A Comprehensive Guide to the Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh

The Tuol Sleng Prison and the Choeng Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, are perhaps two of the most devastating sites to visit in Southeast Asia. Revisiting the painful memories of Cambodia’s dark past, these two sites will take you on a sobering journey, reminding tourists of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime. Read on to find out why a trip to these places are absolutely essential if you are planning a visit to Cambodia.

What is the Tuol Sleng Prison?

Tuol Sleng Prison, also known as S-21, is a former prison located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During the 1970s, it served as a detention and torture centre of the Khmer Rouge regime, where thousands of prisoners were sent to be interrogate and execute. The complex consists of several buildings and an old prison yard, as well as a museum displaying photographs of victims, many of which were taken shortly before their execution.

What is the Choeng Ek Memorial?

The Choeng Ek Memorial is situated about 15 kilometers from Phnom Penh. It is one of the sites where victims of the Khmer Rouge regime were executed and buried. Also known as the Killing Fields, it is a place where many Cambodians were forced to dig their own graves before being killed mercilessly. A memorial stupa stands at the site, containing the remains of 8,895 victims executed by Pol Pot’s regime. The place has since been turned into a poignant reminder of the brutality experienced by Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge era.

How Do I Visit Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial?

Visiting Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial is a sobering activity, one that should not be taken lightly. Both places are open to the public during daylight hours; however, it is advisable that you take a guided tour in order to fully understand what you are seeing and have someone to answer any questions you may have.

Tuol Sleng Prison Visit

The visit to Tuol Sleng Prison begins with a tour guide who will explain the history of the prison and its role during the Khmer Rouge regime. The main building is filled with disturbing images of victims of torture and execution, while other buildings contain artifacts such as pictures and documents related to events during that time period. Visiting Tuol Sleng Prison would take around two hours.

Choeng Ek Memorial visit

Choeng Ek Memorial is a much more solemn place. After arriving at Choeng Ek Memorial, visitors should walk around the grounds and look at the markers of where mass graves were dug and the memorial stupa where victims’ remains are kept. The tour guide can also explain more about the history of the site and what happened during the Khmer Rouge regime. Visiting Choeng Ek Memorial would take around one hour.

What is the best way to visit Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial?

The best way to visit Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial is to join an organized group tour. The tour guides will be able to provide visitors with important information about Cambodia’s dark history and what happened at these former sites of terror. Additionally, they can help visitors reflect on this difficult period of Cambodia’s past by giving them information not found in textbooks or museums.

Group tours can be found that include both Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial, such as this full-day tour in Phnom Penh. Starting off at Tuol Sleng Prison, your guide will explain how it was used by the Khmer Rouge regime as a detention and torture centre under Pol Pot’s rule. They can also provide context about what you are seeing and help you understand why, or why not, it was done this way. Afterwards, you will head to Choeng Ek Memorial where you will learn about the thousands of victims buried there before visiting a local cottage industry for lunch before returning to your accommodation.

Exploring Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial is an emotional experience that no visitor should miss when visiting Cambodia. This full day guided tour will ensure that you not only gain a deeper understanding and knowledge about this dark period in history but also have time to reflect on these two places symbolizing so much pain in a peaceful and respectful atmosphere.

If you would like to book this full-day tour exploring Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh, you can do so through GetYourGuide.