The Killing Fields
The Killing Fields, officially known as Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, is situated around 15 kilometers south of Phnom Penh along the roundabout near National Road 2. This site serves as a haunting reminder of the Khmer Rouge's brutal regime, where over 17,000 people were executed during the late 1970s. Visitors come to explore the memorial stupa, which stands at 17 meters high and contains more than 5,000 human skulls, offering a stark representation of the atrocities committed here. The best time to visit is during the dry season, particularly from November to February, when the weather is milder. While walking through the serene grounds, visitors can see mass graves and listen to an audio guide that provides insightful historical context, deepening their understanding of Cambodia's painful past.