Phnom Penh Khmer Rouge Killing Fields Tour: Tuol Sleng & Choeung Ek

Two genocide sites show the scale of what happened during the Khmer Rouge regime in a single afternoon.

A four to five hour tour from Phnom Penh to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (the former S-21 security center) and Choeung Ek Killing Field, with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide and entrance fees. The route passes through the city outskirts, rice fields and villages, with a stop at Russian Market for souvenirs before returning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum2h
2. Russian Market40m
3. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center2h

Visit genocide sites and local market

• Meet guide at hotel
• Travel to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Tour Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for 2 hours
• Drive 15 minutes to Russian Market
• Explore Russian Market for souvenirs
• Drive to Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Visit Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

The experience

Four to five hours covers two of Cambodia's most significant historical sites. Tuol Sleng, the former S-21 security center, takes about two hours to walk through. The museum occupies the actual prison compound where over 14,000 people were interrogated and executed during the regime. From there, a 15-minute drive leads to Russian Market (also called Toul Tompong), a traditional market with sections for food, textiles, jewelry and souvenirs. The market sits between the two main stops, so you browse on the way rather than as a separate detour.

Choeung Ek Killing Field lies 15 kilometers outside the city center. The drive passes through the outskirts (rice fields, orchards and villages), which provides context for the rural Cambodia that existed alongside the regime's urban operations. At the site itself, the guide walks you through the grounds and explains what took place there. Respect for the sites is built into the tour: the operator asks visitors to wear long pants or skirts and shirts that cover the arms.

The guide is licensed by the ministry and speaks English throughout. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are bottled water and all entrance fees. You arrange your own meals and tips for the guide and driver separately.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• bottled water.
• entrance fee tickets to both museums.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking licensed tour guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesUp to age 80

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Private car and guide

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary without translation or a separate audio device. The four to five hour timeframe fits a half-day slot in Phnom Penh, leaving the rest of the day free for other parts of the city.

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Top questions

What was Tuol Sleng used for during the Khmer Rouge regime?

Tuol Sleng was the S-21 security center, a prison where over 14,000 people were interrogated and executed. The museum occupies the actual compound and preserves the cells, interrogation rooms and records from that period.

How far is Choeung Ek Killing Field from Phnom Penh?

Choeung Ek lies 15 kilometers from the city center. The drive passes through rice fields, orchards and villages on the outskirts, giving a view of the rural landscape surrounding the capital.

Is there time to shop during this tour?

Yes. Russian Market (Toul Tompong) sits between Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek, about 15 minutes from the museum. The market has separate sections for food, textiles, jewelry, household goods and souvenirs, so you can browse while traveling between the two main sites.

What should I wear to these sites?

Wear long pants or a skirt that covers the knees and a shirt that covers your arms. The operator asks visitors to show respect to the museums through modest dress.

Does the tour include meals?

No. The tour includes bottled water, but you arrange breakfast, lunch and any snacks or drinks on your own. Tips for the guide and driver are also separate.