Phnom Penh and The Killing Fields

Experience the highlights of Phnom Penh before heading out to the green fields of Cheung Ek, known as The Killing Fields, to learn about the background and cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. This is a fascinating half-day tour.

Area

Phnom Penh

Type

Culture & People

History

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

Half Day

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French, during their colonial rule of Cambodia. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighbouring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. The building houses many gold and jewelled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha.

Other important buildings that can be found within the compound include Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where Royal ceremonies are still performed. Here you'll also find King Ang Doung's sacred Stupa – the burial site of former King Norodom. Please note that women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should cover their knees.

Afterwards, continue to visit the peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek. Situated 17km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. This journey into Cambodia’s past will provide you with a background on the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. It will also give you an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Ultimate Cambodia

This high-end itinerary incorporates some of Cambodia’s key cultural areas, including the extraordinary temples of Angkor and glittering palaces of Phnom Penh, finishing with some well-earned downtime time at one of Asia’s most exclusive resorts. Staying at luxurious hand-picked hotels throughout, you will also enjoy some wonderfully special experiences.

View Tour
Limitless Cambodia

Glide through Cambodia on a glorious journey of ultimate luxury, serene landscapes, and palate tingling cuisine. Taking you to places few others have seen, staying at the most luxurious of properties with unprecedented service and all in effortless style. Kick-off in Siem Reap with private tours of the world-famous Angkor temple, head to Phnom Penh on a luxury boat before staying at a spell-binding wildlife camp and culminating on the paradise island of Krabey.

View Tour

Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Rosewood Phnom Penh

The first Rosewood in Cambodia, Rosewood Phnom Penh looks set for success with panoramic views over the city. Just 9km from the airport and close to the vibrant riverside area, this chic luxury hotel is within minutes of the major tourist attractions.

View Accommodation
Raffles Hotel Le Royal

The grand and historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the premier address in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh. Not only is it an authentic luxury Art Deco hotel but it is also a true colonial classic, deep in the heart of this riverside city.

View Accommodation

More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields

Learn first-hand about Cambodia's recent and tragic past in this difficult but captivating half-day tour that's absolutely key to understanding modern Cambodia.

View Experience
Phnom Penh by Streetlight

Adventure through the streets and back alleyways of Phnom Penh by an elegant classic style Tuk Tuk.

View Experience
Evening Drinks with a Journalist in Phnom Penh

Join a Phnom Penh based journalist for drinks – allow them to guide you through some of the fascinating recent history of Cambodia. They are working on the front line of modern journalism in a country that is changing at an incredible rate.

View Experience
Jewels of the Crown - Half Day City Tour

Take in the highlights of Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and riverfront areas in this half-day experience. This is a wonderful introduction to the capital and Cambodia as a whole, and perfect if you are a little short on time.

View Experience
Phnom Penh's Hidden Gems (Half Day)

Led by a passionate young specialist guide and with a focus on architecture, this half-day tour explores the hidden corners of Phnom Penh on foot and by cyclo (pedal-powered rickshaw).

View Experience
Cambodian Urban and Contemporary Art

We will head out through the streets of Phnom Penh in search of the Kingdom's finest hidden murals, and street art on a curated tour.

View Experience