The Complete Guide to Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Hop-on-Hop-off Joint Tour – Everything you Need to Know
Are you planning to take a joint tour of the Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Prison? If so, then you have come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all your questions about the Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Hop-on-Hop-off Joint Tour, tell you what to expect and how to get the most out of your experience.
What is the Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21?
The Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Prison are two separate sites that explain an important part of Cambodian history. They are situated in the capital city of Cambodia (Phnom Penh), and easily accessible by public transportation. The Phnom Penh Killing Fields were testaments of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime, during which a total of 2 million people lost their lives in just 4 years. It was an organized system of extermination, in which thousands of people were killed.
S21 Prison was the primary imprisonment for dissidents and enemies of the regime, and was considered one of the most notorious places in Cambodia. Thousands of prisoners were subjected to torture there, and only seven survived. While touring these places, visitors can view authentic artifacts, such as death certificates signed by the Khmer Rouge’s leader, Pol Pot.
Why Should You Take a Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Hop-on-Hop-off Joint Tour?
A joint tour of the two sites is an excellent way to gain an understanding of the country’s history, as well as pay respects to those who died in them. A joint tour is more efficient than taking two separate tours – it saves time and money. Furthermore, some tours also offer talks by survivors, who are willing to share their harrowing experiences in the Killing Fields with guests, adding another dimension to the tour.
What to Expect from a Joint Tour?
The Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Hop-on-Hop-off Joint Tour typically lasts for approximately 3 hours. During this time, you will have the opportunity to visit both sites and explore them at your own pace. You will also get to spend time with a certified guide, who will provide you with valuable insights and historical facts about them.
The tour will begin with a pick up from your hotel or other accommodation in the city. After that, your guide will take you on an hour-long drive to the Killing Fields, where you will get a chance to explore and learn more about this horrible place of death. This will be followed by a short break during which you will have some light refreshments.
After that, it’s on to S21 Prison, where you will explore the cells, galleries and hallways and hear stories from survivors (if available). This will be the most emotional part of the tour as it has great significance in Cambodian history.
Finally, the tour will end with you being dropped off at your hotel or other accommodation in Phnom Penh.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Experience?
The best way to make sure that your tour is as enjoyable and informative as possible is to prepare for it properly. The last thing anyone wants is to spoil their tour by being unprepared or ill-informed. Here are a few things you should do before going on the joint tour:
- Familiarize yourself with the history: Before going on the tour, make sure that you acquire basic knowledge about Cambodia’s history and the Khmer Rouge regime. This will help you get more out of your tour.
- Bring sunscreen and a water bottle: While on the tour, you may be exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time. Therefore, it is advised that you wear sunscreen and bring a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.
- Refrain from taking photographs inside S21: While taking pictures in the Killing Fields is allowed, photography inside S21 Prison is not allowed as it is regarded as disrespectful. Therefore, it is advised that you do not take any pictures inside S21.
- Wear comfortable shoes: As part of your tour, you may have to walk for long distances. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you wear comfortable shoes.
- Take a notebook: Taking notes is a good way to keep track of things that your guide tells you during the tour.
- Be respectful: Do not make any jokes or comments that belittle the tragic events that occurred at both places.
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to your guide’s instructions, stories, and advice during the tour.
Conclusion
The Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21 Hop-on-Hop-off Joint Tour is an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain insight into Cambodia’s painful past. The experience can be even more rewarding if compounded with knowledge about Cambodia’s history and culture beforehand. Finally, don’t forget to book the activity from GetYourGuide’s website, which offers comprehensive information on this tour as well as highly competitive prices for different packages.
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