Uniworld Timeless Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Killing Fields
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center in Cambodia
Uniworld Timeless Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Killing Fields
DAY 7: INCLUDED EXCURSION TO CHOEUNG EK KILLING FIELDS AND S-21 PRISON
An included morning excursion to the killing fields located in the countryside near Phnom Penh was very sobering. Although the site is only about 15 km away, it was almost an hour-long drive by motor coach due to the traffic and protests going on throughout the city.
Killing Fields Memorial Stupa
The 40-minutes that we spent at Choeung Ek with our Cambodian guide, Kinal, was adequate to give us an overview of the horrific events that had occurred.
Choeung Ek in Cambodia
INTERESTING FACTS – CHOEUNG EK:
- Is located 15 km southeast of Phnom Penh
- Is the most well known of over 300 killing fields in Cambodia
- The Memorial Stupa was erected in 1988
- There are 120 communal graves
Memorial at The Killing Fields
Sign at The Killing Fields
Mass Grave of 450 Victims
Killing Fields – Remembrance Bracelets
Upon leaving Choeung Ek, we were driven back to the city where Kinal guided us through Tuol Sleng (S-21) Prison.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
INTERESTING FACTS – TUOL SLENG (S-21) PRISON:
- Was originally a school until taken over by Pol Pots security forces
- Became the Khmer Rouge’s largest detention and torture headquarters
- As many as 30,000 prisoners went through S-21 on their way to Choeung Ek killing fields
- The former prison is now a museum, containing photos of Khmer Rouge victims
S-21 Survivor Bou Meng
Following the excursion we returned to River Orchid and had the remainder of the day to enjoy Phnom Penh on our own as the ship would remain docked until the next morning.
Next… Prek Bongkong Khmer Silk Village, Cambodia
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City | Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels | Day 3: Saigon City Tour | Day 3: Embarkation | Day 4: Cai Be | Day 4: Sa Dec | Day 5: Chau Doc | Day 6: Phnom Penh | Day 6: Phnom Penh Orphanage Dancers |
