Visiting S-21 Prison and Killing Fields with a Half-Day Tour in Phnom Penh

Planning a visit to Phnom Penh? Then you must include a visit to the infamous S-21 Prison and Killing Fields on your itinerary. One of the most popular ways to experience the haunting sites is via a half-day tour. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need if you intend to book a tour of S-21 Prison and Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, including what to expect, ticket prices, and reviews from previous visitors.

What Is The S-21 Prison And Killing Fields?

First of all, let’s take a close look at the sites included in this particular tour. The S-21 Prison, also known as Tuol Sleng, is a former high school that was converted into a prison by the Khmer Rouge in their attempt to control and terrorize the population of Cambodia. This prison was once the home of countless victims who were tortured and interrogated as part of the regime’s efforts to eradicate any opposition to their rule.

The other key site included on the tour is the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This is a notorious mass grave located just 15 km outside of Phnom Penh, which was used by the Khmer Rouge to dispose of those held at S-21 prison. In all, an estimated 17,000 people were executed at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek during the four-year rule of the Khmer Rouge, making it one of the most significant sites associated with the Cambodian genocide.

What To Expect On The Tour?

So what can you expect from a half-day tour of S-21 Prison and Killing Fields? The primary objective of the tour is to enable visitors to gain an understanding about what happened during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. At S-21 Prison, visitors will learn about the horrifying conditions endured by prisoners during their incarceration. The tour also visits key areas of the school, such as Bedrooms 1 and 2, which were initially classrooms where prisoners were interrogated and tortured.

At Choeung Ek, visitors will uncover how thousands were killed and hastily buried in mass graves without markers. You will also be able to pay respects to some of the victims by donating flowers at the memorial stupa that stands in the center of the cemetery. Throughout your journey, you will be guided by an experienced tour guide who will explain each site in greater detail and invite questions and discussion throughout your journey.

Where Can You Book This Tour?

The most convenient way to book this tour is via GetYourGuide, an online booking platform for activities that offers plenty of attractions for visitors to Phnom Penh. You can book a half-day tour with an 8am pick up from your hotel or from Central Market or Independence Monument and then return to either one of those districts depending on your choice. The tour covers both the S-21 Prison and Choeung Ek Killing Fields and usually lasts four to five hours in total with transport to and from each location in an air-conditioned minibus.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the tour depends on your number of people, but it typically ranges from $19 to $25 per person under GetYourGuide. Prices include entrance fees to both S-21 Prison and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, transport in an air-conditioned minibus as well as an experienced tour guide who will introduce each site in great detail and answer any questions that you may have.

What Are People Saying?

So what are people saying about this particular tour? Reviews for S-21 Prison and Killing Fields are overall very positive with an average rating of 4.9/5 among more than 4,400 people who have left reviews on GetYourGuide. Visitors praise the helpfulness, professionalism, and knowledge of the tour guides while others remark that they experienced genuine emotion when visiting both sites, albeit in a respectful manner.

Concluding Thoughts

Visiting S-21 Prison and Killing Fields is an essential experience if you are planning a trip to Phnom Penh, even if it is a difficult and sombre one. Both sites are a reminder of Cambodia’s turbulent history and provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about this dark period of their past. For those looking for a comprehensive tour that covers these two essential sites in great detail, we would highly recommend booking the half-day tour via GetYourGuide. So if you want to learn about what happened during the Khmer Rouge era first-hand then book your ticket today by clicking here.