Situated 17 km southwest of Phnom Penh, the Choeung Ek memorial occupies the former execution field used between 1975 and 1979 by the Khmer Rouge regime. Today transformed into a place of remembrance, it welcomes visitors wishing to understand one of the darkest chapters in Cambodia's history.

Why visit Choeung Ek

Choeung Ek constitutes, along with prison S-21, one of two principal memorial sites dedicated to the Cambodian genocide. A visit here is a gesture of remembrance and historical duty: to understand how the Pol Pot regime functioned, to grasp the scale of the atrocities committed, and to honor the victims.

The site works in tandem with the Tuol Sleng genocide museum (S-21) located in Phnom Penh. The two places are typically visited on the same day or a day apart, in this order: S-21 first, where prisoners were interrogated, then Choeung Ek, where they were executed.

History of the site

Between 1975 and 1979, Choeung Ek served as an execution field and cemetery for prisoners of the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot. Detainees were brought here from the S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, usually at night, after undergoing interrogation.

To conserve ammunition, guards were ordered to execute victims with pickaxes, hammers, or machetes. The site was discovered in early 1979 by a villager from Choeung Ek, shortly after the regime's fall. According to widely accepted estimates, approximately 17,000 people—men, women, and children—lost their lives here.

With an area of 20,000 m² and more than 129 mass graves recorded (approximately 80 of which have been excavated), Choeung Ek is the largest identified killing field in Cambodia. An annual commemorative ceremony is held here on May 9.

What you will see on site

The memorial stupa

At the center of the site stands a 17-story white stupa built in 1988 to commemorate the victims. Of Khmer architecture, it rests on a square base and culminates in a pointed conical roof. Inside are preserved 8,985 bones and skulls exhumed from the mass graves, arranged by age and gender. Many bear visible marks of the traumas inflicted upon them.

The mass graves

The marked pathway guides visitors around the still-visible graves. After heavy rains, bone fragments and clothing sometimes surface: site personnel collect them regularly. Explanatory panels detail the function of each zone.

The loudspeaker tree and the children's tree

A century-old tree once bore a loudspeaker broadcasting music intended to drown out the cries of victims. Today, friendship bracelets left by visitors adorn its base as a sign of remembrance. Another tree, known as the "children's tree," recalls the fate of the youngest prisoners.

The interpretation center

A small museum space presents objects found on site, archival photographs, and testimonies from survivors or former guards.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the site and listen to the audio guide.
• Admission: the entrance fee typically includes the audio guide. Moderate rates, payable on site in dollars or riels.
• Hours: open daily during daylight hours. Specific hours may change; it is recommended to verify before visiting.
• Audio guide: available in several languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Japanese, etc.). It structures the visit around twenty commentary stops.
• Dress code: clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended, out of respect for the memorial nature of the place.
• Conduct: silence, contemplation, and discreet photography. Smiling selfies are inappropriate.

How to get there

Choeung Ek is located approximately 17 km southwest of Phnom Penh. Several access options:

• Tuk-tuk: the most common option from central Phnom Penh. The journey takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic. It is customary to negotiate a round trip with waiting time included.
• Taxi or ride-share: a more comfortable and air-conditioned option, particularly appreciated during the hot season.
• Guided tour combination: many agencies offer half-day circuits combining S-21 and Choeung Ek, with transport and English-speaking guides.

Nearby

A visit to Choeung Ek naturally extends to Tuol Sleng (S-21) in Phnom Penh. To further explore Cambodia's heritage after these memorial sites, the Angkor region offers a striking contrast: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the jungle temple of Beng Mealea are among the essential stops on a Cambodia itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Organize your trip

To integrate Choeung Ek into a complete Cambodia itinerary, consult our custom-made Cambodia tours designed with local English-speaking guides.