Mekong River Cruise: Explore the Infamous Killing Fields

A multi-day Mekong river cruise tour includes not only a delightful time on board sailing through the beautiful scenery, but also intriguing on-shore excursions to several places. As you stop by Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, along with exciting tourist attractions, you will have a chance to explore its grim past, although a relatively contemporary history. That is when you will visit the Killing Fields.

What are the Killing Fields?

Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia saw one of the worst periods in modern history, with the Pol Pot-led Khmer Rouge ruling the nation and over a quarter of its population being starved, tortured, or executed. More than two million innocent Cambodians were slain at over 300 execution sites, known as 'killing fields,' and buried in over 20,000 mass graves across the country.

Due to its proximity to the capital, Choeung Ek is the most infamous and visited of the fields. It is reported that up to 17,000 Cambodians were slaughtered inside the bounds of this former orchard. The executed Cambodians were buried in mass graves in and near these locations. And to avoid using too much ammo, the Khmer Rouge often executed prisoners using spades, poison, or pointed bamboo sticks.

Should you visit the Killing Fields?

Yes, if you want to learn of the chilling events and darkest moments of Cambodia’s haunting history.

To educate young Cambodian generations - and the rest of the world - about what happened at Choeung Ek, the government converted it into a memorial monument and tourist place. It acts as a memorial to all of those killed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Every year on May 9, a memorial ceremony takes place in the Killing Fields, when survivors and their families, authorities, students from all across Phnom Penh, and other Cambodians gather at the Buddhist Stupa to memorialize the departed souls.

The Killing Fields Experience

While remembering and learning from the past, there is a discussion about if making profits from this dark tourism site is educational or exploitative. Regardless, hundreds of Cambodians currently earn a living by leading tourists and visitors through the killing fields. Many guides share their heartbreaking personal experiences about how they survived torture.

Every step brings back horrific memories of those awful days, making a visit to Choeung Ek a soul-shaking experience. It consists of 129 community burials, 43 of which have been preserved intact. Even today, visitors may see countless bone fragments, teeth, and bits of bloodied cloth in glass cases.

There is an audio tour that takes visitors around the genocide-related site, telling horrifying stories from survivors, correctional officers, and executioners. A visit to the Killing Fields is nothing short of harrowing and moving. Nonetheless, it provides a striking glimpse into a portion of the crimes committed across Cambodia under the brutal regime.

Some important notes for a visit to the Killing Fields

The killing fields are now part of the broader Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, which is about 15 kilometers from the center of Phnom Penh. Depending on traffic, the drive takes 45-60 minutes per way. The site may be visited independently or as part of a Phnom Penh city tour. Here are some rules to know in advance for your trip to the Killing Fields.

- Dress appropriately that covers your back, shoulders, and knees (no sleeveless shirts, skin-tight clothing, crop tops, and shorts)

- Visitors are advised to stay quiet and aware of their surroundings while in the center.

- It is prohibited to take any bones or other items out of the site.

- Shoe removal is required when visiting the Memorial Stupa tower

- Avoid taking disrespectful photos, smoking, or eating while touring

Visit the Killing Fields with Mekong River Cruises

There are several river cruises in the Mekong offering a visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, such as the tour of 8-day Saigon-Siem Reap or vice versa on Heritage Line’s luxury ships, The Jahan Cruise and Jayavarman Cruise, RV Mekong Princess Cruise, RV La Marguerite Cruise, etc.

Please note that:

* The schedule may change without prior notice. If you are interested in visiting this location, please check with our travel consultants in advance.

* The visit may not be family friendly, especially if you travel with small kids