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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh
This is a museum documenting the Khmer Rouge's genocide during their rule from 1975 to 1979. During the four years of Khmer Rouge rule, Tuol Sleng served as a political prison camp, holding 20,000 prisoners; only seven survived, the rest were tortured and killed there.
This is a famous museum that attracts many tourists from around the world. But many are still horrified by the blood-stained walls, the discolored bricks, and the countless brutal torture instruments that remain, offering a horrifying glimpse into a brutal regime. Every two years, monks are invited back to hold a memorial service for the deceased victims.
Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Phnom Penh
Under the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot, approximately 2 million Cambodians died from starvation and exhaustion. Nearly 9,000 skeletons were discovered in mass graves in Choeung Ek, about 30 km from Phnom Penh, hence the name "killing fields".
Today, the site has been rebuilt into a memorial monument, looking very dignified, so visitors can stroll around the graves and light incense for the deceased. However, it's important to walk carefully and quietly here because the remains of unfortunate victims may still be buried underground. During the rainy season, the soil is washed away, and fragments of white bones may be exposed.
Bokor Mountain, Kampot
The town of Kampot, located 42 km from the summit of Bokor, is only accessible by motorbike or car. It boasts Popokvil Waterfall, a giant Buddhist statue, a large casino, and several abandoned churches. Thanks to its cool climate and stunning views, it was once a thriving tourist and resort town during the French colonial period. Resorts were commissioned by the French colonialists and construction took nine months. By 1925, when the construction was completed, over 900 Cambodians had lost their lives due to the harsh conditions of the construction process.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the area was occupied by the Khmer Rouge and then abandoned once again. Afterward, all that remained was a ghost town with dilapidated buildings. Today, the Bokor building has reopened to visitors to explore its history.
The haunted house, Kampong Cham
The infamous haunted house in Kampong Cham province, located on National Highway 5, was once featured in a Khmer Rouge horror film. Legend says that a young couple moved into the newly built house and dreamt of a ghost offering to buy it for $3,000 in pure gold. They agreed, and the next morning, upon waking, they found the gold placed in front of their door. However, they did not move out despite taking the gold.
One day, after waking up, they found themselves lying in a deserted field with their belongings scattered around. Since then, no one has dared to enter the house, but strangely, it remains spotlessly clean. Superstitious Cambodians often pray whenever they pass by or offer gifts at this house.
In 2005, the film The Haunted House was filmed here, and before filming began, all the actors prayed to "invite" the ghost to temporarily leave the house during the filming process.
Independence Hotel, Sihanoukville
The Independence Hotel is a prime example of contemporary Khmer architecture and was once a symbol of prosperity for Sihanoukville in the 1960s. Its sophisticated and elaborate architecture, along with luxurious interiors, made it a high-class resort. It was once a favorite stop for Phnom Penh's elite and many celebrities.
However, in mid-1979, it became a base for Khmer Rouge soldiers. Rumors circulated that the hotel was used to imprison prisoners and carry out barbaric executions. In 1982, it reopened, and in early 1990, it was occupied by UNTAC troops. In 2007, it was renovated to welcome tourists. Initially, many people came out of curiosity about the haunted hotel, but they were disappointed and never returned as nothing happened as the rumors claimed.
