The Cheung Ek Killing Field is a macabre destination. These fields are less than 10 miles away from Phnom Penh. The way there goes through several rural areas, so you can get into a tuk-tuk, admire the surroundings and see the local lifestyle for around 30 to 45 minutes. There is an inexpensive ticket on site, as well as a more expensive one if you want an audio tour. The killing fields have operating hours. It might be a good idea to get there in the morning because the weather is better.
Cheung Ek is just one of the multiple places where the Khmer warriors have killed their enemies. You can find plenty of common graves. Over 17,000 men, women and children were executed. The place welcomes visitors in a unique way – over 5,000 skulls in a Buddhist place. Most of them have also been through interrogations and torture activities before being killed.
People brought there were trimmed, then asked to kneel. They were killed by beating with all kinds of hard objects – from tools to brooms and stones. Some of them were hit against the walls or stabbed with swords. Executioners had precise instructions from the government – they were supposed to save bullets.
Once dead, the victims were spilled with chemicals. First, this action was supposed to eliminate the unpleasant rotting smells, which could cause suspicions among the nearby communities. Second, chemicals were so strong that they would kill the victims who were not dead after the beating.
Kids and babies were hit with their heads against a tree. The tree is still on site. All in all, this place psychically takes you down through its emotional load, yet it is one of the most important travel attractions in Cambodia.