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.
Take in some of the most stunning sites around Angkor as you follow the Angkor Grand Circuit, laid by the French in the 20th century, and take beautiful pictures of tree-clad temples, colorful ...
The best way to experience the Sunset over the paddy fields, this unique experience offers you with great pictures and best suites all groups, single, couples or families. Taste the local food with a ...
Through Cross Provinces Adventure Tour you will enjoy the real Cambodia life styles; see how easy life of Cambodian between modern life style in capital city and the classic living style of people in ...
This tour offers our customers the perfect combination of ancient culture, rural life in the countryside, and nature. Ride on hidden trails to the picturesque temple of Beng Mealea, which is situated ...
This tour is a unique experience of Angkor temple visit by using bikes to access the secret approach to every temples and riding through the hidden villages of Siem Reap to learn on how people live ...
Enjoy a local khmer cuisine in Siem Reap on this 3-hour small-group walking tour. Soak up the atmosphere at the night market, learn more about Cambodian cuisine and culture, and sample an array of ...
#617, 7 Makara (St.), Wat Bo Village, Sangkat SalaKamroeuk, Siem Reap City, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Featuring elegant Khmer-style architecture, Siem Reap Boutique Villa is conveniently 651 m from the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 651 m to Wat Preah Prom Rath, while Angkor Trade Center is 550 m from the property. Angkor Wat is 4.9 mi away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 6.1 mi from the property. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services while shuttle services to the city center are available at additional charges.
Air-conditioned rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. You will find a kettle in the room. Private bathrooms include free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Bicycle rentals and car hires are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, guests can also indulge in a variety of spa treatments.
The in-house restaurant serves up a buffet breakfast spread as well as fusion Khmer cuisine, Asian and Western fare. Light refreshments are offered at the coffeehouse while the poolside bar crafts up signature cocktails. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool featured at the villa.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.0 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!
Phum Wat Damnak, Khum Sala Komreuk Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Situated right in the city center of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Angkor Wat is a 21-minute drive from the property. This villa features accommodation with gardens and free WiFi.
Designed with a French Colonial style, rooms at Villa Wat Damnak offer air-conditioning, a personal safe box and a satellite TV. A seating area is also provided. An en suite bathrooms come with shower facilities and free toiletries.
Tour bookings and transportation services can be arranged at the front desk.
Pub Street, Old Market and the Night Market are just a 5-minute walk from Villa Wat Damnak. Siem Reap International Airport is a 22-minute drive from the property.
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 9.6 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!
Siem Reap Central Area, Street 24, Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Located in the vibrant Wat Bo area, Viroth's Hotel offers accommodation amidst private vertical gardens in the heart of Siem Reap. Boasting a 20 m outdoor pool and an open-air restaurant, Viroth's Hotel offers 50's-styled contemporary accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. It operates a 24-hour front desk, features free parking on site and provides daily housekeeping service.
Strategically located, the hotel is just 400 m from the Old Market and 600 m from the famous Pub Street. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 6.4 km away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible within an 8 km drive. The property offers complimentary shuttle services. Airport transfers are available at an additional charge.
Stylishly decorated with a mid-century motifs and Cambodian artefacts, air-conditioned rooms come with a wardrobe and a laptop-compatible safe. The seating area is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and sofa. Electric kettle and bathrobes are also included. The en suite terazzo bathrooms overlook a private terrace and offers a bathtub or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.
At Viroth's Hotel, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa or enjoy refreshing drinks at the lounge/bar. Guests can approach the front desk for concierge, ticketing and tour services.
The in-house restaurant has options of poolside dining, al-fresco or indoors. Guests can choose from an appetising selection of local Khmer cuisine and Continental dishes. Room service options are also offered.
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!
st 53, Stueng Thmei Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap City, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Located in Siem Reap, Klampuu Villa offers accommodations with an outdoor pool. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
Rooms at Klampuu Villa come with air conditioning, a seating area and a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
There is a 24-hour front desk and free shuttle services at the property. Guests can enjoy Khmer and Western dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Located on St 53, Angkor Wat can be reached within a 20-minute drive from the property. The famous Pub Street is a 5-minute walk from Klampuu Villa, while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is a 15-minute drive from 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.
We speak your language!
#60 Road, Angkor Cultural & Tourism Complex Junction, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. The resort has a spa centre and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy meals at any of the 5 dining options at the resort or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Angkor Wat is 4.1 km from Sokha Siem Reap Resort, while Apsara Theatre is 800 m away. Angkor Pass Ticket Centre can be reached within 300 m away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center. The property offers a complimentary airport pick-up service.
Air-conditioned rooms have a seating area fitted with a flat-screen TV. Rooms feature views of the pool or garden. All rooms come with a private bathroom. Extras include bath robes and slippers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. The resort also offers bike and car hire at a surcharge. Free shuttle service to the city area is offered in the evening time.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Hotel chain/brand: Sokha Hotels & Resorts
#311, Group 9, Mondol 1, Svay Dangkom, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Price!
Nestled amidst a private garden fitted with a terrace, Uncle Sam Villa offers quiet accommodation in the heart of Siem Reap. It features free WiFi throughout the entire property and an in-house restaurant.
Angkor Breeze Central Villa is a 6-minute walk from Pub Street and the Old Market, while it takes a minute to walk to the riverside. Angkor Wat is 6 km from Angkor Breeze Central Villa. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from the property.
Air-conditioned rooms are fitted with private balconies and the seating area is fitted with a flat-screen cable TV. Every room comes with a private bathroom equipped with shower facilities and a hairdryer. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the multilingual staff at the property's 24-hour front desk for car rentals, tour and ticketing services.
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 9.6 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!
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: Miss. Laura Saison
Country: France
City: Paris
N.of Person: 3 pax
Travel date: 2025-02-12
Booked: Mechrey Floating Village Tour
Tour Style: Floating Village Tours
Duration: Half-Day
