Killing Fields of Cheoung Ek
The Killing Fields of Cheoung Ek, popularly known as “Killing Fields,” is a tourist destination in Pnhom Penh which symbolizes the sufferings and sacrifices of the Cambodian people.
The still, peaceful, even scenic greenery of Cheoung Ek shows no trace of the tragedy that happened in its fields, home to the 17,000 who were killed during the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. Tourist are toured around the monument and the Killing Fields through an audio tour which excellently describes the sufferings Cambodian men, women, and children went through during the Cambodian Genocide. Though a depressing tour to take, visiting the 18 stops inside the Killing Fields of Cheoung Ek will give visitors a renewed sense of appreciation to the resilience of the Cambodian people.
Location
The Killing Fields is located in Cheoung Ek Genocidal Center, 17 kilometres from the Phnom Penh.
Opening Days and Hours
The genocidal center is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Tourists who come in group need to pay KHR 12,000 (USD 3) for the entrance fee. Regular entrance fee for those not in a group is KHR 20,000 (USD 5).
How to Get There
- Fly to Phnom Penh via Cambodia Angkor Airways, Bassaca Air, or Bayon Airlines.
- Hire a taxi to take you to Phnom Penh city center (USD 7).
- Rent a tuktuk to take you to the Killing Fields. (USD 15)
Suggested For
- Solo Travelers/Backpackers
- Couples
- Family
- Groups
Time to Spend
You can spend at least two hours going for the audio tour, and visiting graves all around the place.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The Genocidal Center has become so popular over the years that tours can be crowded. To avoid the busy crowd, visit as early as 8:30 in the morning.
Food
A couple of restaurants that serve a mix of authentic Cambodian food and Western dishes are available near The Killing Fields. Some of these restaurants are The Living Fields, Sesame Noodle Bar, Do Forni, and Jars of Clay.
Nearby Attractions
- Daughters of Cambodia
- Royal Palace
- Ta Prohm
Stay
Tourists who wish to find a place to stay near the Killing Fields can find it in hotels like Double Leaf Boutique Hotel, Kolab Sor Phnom Penh Hotel, and Ny Ka Smy Hotel which offers accommodations at rates ranging from USD 50 to USD 250 a night.