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Choeung Ek
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historical-site
Choeung Ek is a former orchard and mass grave site for victims of the Khmer Rouge, located approximately 15 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. Between 1975 and 1979, an estimated 17,000 people were executed here and buried in 129 mass graves. Today, the site serves as a memorial and commemorates the atrocities committed under the Pol Pot regime. The centerpiece of the complex is a Buddhist stupa erected in 1988, housing over 8,000 human skulls behind glass panels, sorted by age and sex. Visitors can explore the grounds along marked paths, where fragments of bones and clothing often surface after heavy rains. The memorial is a vital destination for educational purposes and a symbol of Cambodia's national trauma in the 20th century. An audio guide leads guests through various stations, explaining the historical context of the Killing Fields and the suffering of the Cambodian people.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Wat Indochina · Cheung Ek archeological earthwork (Ancient kiln site) · Gospel Church
- Nearby: Ta Khmau (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 11 | 30 | 62 | 129 | 190 | 163 | 167 | 190 | 167 | 89 | 28 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Choëung Ek is a memorial site open to the public. You can visit the grounds, the memorial stupa and the mass graves commemorating the victims of the Khmer Rouge.
Typical hours
The memorial is typically open daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. These hours may change on holidays; local confirmation is advisable.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. Please show respect and do not photograph the bones in the memorial shrines without permission.
Time needed
A visit lasts about one to one and a half hours. Allow time for the audio guide, which vividly conveys the history.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) in Phnom Penh. Both sites together form a moving memorial tour.
Getting there
Choëung Ek is about 15 kilometres southwest of Phnom Penh. Reachable by taxi, tuk-tuk or guided tour; the drive takes around 30 minutes.
Insider tip
Visit the memorial in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Bring water and a hat as there is little shade.
Geography
Facts
- Exhumations were conducted in 86 of the 129 mass graves on site.
- The central memorial stupa consists of 17 distinct levels.
- The distance from the notorious S-21 prison is approximately 15 km.
- An estimated 1.7 to 2 million people died under the Khmer Rouge regime.
- The site was officially declared a memorial in 1988.
- Many victims were killed with agricultural tools to save ammunition.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Choeung Ek (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Choeung Ek?
It is the most famous of the 'Killing Fields', a memorial site for Khmer Rouge victims.
How far is it from Phnom Penh?
About 15 km south of the city center; the trip takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
What can be seen in the memorial stupa?
It contains over 8,000 skulls of the victims, arranged by age and gender.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, respectful clothing is mandatory (knees and shoulders must be covered).
Should you use the audio guide?
Absolutely. Without it, it's difficult to grasp the significance of each site.
Choeung Ek: where is it located?
Choeung Ek is located in Cambodia.
Choeung Ek: what is there to see?
Highlights include Wat Indochina, Cheung Ek archeological earthwork (Ancient kiln site), Gospel Church.
Choeung Ek: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Choeung Ek: why is it worth visiting?
Choeung Ek is a former orchard and mass grave site for victims of the Khmer Rouge, located approximately 15 kilometers south of Phnom Penh.
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