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.
Watch the sun rise over the Angkor Temple to reveal the natural beauty of this area. Roam around and gaze across at the amazing scenery and unrivaled architecture. Stroll through the temple's complex ...
Cambodia's jungle holds a wealth of stunning natural scenery and fascinating ancient history. Led by a private guide, this day-long tour shows you Kbal Spean (“River of a Thousand Lingas), the ...
Phnom Kulen Mountain is the most sacred mountain in Cambodia where many Khmers like to hang out in the weekends. It is a nice place for you and your kids to have fun for there are clean waters and ...
We then head into the bush to the remote Angkor capital of Koh Ker is an Angkorian site in northern Cambodia 70 miles northeast of Siem Reap; it was briefly the capital of the Khmer empire between ...
Start in Phnom Penh and end in Siem Reap! With the adventure tour Cambodia Adventure, you have a 9 day tour package taking you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and through Phnom Penh, Cambodia and 4 ...
Through Discover Cambodia Adventure Tour you will enjoy the combination of city tour; Khmer pottery products, Natural Mekong Dolphin, Eco-Tourism, cultural and historical of Cambodia. You would see ...
Street 26,Wat Bo Village,Salakomreuk Commune,, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Manjula Villa offers contemporary-style air-conditioned accommodations in Siem Reap. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Located in Siem Reap, Manjula Villa is 600 m from the Angkor Trade Centre, 700 m from the Old Market and 800 m from Pub Street. Angkor Wat is 6.6 km away while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8 km from the property. The property offers complimentary pickup or drop off services from/to the property.
Each room features a flat-screen cable TV, safe, minibar and an electric kettle. Private bathroom comes with a bath, shower, hairdryer, bathrobe and free toiletries.
Guests have complimentary use of the property's bicycles to explore the surrounding area.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 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!
No.125, Sala Komroeuk Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, Udaya Residence offers accommodations in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throuhgout the property.
It is 1.2 mi to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat temple complex is 5.6 mi from Udaya Residence while Artisans Angkor is 1.4 mi away. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8.1 mi from the property. The property offers complimentary pickup services from the airport, bus station or boat pier.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. Some units include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. An private bathroom features slippers and toothbrushes.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, currency exchange, ticketing and concierge services. Bicycles can be rented for guests wish to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, guests can indulge in in-house massage treatments. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular 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!
Komai Street 560 One, Kok Chok Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel is a 5-minute drive from the famous Angkor Wat and Old Market. It has an outdoor salt swimming pool surrounded by a tropical garden. Free Tuk-Tuk shuttle services are provided to Pub Street or the Old Market.
Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel is 1.6 km from the Angkor National Museum and 3 km from Lucky Mall Super Market. Free pick-up services are provided from Siem Reap International Airport and Bus Station.
Traditional Cambodian décor and hardwood furnishings feature throughout the non-smoking guestrooms at Angkor Boutique. Each offers views of the greenery, and is fitted with a cable TV and minibar.
Guests can enjoy a body massage, or rent a bicycle to explore the area. With a 24-hour front desk, the hotel provides car rental services and free parking. Travel arrangements to the Floating Village and Tonle Sap Lake can be made at the tour desk.
The restaurant serves a fine selection of local and European dishes. Outdoor dining options are also available.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 13 May 2010.
Hotel Rooms: 21
Salakamreuk Rd, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our top picks in Siem Reap. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant or have drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 1.3 km to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat is 8 km from Solitaire Kamreuk, while Angkor Trade Centre is 1.2 km from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km away. The property offer complimentary airport pickup services.
Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. Each room includes a private bathroom with a bath, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer provided.
Bike hire is available at this hotel and the area is popular for golfing.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.0 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!
House 169, Group 4, Steung Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Best for Traveller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Offering an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, Siem Reap Pub Hostelis located 300 m away from the popular Pub Street in Siem Reap.
All rooms at the hostel are equipped with air conditioning, a wardrobe and ironing facilities. Rooms also include a safe, while certain rooms offer views of the garden or the city. Guests have access to a private or shared bathroom and toilet facilities, which includes slippers and free toiletries.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk readily assists guests with services such as bicycle and car rental, as well as laundry services which include dry cleaning. Other amenities offered are currency exchange and tour information.
The iconic Angkor Wat is 6 km from Siem Reap Pub Hostel and Angkor Night Market is 100 m away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap International Airport, located 7 km from the property. Airport shuttle is available at a surcharge.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.Nestled within private gardens, the luxurious 5-star Park Hyatt Siem Reap offers modern guestrooms with free WiFi. Featuring the largest collection of modern and traditional Cambodian Art, the hotel has indoor and outdoor pools and 3 dining options.
Located on Sivutha Boulevard, Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a minute’s walk away from the French Colonial Quarters, the Old Market and Pub streets. The Angkor National Museum is a 2-minute tuk-tuk (rickshaw) ride away. It takes 15 minutes by car to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap International Airport.
Offering views of downtown Siem Reap or the hotel’s courtyard, each air-conditioned room features Khmer-inspired contemporary art, custom furniture and summery decor. Rooms include a flat-screen satellite TV with DVD player, Nespresso coffee and welcome fruits that are replenished daily. A private bathroom features Italian marble and dual vanities.
Well-manicured gardens and private plunge pools dot the property, which also boasts a 24-hour fitness centre and spa offering massage services. Other recreation facilities include a hot tub and steam room. Custom made tours can be arranged with the concierge.
The hotel's dining options focuses on responsible resourcing of local ingredients. A buffet breakfast is served at The Dining Room, which specialises in French-Indochina cuisine set in an elegant setting. The Living Room offers high tea, light luncheons and tasty tapas in the evenings. Freshly made sandwiches and pastries are available at Glass House.
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 9.5 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
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
.jpg)
