Located about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek was once a quiet orchard and Chinese cemetery. During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), however, it became one of Cambodia’s most infamous Killing Fields. Here, an estimated 17,000 people were executed, many of them first imprisoned and tortured at Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21). After the regime’s fall, mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were uncovered, revealing the scale of atrocities committed. 

Memorial and Remembrance

Today, Choeung Ek is preserved as a powerful memorial site. At its center stands a tall Buddhist stupa with acrylic glass sides, housing more than 5,000 human skulls, many bearing visible evidence of trauma. Several levels of the stupa are open to visitors during the day, offering a haunting yet essential reminder of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge era. 

Walking through the grounds, visitors can see mass grave sites, preserved bones and clothing fragments, and a tree known as the “Killing Tree,” against which children were killed.

Why Visit Cheung Ek

Visiting Choeung Ek is not only about witnessing a tragic chapter of Cambodia’s history, but also about honoring the memory of the victims and reflecting on the importance of peace and reconciliation. 

The site provides a deeper understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime and the suffering endured by millions of Cambodians. For many travelers, it is a profoundly moving experience, one that underscores the necessity of remembrance, justice, and education to prevent such atrocities in the future.

Location & Getting There

Choeung Ek is located about a 30–40 minute drive south of central Phnom Penh. It is most conveniently reached by tuk-tuk, taxi, or as part of an organized tour. Many visitors choose to combine a visit here with Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) for essential historical context.

A Place of Reflection

Though emotionally heavy, Choeung Ek is one of the most important places to visit in Cambodia. It serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of unchecked power and human cruelty, while also standing as a place of remembrance, resilience, and healing.