Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour

The Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour offers visitors a sobering opportunity to learn about one of the darkest chapters in Cambodia’s history. This half-day excursion takes travelers to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where they can explore the chilling remnants of the Khmer Rouge regime’s atrocities. With the option to utilize audio or live guides, and a documentary film during the journey, the tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is recommended for those with moderate physical fitness, as it allows them to gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s past and the resilience of its people.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Phnom Penh.

Key Points

• The tour includes a half-day visit by air-conditioned bus to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.
• Visitors can choose optional audio guides or in-house live guides at each location to learn about the harrowing history.
• A documentary film is played during the ride to the Killing Fields.
• The tour includes pickup from central Phnom Penh hotels and entry fees to both sites.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Tour Overview

This half-day tour by air-conditioned bus takes visitors to two historical sites in Phnom Penh – the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21 Prison) and the Killing Fields.

Guests can choose to use optional audio guides or in-house live guides at each location.

During the ride to the Killing Fields, a documentary film is played on the bus.

The tour includes pickup from hotels in central Phnom Penh and entry fees to both sites.

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Inclusions

The tour includes English-speaking tour assistance, 1 bottle of drinking water, and entry fees to both the S-21 ($5) and Killing Fields ($3) sites. Travelers can optionally purchase audio guides for $5 at S-21 and $3 at the Killing Fields, as well as in-house live guide services at S-21 for $3-$5.

Inclusions	Cost
English-speaking tour assistant	Included
1 bottle of drinking water	Included
Entry fee to S-21	$5
Entry fee to Killing Fields	$3
Audio guide for S-21	$5
Audio guide for Killing Fields	$3
In-house live guide at S-21	$3-$5

Meeting and Pickup

Guests are picked up from hotels near central Phnom Penh, including those in the Riverside, Royal Palace, and BKK areas.

For hotels outside the pickup zone, travelers are advised to come to a meeting point at Riverside.

Pickup times are scheduled between 8:00-9:00 AM for the morning tour and 1:30-2:30 PM for the afternoon tour. This ensures all participants arrive at the designated starting point on time, ready to embark on the half-day tour.

The tour assistant will be on hand to greet and guide the group throughout the journey, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers.

Tour Details at S-21 Museum

Visitors spend approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes exploring the S-21 Museum, where they can opt for the ‘highlight’ audio tour that lasts 50 minutes instead of the more extensive 2-hour version.

This audio tour provides an overview of the museum’s harrowing history as a former prison where thousands of Cambodians were tortured and executed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The museum itself consists of the original prison cells, interrogation rooms, and other haunting remnants of this dark period in Cambodia’s past.

While the tour is somber, it offers an important opportunity for visitors to learn about and reflect on this tragic chapter in Cambodian history.

Tour Details at Killing Fields

After exploring the harrowing history of the S-21 Prison, travelers embark on a self-guided audio tour of the Killing Fields, where they can learn more about this tragic chapter in Cambodia’s past. At the Killing Fields site, visitors can take a self-guided audio tour to discover the somber realities of the atrocities that occurred there. The audio guide provides a poignant and informative narrative, allowing visitors to explore the site at their own pace and reflect on the profound impact of the events that unfolded here. The tour duration is flexible, allowing travelers to spend as much time as they need to fully absorb the gravity of this solemn place.

Site	Duration	Audio Guide	Live Guide
Killing Fields	Flexible	$3	N/A
S-21 Prison (Tuol Sleng)	1hr 15m	$5	$3-$5

Additional Information

The tour confirmation is provided at the time of booking, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Those with back problems or serious medical conditions may find the tour challenging, as a moderate physical fitness level is recommended.

The tour buses hold a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. While audio guides are available for purchase at both the S-21 Museum and Killing Fields, travelers can also opt for in-house live guide services at the S-21 Museum for an additional fee.

This tour offers a powerful and educational exploration of Cambodia’s history, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the country’s past and the resilience of its people.

Getting to the Pickup Location

For travelers staying outside the central Phnom Penh pickup zone, the tour company recommends coming to a designated meeting point at the Riverside area. This allows those guests to join the tour from a convenient central location.

The pickup times are between 8:00-9:00 AM for the morning tour and 1:30-2:30 PM for the afternoon tour. Guests are advised to be at the meeting point during these windows to ensure they don’t miss the bus.

The tour company provides clear instructions on the exact meeting point location to make it easy for everyone to find. This option ensures all participants can conveniently access the tour, regardless of their hotel’s proximity to the city center.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can cancel their tour booking up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour are not eligible for a refund. Tour providers may offer rescheduling options at their discretion, depending on availability.

Cancellation Policy
24+ hours	Full refund
< 24 hours	No refund
Rescheduling	Subject to availability

No-shows or failure to appear for the scheduled tour will be treated as last-minute cancellations without a refund. Travelers are advised to review the cancellation policy carefully prior to booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Museums?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the museums, but they should be respectful and avoid using flash. It’s best to check with staff for any specific rules or restrictions before taking photos.

Is the Tour Appropriate for Young Children?

The tour may not be appropriate for young children, as the content can be disturbing and emotionally heavy. Parental discretion is advised, and it’s recommended that young children be accompanied by adults who can provide appropriate context and support.

Do the Museums Have Any On-Site Dining Options?

The museums do not have any on-site dining options. Visitors are advised to eat before or after the tour, as there are no food or beverage services available within the museum premises.

What Type of Clothing Is Recommended for the Tour?

For a historical tour, comfortable and modest clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics suitable for the climate and be prepared to walk. Avoid wearing revealing or overly casual attire out of respect for the sites’ solemnity.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour company does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. All travelers, regardless of age or student status, are required to pay the same entry fees and optional service fees for the tour.

Recap

The tour provides a sobering yet informative experience, allowing visitors to learn about the Khmer Rouge atrocities at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.

Travelers can choose optional audio or live guides, and a documentary film is played during the ride.

The tour includes pickup, entry fees, and moderate physical fitness is recommended, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.