Choeung Ek Killing Fields
Choeung Ek, Cambodia, is a former orchard that served a nefarious function during the Khmer Rouge's reign: it became known as The Killing Fields, and it is estimated that over 17,000 men, women, and children were murdered and buried there.
Choeung Ek, about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh's city center, was utilized by the Khmer Rouge, the communist party that controlled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, as a "re-education camp." Over 1.7 million people were killed by the Khmer Rouge during their reign of terror: the regime waged a campaign of mass genocide against everyone accused of belonging to one of the numerous categories of alleged opponents.
Before being brought to the former longan orchard, prisoners were imprisoned and tortured at the S-21 prison. Choeung Ek is thought to have slaughtered and buried approximately 17,000 people. Many of their remains (including 8000 skulls) constitute the centerpiece of the memorial monument at Choeung Ek, in the form of a Memorial Stupa, which was unearthed from a mass grave in 1980.
Many of the burials have been left undisturbed out of respect, however, there are shards of bone, teeth, and bloodied linen on the site. Every year on May 9th, survivors of the Khmer Rouge, their families, officials, and Cambodians gather at the stupa to pay their respects and remember what happened.
There's no disputing that a trip to Choeung Ek is depressing: the incredibly informative and frequently horrific audio tour is well worth listening to, though it's worth considering whether the topic is appropriate for toddlers and younger teenagers. An ex-guard and executioner at Choeung Ek gives a particularly harrowing experience. Because this is a memorial, please dress appropriately and act properly. If at all possible, avoid taking photos of the human remains on display.
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
