Phnom Penh: Killing Fields & S21 Genocide Museum Tour Pickup

Summary

Walk Phnom Penh’s past at Choeung Ek & Tuol Sleng with a guide

You’ll walk where history happened—quietly—with a local guide who shares real stories at both Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21). Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and cold water along the way. It’s not easy, but it’s something you’ll carry with you long after leaving Phnom Penh.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I felt a knot in my stomach as our driver turned off the busy Phnom Penh road toward Choeung Ek. The city noise faded into this strange, heavy quiet. Our guide, Dara, didn’t rush us. He just let us stand there for a minute under the trees, where the air smelled faintly of incense and wet earth. I’d read about the Killing Fields before, but standing there… it’s different. Dara pointed to little bracelets hanging from a fence—left by families, he said. I remember thinking how ordinary the place looked if you didn’t know.

The drive back into town was mostly silent—nobody really knew what to say after that. At Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), the old school corridors echoed under our feet. Dara told us stories about some of the people who survived; he even paused when he got choked up talking about one teacher who never came home. There were photos everywhere—faces staring back at you from another time. I tried to pronounce “Tuol Sleng” right and Dara laughed gently; I probably butchered it.

I don’t think you can ever be ready for a day trip like this from Phnom Penh, but having someone local walk you through it makes all the difference. We had cold water in the van (thank god—it was so humid), and Dara answered every awkward question we had without flinching. Afterward, I just wanted to sit quietly for a while and think about everything we’d seen. Still do sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Explore Killing Fields site
• Return to Phnom Penh
• Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Tour museum exhibits
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How far are the Killing Fields from Phnom Penh?

The Choeung Ek Killing Fields are about 9 miles south of central Phnom Penh.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if your hotel is in central Phnom Penh.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide and driver, air-conditioned transport, cool water, and hotel pickup.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers or prams.

How long does the day trip to Killing Fields and S21 take?

The full visit typically takes half a day, including travel between sites.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Can I ask questions during the tour?

Yes, your guide welcomes questions throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Phnom Penh, entry to both Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), an English-speaking local guide and driver, cool bottled water along the way, plus comfortable air-conditioned transportation before returning to your hotel or guesthouse at the end.