Siem Reap, Cambodia: Wat Thamey/The Killing Fields

Siem Reap, a city known for its breathtaking temples and vibrant culture (AYUTTHAYA: ANCIENT CITY OF THAILAND), holds a deeper, more somber history. Beyond the grandeur of Angkor Wat (ANGKOR WAT: A TRAVEL GUIDE) lies Wat Thmey, a Buddhist pagoda that serves as a poignant reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime. Known as the "Killing Fields Pagoda," Wat Thmey stands as a memorial to the victims of the brutal Khmer Rouge era from 1975 to 1979.

Wat Thmey

Wat Thmey’s stupa houses the skeletal remains of thousands who perished during Pol Pot’s genocidal rule, which led to the loss of nearly 1.7 million lives. The bones and skulls on display inside the pagoda’s glass-encased structure serve as chilling symbols of the atrocities committed during that time. This memorial is not only a testament to the pain endured but also to the resilience of the Cambodian people who survived the darkest chapter in their nation’s history.

Visitors to Wat Thmey are greeted with a sense of stillness and reflection as they walk through the pagoda. The walls are lined with plaques and exhibits that recount the harrowing stories of the victims and the horrors that unfolded across the country. The stupa, filled with human remains, stands as an unflinching reminder of the immense loss experienced by the Cambodian people.

 

For many, visiting Wat Thmey is a deeply personal experience, an invitation to connect with a painful history that still shapes the country today. It’s a place where silence speaks louder than words, where the past reaches out and touches the present. The bones of the fallen bear witness, not only to the cruelty they endured but also to the strength of those who survived.

The Killing Fields

Located in close proximity to Wat Thmey are Siem Reap’s Killing Fields, a site that bore witness to the mass executions carried out by the Khmer Rouge. Today, the peaceful surroundings of this once bloodstained land starkly contrast with the tragic history it holds. The Killing Fields are marked with shallow graves that tell the silent story of the thousands of lives extinguished here. The markers, with their simple yet powerful inscriptions, highlight the scale of the tragedy and the depth of grief the Cambodian nation continues to carry.

Exploring the Killing Fields offers visitors a chance to understand the scope of the genocide, providing an opportunity to witness firsthand the emotional weight carried by this site. As you walk through the land, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, and with each step, the true horror of Cambodia’s history becomes palpable. It is a site that invites reflection, urging visitors to not only remember the lives lost but to honor the enduring spirit of Cambodia’s survivors.

Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to.