The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is famous as the Killing Fields because of being a standing witness to one of the darkest chapters in Cambodian history. During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), about 2 million people perished in a brutal genocide targeting intellectuals, professionals, and anyone who seemed to be a threat to the communist ideology. Choeung Ek, located just outside Phnom Penh, became a mass grave for victims of Tuol Sleng, an infamous Khmer Rouge torture and interrogation centre. Today, it serves as a powerful memorial site, educating visitors about past horrors and fostering remembrance, which leaves people haunted for a while.
About Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Would you be surprised to know that Choeung Ek used to be an orchard? It was the interactions and intentions of the Khmer Rouge that transformed the place into a place of unimaginable cruelty. Prisoners brought from Tuol Sleng were brutally executed – bludgeoned with pickaxes to conserve ammunition.
During the transformation of the orchard into the genocidal centre, the rogues built mass graves where the slaves and prisoners were brutally murdered by smashing their skulls. To commemorate the heinous crimes, a central stupa stands in the genocidal centre today that consists of thousands of recovered skulls of the victims. At the end of the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center lies a quaint museum showcasing all the information about the place’s history.
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History Of Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
The utterly horrifying Cambodian genocide unfolded under the reign of Pol Pot in collaboration with the Khmer Rouge. Their radical communist ideology wanted to establish a complete agrarian society, eliminating all traces of the previous government, religion, and urban life However, to make their vision a reality, their approach was vile. To achieve this, they ordered the immediate evacuation of people from the cities and targeted the minorities, putting them through extreme torture and painful death.
Choeung Ek became operational in 1975, serving as the primary execution site for Tuol Sleng detainees. If the estimates are to be believed, around 17,000 victims were brought to Choeung Ek. Their final moments of death were horrific, where they were murdered using farming tools. The Khmer Rouge regime collapsed in 1979, revealing the horrors of Choeung Ek to the world. Exhumations unearthed the remains of nearly 9,000 victims. The Cambodian government transformed Choeung Ek into a memorial site in 1988, serving as a permanent reminder of the genocide.
Best Time To Visit, Entrance Fee And Timing
If you plan to visit Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, do so during the dry season from November to February. This period is a great time to explore “outdoor sightseeing spots” like this one. Even the temperatures are comfortable, with mild humidity and little possible rainfall.
The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center opening hours are at 07:30 AM and closes at 05:30 PM.
The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center entrance fee is $6 per person. This fee covers the expense of headphones and a multilingual audio guide. Listening to the narration of the place’s history helps you understand the site in detail.
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Top Things To Do In Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Image Credit: Christophe95 for wikimedia commons
Owing to the rich history of the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, there’s a lot to cover inside this sightseeing spot. This explains why you must have a comprehensive itinerary set in place to cover all the important aspects of the place.
Some of the top things to do include:
1. Explore the Killing Fields
Hands down, the highlight of the genocidal centre in Cambodia lies in the killing fields. It’s harrowing to explore the area where thousands of people have lost their lives most brutally. Their area is lined with mass graves and clothing fragments, which evokes the brutality of the killings back in the day.
2. Visit the Central Stupa
As briefly mentioned, the Central Stupa is a shelter of thousands of recovered skulls of the victims. So, when it comes to paying homage and tribute to the lost souls, you can’t skip out on witnessing the Central Stupa. It serves as a powerful symbol of the genocide’s scale.
3. Examine the Skull Tower
Because thousands of people were killed during the Khmer Rouge reign, thousands of skulls lined across the skull tower. For better representation, these skulls are arranged in tiers and you will find information panels underneath to provide a better understanding of the victim’s age and sex.
4. Witness the Tree of Killing
If all this information was disturbing enough, there is a tree inside the genocidal centre, which was used during the genocide to kill infants by smashing their heads against it. The torture and the inhumane treatment of the people leave you horrified the more you delve into the history.
5. Learn About Tuol Sleng
While visiting Choeung Ek, consider visiting Tuol Sleng (S-21) prison, the interrogation centre where many victims were brought before their execution. Seeing both sites provides a more complete understanding of the Khmer Rouge’s methods.
6. Pay Your Respects
Take a moment of silence at the stupa or one of the many memorials scattered throughout the site. Reflect on the lives lost and the importance of remembering the past. It is always ideal to take some time to soak in the intensity of the situation and truly understand how horrid the experiences must have been for the people who experienced it first-hand.
Places To Visit Near Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Once you finish exploring the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, there are a few additional and nearby sightseeing spots worth exploring:
1. Royal Palace
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For a cultural counterpoint to Choeung Ek’s somberness, visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. This stunning complex houses the Cambodian king and serves as a symbol of the nation’s rich heritage. You can stop and admire the embellished throne halls and pagodas with intricate carvings.
Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
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2. National Museum of Cambodia
Image Credit: Clay Gilliland for Wikimedia Commons
If you are still in the mood to explore Cambodia’s history further, make your way to the National Museum of Cambodia. Each exhibit delves deeper into the country’s rich history. Some highlights include Angkorian sculptures, Buddhist artefacts, and traditional textiles.
Address: Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh 120211, Cambodia
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3. Phnom Penh Central Market
Image Credit: Christophe95 for wikimedia commons
After an exhausting experience of exploring the genocidal centre, take the time to indulge in some retail therapy at the Phnom Penh Central Market. It is a sprawling market offering various local shops selling souvenirs, produce and textiles. You can consider purchasing from the locals to support them.
Address: Street 130, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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4. Wat Phnom
Image Credit: Marcin Konsek for wikimedia commons
Visit Wat Phnom, the city’s oldest pagoda, on a small hill. Climb the stairs to the pagoda for panoramic views of Phnom Penh and a sense of serenity amidst the urban energy. It is also a great place to finally relax after such an emotionally tiring day exploring the genocidal centre
Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. Killing Fields Memorial
Image Credit: fietzfotos for wikimedia commons
While Choeung Ek is the most well-known killing field, others are in Cambodia. Consider visiting the Killing Fields Memorial in Choeung Ek, a smaller site offering a more intimate experience. It helps you connect with the victims and offer your prayers and condolences to all the lost souls.
Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
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The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a window to a dark chapter in Cambodian history. While a difficult visit, it’s crucial to pay homage to those who have gone without a crime and educate future generations to prevent such atrocities from ever repeating. When visiting Choeung Ek, approach it with respect and a willingness to learn from the past. Your next trip to Cambodia must include this historical spot without second thoughts.
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Cover Image Source: Ben Bender for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Is it appropriate to take photos at Choeung Ek?
Yes, photography is permitted inside the genocidal centre.
Is Choeung Ek suitable for children?
Due to the history behind the site’s existence, it is ideal to avoid bringing children.
Can I buy food and drinks at Choeung Ek?
There aren’t many amenities available at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. So, it's better if you carry your food and drinks to the site.
How long should I spend at Choeung Ek?
This depends entirely on you. However, a minimum of 1-2 hours is mandatory to explore every part of the centre.
How can I support the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center?
Donations to the site help maintain the memorial and educational programs. You can enquire at the entrance for more details.
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