Phnom Penh: Killing Fields & S21 Prison Museum Tour

Two Sites That Changed Cambodia's History, Explained by Someone Who Knows Them

You visit two central sites of the Cambodian genocide: the Choeung Ek Killing Fields south of the city, where 20,000 were executed, and Tuol Sleng S21 Museum, the former prison where thousands were tortured. A professional English-speaking guide explains the history at each location, and hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport mean you don't navigate the logistics yourself. Plan for a full morning and afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center2h
2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum2h

Visit Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

• Pick up from hotel center
• Drive to Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Explore Choeung Ek Genocide Center
• Return to Phnom Penh
• Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Return to hotel or guesthouse

The experience

You're not going to want to do this tour on a whim. It's heavy, and it should be. A professional English-speaking guide picks you up from your hotel and drives south toward Choeung Ek Genocide Center, about 15 kilometers outside Phnom Penh. The site itself was once an orchard and a Chinese cemetery before the Khmer Rouge, under Pol Pot's leadership, turned it into what became known as the killing fields. Around 20,000 people were executed there over three years as part of a larger genocide that killed 2.5 million across Cambodia. The guide walks you through the grounds, explains what happened in each section, and you stand in front of the actual memorial stupa. A structure built from the remains found on the site. It's not a comfortable experience, but it's necessary.

After Choeung Ek, you return to Phnom Penh to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also called S21. The name means "hill of the poisonous trees," and Pol Pot converted a former high school into a high-security prison where 20,000 people were imprisoned, interrogated, and tortured for information. The classrooms still have the metal bed frames where prisoners were chained, photographs of victims on the walls, and detailed records of the interrogations. Your guide contextualizes what you're seeing, which rooms held which prisoners, how the system worked, what happened after. It's methodical and deliberate in a way that makes the scale of it harder to ignore.

The tour runs about six to seven hours total, including the drive time between sites and time spent at each location. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, your guide, and cold water throughout the day. The guide is the real asset here. Someone who can answer questions and provide the historical framework that turns two buildings into something you actually understand. This isn't a sightseeing tour. It's an education, and it's structured so you're not rushing between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Phnom Penh, transport in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide, entry to both Choeung Ek Genocide Center and Tuol Sleng S21 Museum, and cold water throughout the tour.

Information

Lasts 4h 15m, runs every day at 08:15 and 13:30, from US$ 18 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:15 and 13:30

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 25 years) · Senior (30 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cambodia green tour and transport

Is this one for you?This tour is for anyone who wants to understand this period of Cambodian history with proper context and without arranging transport and entry separately. The guide's knowledge is what transforms two difficult sites into a coherent, educational experience rather than a rushed visit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the tour?

Around six to seven hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, plus time at both sites.

What's included?

Hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, and cold water. Return transport to your hotel is included.

How far is Choeung Ek from Phnom Penh?

About 15 kilometers south of the city center.

What was Tuol Sleng used for?

Pol Pot converted it from a high school into a high-security prison and interrogation center. About 20,000 people were imprisoned there, many tortured for information.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

It's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to vehicle travel.

What language is the guide?

English-speaking guide is provided.

Can I use public transportation instead?

Public transportation options are available nearby, but the tour includes transport as part of the package.