Dark Year of Phnom Penh

DARK YEAR OF PHNOM PENH WITH SURVIVOR ENCOUNTER

This half-day experience aims to be both informative and impactful, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s resilience. You may gain a deeper understanding of a dark period in Cambodian history, the Khmer Rouge regime’s rule in Phnom Penh (1975-1979).

The key aspects:

Learning about the atrocities: Visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum will provide a stark but necessary perspective on the suffering endured during this time.
Connecting with a survivor: Hearing a survivor’s firsthand account offers a powerful and personal dimension to your understanding.
Respect and sensitivity: Approaching this topic requires respect for the victims and survivors, including dressing modestly and being mindful during visits.
This half-day experience aims to be both informative and impactful, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s resilience. You may gain a deeper understanding of a dark period in Cambodian history, the Khmer Rouge regime’s rule in Phnom Penh (1975-1979).

DURATION:

Around 3-4 hours

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION:

Your hotel or Pick up location

DEPARTURE TIME:

Please be ready at least 15 minutes before departure.

INCLUDED

Community expert guide	Local transportation
Water

NOT INCLUDED

Meals

Entrance fee to Genocide museum $5 and entrance

Killing field $3

Firstly, start with the visit of Tuol Sleng museum (S21), a chilling place of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror in Phnom Penh. The school’s rusty gates are filled with shackles and photographs of victims, a stark reminder of the brutal atrocities committed there.

Second, continue to the Killing Fields, a short drive away, are filled with white stupas with countless skulls, a stark reminder of mass executions and family torn apart. Your visit is not about dwelling on the past, but about remembering, honoring the victims, and ensuring such atrocities never happen again. It is a stark reminder of the importance of tolerance and the fragility of peace.

Last but not least, After that you will have a short “Talk & Q&A” with survivor. This is a powerful opportunity to hear a firsthand account of the Dark Year.