Peeling Back the Layers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Arriving in Cambodia’s capital city, the surface level appears no different than any other southern nation’s metropolis with motorbikes buzzing in all directions, swarms of people rushing about and a general sense of chaos taking over the city streets. After having spent a few days in this particular city however, some differences will reveal themselves in the way of a young population, higher than usual amputee population and an abundance of people offering tours to a place called S-21.

All of these differences lend themselves to the lasting effects of the four year rule of the Khmer Rouge, who assumes control of the entire nation during the years 1975 through to 1979.  During this time, one of the main high schools in Phnom Penh was converted into a security prison where Cambodians were held captive and tortured until information required of them was given over.

Today, the prison, locally known as S-21 is open the public at large where tours are offered on a daily basis. Tuk-Tuk (local transportation) drivers jump at the opportunity to drop tourists off at the compound, although it is important to ask why. It wasn’t even 50 years ago that S-21 was a place of torture and despair where innocent people were killed in masses and their surviving kin are now faced with rebuilding their lives. Some of the tour guides are survivors themselves while others are simply looking to make a living any way they can.

No matter if you chose to visit or not, be sure to be respectful of where you are and what you are seeing; a recent and real part of history that goes on living for many who go unnoticed each and everyday. It is important to learn as we travel but sometimes the lessons come from listening to others rather than seeing things first hand for ourselves.

Copyright Jennifer Campos 2010