9 Places To Learn About Khmer Rouge History in Phnom Penh

A visit to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is not an uplifting activity, but it’s one that’s necessary to get to know Cambodia on a deeper level and honor the victims of the nation’s greatest tragedy. Visit on a guided Killing Fields tour in Phnom Penh (usually combined as a tour with the other Cambodia genocide memorial sites) where you’ll wander the grounds and learn more about the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror. Due to the grim nature of Khmer Rouge history in Phnom Penh, the site may not be suitable for all.

The former S-21 Prison has been converted into the most famous Khmer Rouge museum in Cambodia: the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. There, explore the grounds, see photos of some of the prisoners, and speak with survivors to hear their stories in the hopes that such atrocities never happen again. Like the Killing Fields, the Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh is best seen on a guided tour and may be disturbing to some visitors.

In order to understand the role the Khmer Rouge era played in the greater Cambodian history, visit the National Museum, where you’ll find Khmer art and architecture from the Neolithic era to the present. The museum is organized by material, with rooms dedicated to stonework, metal, wood, and ceramics. Highlights include large religious carvings such as those found at Angkor Wat and looms that show off traditional weaving. The museum can be conveniently combined with a visit to the nearby Royal Palace.

The Royal Palace in the center of Phnom Penh was commissioned in the 1860s by King Norodom and has housed the royal family ever since. This grand complex is also home to the Silver Pagoda, a famous Buddhist shrine. Explore the beautiful grounds as a welcome break from more somber Cambodian war history sites, or combine them on a guided tour and learn more about the role the royal family has played in Khmer history: One of the most famous kings to live here was Norodom Sihanouk, who led Cambodia out of the Khmer Rouge era in the 1980s.

During the late 19th century, Cambodia was briefly under the protection of France, a significant era in the country’s history. Decades later, French-educated Khmer people became the leaders of the Khmer Rouge movement. See the remnants of French rule and immerse yourself in local culture when you visit the Central Market, an art deco structure that dates back to 1937 and is often a highlight of historic tours in Phnom Penh. Inside, you can find everything from textiles and produce to street food, souvenirs, and more.

Phnom Penh’s museums are great places to learn more about the history of Cambodia, including the turbulent Khmer Rouge era. At the Sosoro Museum, located in the city’s colonial district, examine Cambodia’s history and genocide from a totally new angle, viewing artifacts and exhibits that focus on politics, money, and the local economy. The museum is located near other main attractions, such as the Old Market, as well as the harbor from where some boat tours depart.

There’s no better view of Phnom Penh than that from Wat Phnom, located up a set of stairs in a city park that looks out over the skyline. The Buddhist temple was built in the 14th century and renovated multiple times over the centuries since, including during the Khmer Rouge regime to please ruler Pol Pot. Visiting this temple offers fascinating insight into Cambodia’s national identity and Buddhist way of life, as well as a chance to see its genocide memorial.

Silk Island is located just off Phnom Penh in the Mekong River, and offers a low-key escape from the busy capital city. There, you can visit with local artisans to learn more about their craft of silk weaving, understand traditional stilt architecture that has protected local homes and businesses through the wet season, learn more about the silk trade and how it suffered during the Khmer Rouge era, and pick up unique souvenirs. One of the best ways to explore the island is by tuk-tuk or on a bike tour.

Chisor Mountain lies south of Phnom Penh, and is home to Chisor Temple, constructed by King Suryavarman I, who ruled the ancient Angkor empire. You can visit on a day trip from the city to learn more about the sandstone structure and its significance, both in ancient times and later as a hideout and execution site of the Khmer Rouge. A trip here is often combined with visits to other attractions such as Prasat Neang Khmau and Tonle Bati.

Insider tip: Remember to bring layers to cover your shoulders and knees, a sign of respect at ancient temples.