Phnom Penh Khmer Rouge History: Half-Day S-21 and Killing Fields Tour
Join this deeply moving half-day tour of S-21 and the Killing Fields. Honor Cambodia’s past, gain essential historical context, and witness the nation's inspiring resilience."
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel Lobby
- We offer convenient pickup directly from your hotel lobby in Phnom Penh. Please be ready in the lobby at least 10 minutes before our scheduled departure time (08:30 AM). Your guide or driver will be looking for you inside the lobby holding a sign with your name on it. If your accommodation is in a narrow alleyway where vehicles cannot enter, we will contact you in advance to arrange the closest possible meeting spot.
Genocide Museum or S 21
Our historical journey begins at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, deeply known as S-21. Originally a quiet high school, this site was converted into a principal interrogation and detention center by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979.
As we step inside, you will witness the preserved classrooms, makeshift prison cells, and the poignant photographic archives documenting the thousands of men, women, and children who were held here. Walking through the quiet courtyards, we will honor the memories of the victims and hear the incredible stories of the few who survived.
As your local guide, I will provide the essential historical context, explain the factors that led to this tragic era, and answer any questions you have with the utmost care and respect. This visit offers a profound look into the depth of Cambodia’s past, setting the stage for understanding the country's incredible journey toward healing and resilience.
Killing Field
After visiting S-21, we will drive just outside the city to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, deeply known as the Killing Fields. This peaceful orchard was once the tragic execution and mass burial site for thousands of prisoners during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Today, it serves as a quiet space of remembrance and education. Together, we will take a respectful walk along the marked pathways, passing by the preserved mass graves and the historic clothing and bone fragments that have surfaced over time. At the center of the site stands the Memorial Stupa, which houses more than 9,000 human skulls, standing as a powerful monument to the victims and a reminder to the world.
Return to Hotel
After a deeply moving and educational morning exploring Cambodia's history, we will board our air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable drive back to central Phnom Penh.
Use this travel time to relax, process the day's experiences, or ask any remaining questions you may have about Cambodia’s history, culture, or modern daily life. Your guide will drop you off safely directly at your hotel lobby (or a requested drop-off point in the city center if you prefer to grab lunch or continue exploring on your own).
Thank you for choosing to learn about Cambodia’s past with us—a vital step in understanding and honoring its incredible present.
Ending Point
Your Hotel Lobby
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Professional English-Speaking Local Guide: You will be accompanied by a licensed, experienced local guide who provides deep historical context, shares personal insight into the Khmer Rouge era, and helps navigate the emotionally moving history of both sites with the utmost respect.
Private Air-Conditioned Transportation: Enjoy a comfortable and entirely private ride throughout the duration of the tour. Our vehicles are clean, modern, and fully air-conditioned to keep you cool in the Phnom Penh heat.
For 1–2 travelers: Private sedan or luxury car.
For 3–4 travelers: Comfortable SUV.
For 5+ travelers: Spacious private minivan.
Professional Dedicated Driver: A separate, experienced driver is provided so your guide can focus entirely on sharing history with you during the drive, ensuring maximum safety and smooth transit between locations.
Convenient Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off: We provide door-to-door service directly from your hotel lobby, Airbnb, or preferred location within the Phnom Penh city center.
All Vehicle Operational Costs: There are absolutely no hidden fees on the day of the tour. Your booking price completely covers:
Fuel and gasoline expenses
Highway tolls (if applicable)
Site parking fees
Chilled Bottled Water: To help you stay hydrated during your walks through the Genocide Museum and the Memorial Park, fresh, cold bottled water will be provided in the vehicle throughout the journey.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) Admission Tickets:Non-Cambodian Adults: $5.00 per person.Youth (Ages 10–17): $3.00 per person.Optional Audio Guide: $5.00 per unit (highly recommended if you prefer extra individual narration).Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (The Killing Fields) Admission Tickets:Non-Cambodian Adults: $6.00 per person (includes the official audio guide headset).Food and Beverages:Lunch, snacks, or additional drinks outside of the provided bottled water are not included. (Budget approximately $5.00 to $12.00 per person depending on your choice of a local or western restaurant).Personal Expenses:Souvenirs, personal shopping, or optional gratuities/tips for your guide and driver to show appreciation for excellent service.
Tour Important Information
Respectful Dress Code: As these are highly solemn and memorial sites, guests must dress respectfully. Please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight clothing is recommended due to the heat.
Comfortable Footwear: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking over uneven dirt paths and concrete surfaces, so please wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
Sun & Heat Protection: Most of the outdoor areas at the Killing Fields offer limited shade. We highly recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella for sun or rain protection.
Sensitive Content Notice: This tour covers a deeply tragic and emotional period of history, including graphic historical photographs and displays. It may not be suitable for young children or highly sensitive individuals.
Audio Guide Courtesy: To maintain the peaceful and respectful atmosphere of the sites, please bring your own headphones if you plan to use an audio guide or if you wish to minimize external noise.
Photography Rules: Photography is permitted in most areas, but please look out for specific signs prohibiting photos inside certain indoor exhibition rooms out of respect for the victims.
Stay Hydrated: It can get very warm during the outdoor portions of the tour. We recommend bringing a bottle of water along with you.
Important message from the supplier
I am fully flexible and available for tours seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. I can accommodate full-day, multi-day, or half-day itineraries based on your schedule.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Bo S.
Hello, I’m Boby! As a licensed local expert with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in creating deeply meaningful, private journeys through my homeland, with a strong focus on the rich history of Phnom Penh.
For me, history isn’t just read from a book—it is lived. Born in a refugee camp during the civil war, I weave my own life story into the poignant historical landmarks and cultural evolution of Cambodia's capital. Beyond the well-known sights, I love guiding travelers to serene, hidden meditation spots and sharing the resilient spirit of our city.
My goal is to design an exclusive, safe, and comfortable experience tailored entirely to your interests. Let’s explore Phnom Penh together and create memories to last a lifetime!
$200/ per group
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