Wat Thmei has a small memorial stupa containing the skulls and bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. It also has plenty of young monks eager to practise their English.
Many people who visit Cambodia don’t fully grasp how horrific the country’s recent history is until they get here. And, unless they visit Phnom Penh and head to S21 and The Killing Fields, they may just think of Cambodia as another developing country. However, it is much more than that.
In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took hold of Cambodia. Over the next three and a half years, they reduced their citizens to nothing, stripping them off their dignity, forcing them to migrate to different ‘zones’ in Cambodia, losing contact with their families and having a direct impact on the death of over two million innocents, which represented 25% of the population at the time.
The bodies of the deceased were often dumped together in fields, pagodas and schools. There are many of these ‘Killing Fields’ all over the country. One significant Killing Field in Siem Reap is at Wat Thmey. This pagoda was used as a Khmer Rouge prison to house thousands of prisoners (note: prisoners were mostly innocents who were ‘tried’ on crimes they didn’t commit, and later were Khmer Rouge soldiers who were accused of treason). These prisoners were killed and buried inside two pits and six water wells located about 250 meters south of the prison. It is estimated that around 8,000 people were murdered at this pagoda during the Khmer Rouge regime.
In 1995, when Wat Thmey was renovated, a substantial amount of bones and skulls of the victims were placed in a memorial stupa. These are on display so both locals and tourists can visit and remember the tragic history of Cambodia.
Nowadays you can find a photo exhibition at Wat Thmey, a combined project from US Aid and the Documentation Center of Cambodia. This exhibition shows photos of the forced transfer of Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge period. The vision of this exhibition is that visitors are actively engaged in the study, reflection and memory of victims and survivors. There are four other exhibitions at four other locations around Cambodia, so the memories of those who died during the regime and during the forced relocations is kept alive.
Although it may be confronting, I would highly recommend a visit to Wat Thmey. This horrendous history needs to be remembered, and we need to pay respect to those who pointlessly lost their lives.
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#166, Wat Bo street #22, Sangkat Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap Center, Cambodia,(Near Wat Bo Primary School), Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Price!
Conveniently located close to Siem Reap's main attractions, just a 15-minute walk from the Night Market and the vibrant Pub Street, Champey Villa features free WiFi throughout the property and a 24-hour room service. Free private parking is available on site.
The rooms are fully air conditioned and well equipped with a cable TV, a writing desk and a wardrobe. They also come with a fridge and an en suite bathroom.
Other facilities at Champey Villa include an outdoor swimming pool and massage treatments. Staff are able to assist guests with tour arrangements and ticketing services.
You can engage in many activities including golfing and horse riding. The property is located about 8 km from Siem Reap International Airport and the majestic Angkor Wat Temple. The Resident Royal Palace and the Angkor National Museum are both within a 15-minute walk away.
We speak your language!
Phum Chunlong, Sangkat Salakamrouek, Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Located in Siem Reap, Molito Blanc Postel has a spa & wellness center and garden. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. There's a restaurant.
A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.
The hotel has an outdoor pool.
King's Road Angkor is 1.9 km from Molito Blanc Postel, while Pub Street is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Angkor International Airport, 14.5 km from the accommodation.
We speak your language!
Psaa Krom Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Centrally located in Siem Reap, just a 10-minute walk from the vibrant Pub Street and Night market, The Cashew Nut Villas stands overlooking the main street. It offers an outdoor garden and a landscaped swimming pool with beautiful waterfall arcade. Complimentary WiFi service is provided throughout the property. Guests can also enjoy free airport pickup services arranged by the villa.
Every room at The Cashew Nut Villas is fully air-conditioned, elegantly decorated and designed with large windows. Each room is equipped with an en suite bathroom equipped with hot water shower facilities, towels and free toiletries. Some rooms are fitted with an LCD TV, a safety deposit box and a mini refrigerator.
Guests can enjoy homemade Cambodian and Western cuisines as well as drinks while taking a dip in the swimming pool. They can also approach the front desk for bike rental, tour arrangements, concierge and ticketing services. Free parking is available at the property.
Located just 600 m from Artisans D' Angkor, the villa is 7.2 km from the famous Angkor Wat temple. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from the property.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
No. 481, Sivatha Street, Vihear Chem Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Situated near the Siem Reap River, Siem Reap Riverside Hotel offers well-appointed rooms with free WiFi throughout the property, just 7 km from Angkor Wat. A chlorine and salt-free outdoor pool as well as a rooftop restaurant are available at the property.
Featuring 38 air-conditioned guest rooms, each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator and a tea/coffee maker. A private bathroom with hot shower facilities is included in all rooms.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Other facilities include laundry and dry cleaning service and ticketing service at an additional charge. Excursions to local attractions can also be arranged at the property.
The on-site restaurant serves Western and Asian dishes. Great views of Siem Reap River accompany meals.
Siem Reap Riverside Hotel is within a walking distance from shopping, dining and entertainment options. The Night Market and Pub Street are 700 m away from the property. Siem Reap International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Airport pickup services can be arranged upon request.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Steung Thmei Villa, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Nestled within private gardens, Secondfold Residence offers modern and elegantly-furnished accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The vibrant Pub Street is 500 m from Secondfold Residence, while Angkor Wat is 7 km away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, located 8 km away from the property. The hotel offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Featuring a blend of Cambodian decor and international design, each air-conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and an electric kettle. Some units have tea/coffee maker and a seating area with a sofa. The private bathroom provides bathrobes, dental kits and free toiletries. Slippers are provided.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. A fitness centre and spa facilities are also available on-site. Union Pay is accepted here.
Veyo Lounge, the open-air in-house restaurant located behind the swimming pool serves up a variety of authentic local cuisine and Western dishes.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Thmor Meas Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Spring Palace Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Siem Reap, with an outdoor pool, free bicycle rentals and a roundtrip shuttle service via tuk tuk. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Offering garden views, each room comes with a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle and a seating area. The private bathroom offers shower facilities, a bathtub and toiletries.
Pub Street is 1.4 km from Spring Palace Boutique Hotel, while Angkor Wat is 8 km away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 9 km away.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Spring Palace Resort Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 8 Jul 2015.
Hotel Rooms: 43
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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