A Somber Journey: Quick Facts for Your 2025 Day Trip
A day trip from Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison is not a typical tourist excursion; it’s a profound journey into Cambodia’s recent past. This guide provides all the practical information you need for a respectful and well-planned visit in 2025.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites Visited | Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (The Killing Fields) & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) |
| Total Duration | 4-5 hours (including travel time) |
| Distance from City | Choeung Ek is ~17 km south; Tuol Sleng is within Phnom Penh |
| Estimated Cost (2025) | $35 – $65 USD per person (transport, fees, food) |
| Best Time to Go | Start by 8:00 AM to avoid the midday heat and largest crowds |
How to Get to the Killing Fields & S-21 from Phnom Penh
The most efficient way to visit both sites is by hiring a driver for a half-day tour. The standard, and most logical, route is from your hotel to Choeung Ek first (as it’s furthest away), then back towards the city to Tuol Sleng, and finally back to your hotel or another drop-off point.
Comparing Your Transport Options for 2025
| Transport | Est. Cost (Half-Day) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuk-Tuk | $15 – $25 USD | Classic Cambodian experience, open-air, easy to find. | Exposed to heat, dust, and traffic fumes; can be slower. |
| Ride-Hailing App | $20 – $30 USD | Fixed, upfront pricing via apps like Grab or PassApp. | Less personal than a dedicated driver; might need to book separate trips. |
| Private Car | $30 – $40 USD | Comfortable, air-conditioned, secure, and the fastest option. | More expensive; less of a “local” experience. |
| Guided Tour | $25 – $50+ USD pp | All-inclusive (transport, guide), great for historical context. | Less flexibility, follows a fixed schedule. |
The Essential Stops: What You Will Experience
This journey follows the tragic path of the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Prepare for a deeply emotional and sobering experience. The audio guides at both locations are absolutely essential for understanding the context and gravity of what you are seeing.
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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (The Killing Fields)
Once a quiet longan orchard, Choeung Ek became the final destination for over 17,000 men, women, and children from the S-21 prison. As you walk the peaceful grounds, the audio guide narrates the horrific events that took place here. You will see the marked mass graves, remnants of clothing and bone fragments that still surface after heavy rains, and the infamous “Killing Tree.” The visit culminates at the central Memorial Stupa, a towering monument filled with over 8,000 human skulls, sorted by age and sex, serving as a powerful testament to the victims.
- Crucial Tip: The entrance fee includes the audio guide. Do not skip it. It features survivor testimonies and historical context that transforms the site from a quiet field into a powerful, heart-wrenching memorial.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- 2025 Entrance Fee: $6 USD (includes audio guide)
- Recommended Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)
This former high school in the middle of Phnom Penh was converted by the Khmer Rouge into “Security Prison 21” (S-21), their largest center for detention and torture. The museum has been left largely as it was found in 1979. You will walk through the stark buildings, see the tiny brick cells, the rusted bed frames used for torture, and the chilling galleries of thousands of black-and-white photographs the Khmer Rouge meticulously took of their prisoners. This “wall of faces” humanizes the victims, showing ordinary people—teachers, students, workers, and their families—before they were sent to their deaths.
- Crucial Tip: The audio guide is an additional fee but is highly recommended. It provides detailed stories about the prison’s operation and the few survivors who have shared their harrowing accounts.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- 2025 Entrance Fee: $5 USD (Audio Guide is an additional $5)
- Recommended Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Sample Half-Day Itinerary (Morning Visit)
This schedule is the most efficient way to see both sites while avoiding the worst of the afternoon heat and tour bus crowds.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart from your hotel in Phnom Penh. | Head to Choeung Ek first as it’s the furthest point. |
| 8:45 AM | Arrive at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. | Collect your ticket and the essential audio guide. |
| 10:45 AM | Depart from Choeung Ek. | Your driver will be waiting to take you back towards the city. |
| 11:30 AM | Arrive at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. | Purchase your ticket and rent the audio guide. |
| 1:30 PM | Finish museum visit. | Time for a quiet lunch and reflection. |
| 2:30 PM | Return to hotel or explore the Russian Market. | The nearby market is a good place to decompress. |
Where to Eat After Your Visit
Food options are very limited at Choeung Ek, so it’s best to eat near Tuol Sleng or in the city. After such a heavy experience, a calm place to sit and process is often welcome.
Budget-Friendly Khmer Food ($)
The streets surrounding the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung), a short drive from S-21, are packed with authentic and affordable noodle and rice stalls. Expect to pay just $2-5 for a delicious, filling meal.
Mid-Range Cafes & Restaurants ($$)
For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to the nearby BKK1 or Tuol Tom Poung neighborhoods. Places like Vibe Cafe offer healthy vegetarian food in a tranquil setting, perfect for decompressing after your visit.
Insider Tips for a Respectful and Smooth Visit
- Dress Respectfully: This is the most important rule. Both sites are memorials, and a strict dress code is enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Pack a scarf or sarong just in case.
- Prepare Emotionally: The content is graphic and deeply upsetting. Be prepared for a mentally and emotionally taxing day. It’s okay to take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.
- Audio Guides are Essential: We can’t say it enough. Without the audio guides, you are just looking at a field or an old school. With them, the history and the human stories come to life in a profoundly moving way.
- Start Early: An 8:00 AM departure is ideal. You’ll avoid the peak midday heat (which can be brutal) and the largest tour groups that arrive around 10:00 AM.
- Carry Small Bills: Have small USD notes ($1, $5, $10) on hand for tickets, water, and tips. Cambodia uses USD for most tourist transactions.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle. It gets extremely hot and humid, and you’ll be walking outside for a significant portion of the tour.
- Behave Appropriately: Maintain a quiet and somber demeanor. This is not a place for loud conversations, laughter, or inappropriate selfies. Remove your hat before entering memorial buildings.
What to Pack for Your Killing Fields Day Trip
- [ ] Respectful clothing (long pants/skirt and a t-shirt/blouse covering shoulders)
- [ ] A light scarf or sarong (as a backup)
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Camera (to be used mindfully and without flash)
- [ ] Small amount of cash (USD) for fees and drinks
- [ ] Hand sanitizer or tissues
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does the Day Trip Cost in 2025?
Here’s a look at the estimated per-person cost for your day trip from Phnom Penh.
| Expense Item | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (Shared Tuk-Tuk / Private Car) | $10 (Tuk-Tuk split 2 ways) | $35 (Private Car) |
| Choeung Ek Entry Fee | $6 | $6 |
| Tuol Sleng Entry + Audio Guide Fee | $10 | $10 |
| Lunch & Water | $5 | $15 |
| TOTAL (per person) | ~ $31 USD | ~ $66 USD |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to visit the Killing Fields and S-21?
You should plan for a total of 4 to 5 hours. This includes about 1.5-2 hours at each site, plus the travel time between your hotel, Choeung Ek, and Tuol Sleng.
Should I visit the Killing Fields or S-21 first?
It is highly recommended to visit Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields) first. This follows the chronological path of the prisoners and means you end your tour closer to the city center, which is more convenient for lunch or returning to your hotel.
What is the dress code for the Killing Fields?
The dress code is strict and requires that shoulders and knees be covered. This applies to both men and women. Visitors wearing tank tops, short shorts, or short skirts may be denied entry or asked to rent a sarong.
How much is a tuk-tuk from Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields for a round trip?
For a half-day tour that includes waiting time at both the Killing Fields and S-21 prison, a tuk-tuk driver will typically charge between $15 and $25 USD in 2025. Always agree on the price before you start the journey.
Is visiting the Killing Fields worth it?
Yes. While it is an incredibly sad and disturbing experience, it is an essential part of understanding Cambodia’s history, the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, and the incredible resilience of the Cambodian people. It is a profound educational experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
TLDR: Your Quick Guide to the Killing Fields Day Trip
For those in a hurry, here are the absolute essentials for your 2025 trip:
- Go Early: Leave your hotel by 8:00 AM.
- Hire a Tuk-Tuk: The easiest way to see both sites is a half-day hire ($15-25).
- Order of Visit: Go to Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) first, then Tuol Sleng (S-21).
- Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees. No exceptions.
- Get the Audio Guides: They are non-negotiable for understanding the sites. The Choeung Ek guide is included in the $6 fee; the S-21 guide is an extra $5 on top of the $5 entry.
- Budget: Plan for about $30-40 per person for a budget-friendly day.
