flight, train, or bus information beforehand.

Visiting tips

Wish for peace and love

When visiting the Killing Fields Cambodia, it's important to dress appropriately and respectfully. This means wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees and avoiding anything too revealing.

It's also a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent as the site is outdoors and can get hot and buggy.

It's also important to be respectful while visiting the site. This means not taking photos in areas where it's not allowed, touching anything, or making too much noise. This is a place of remembrance, so visitors should try to be mindful of that.

Lastly, visitors should be prepared for an emotional experience. The Killing Fields Cambodia is a place of tragedy, and learning about what happened there can be overwhelming. It's important to take your time, process your feelings, and be respectful of those around you who may be experiencing their own emotions.

To Sum Up

The Killing Fields Cambodia is a place of great significance in Cambodia's history and culture. It's a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime and a place for people to pay their respects to the victims.

Visiting the site can be an emotional experience, but it's an important part of understanding Cambodia's past and promoting human rights and justice. If you're planning a Cambodia tour, make sure to add a visit to the Killing Fields to your itinerary.