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Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance

where are the killing fields

    Visiting the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

    Visit the Killing Fields: What to Expect

    by Nick & Raychel June 28, 2019

    Once you enter any touristic area of Phnom Penh, you will see signs plastered everywhere – “visit the Killing Fields!”, tuk tuk driver’s offering their best bargain for a Killing Fields/Tuol Sleng (Genocide Museum) combo, and other forms of loud advertisements. 

    We once had a friend visiting us in Cambodia who was somewhat bothered by the blasé (and sometimes even bright) attitude surrounding the ads for the excursion, criticizing that he felt as though he was being sold tickets to an event or festival. Though we can admit it’s easy to misread, the truth of the matter is that the Cambodian people have an inspiring and admirable outlook towards visiting the Killing Fields. The general consensus is that though the Khmer Rouge was undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking events in history, it is absolutely necessary for people to be aware and educated on the topic.

    We personally believe the rest of the world should take a page out of Cambodia’s book and understand the importance of educating the world on their history. We cannot sweep the tragic events under the rug, no matter how traumatizing. The saddest truth is: this is real – and though we cannot change the past, we can work towards a better future.

    Below you will find our tips for when you visit Killing Fields.

    If you are going to Cambodia, we really suggest that you don’t miss it.


    Book a tuk tuk driver the night before 

    Book a driver near your hostel/hotel and settle on the price the night before.  This way, you won’t need to haggle first thing in the morning. $15-$20 USD for a tuk tuk to take you there, wait, and take you back is more than enough. 

     


    Plan to visit early (before the sun)

     As we know, Cambodia gets hot. In dry season, it will be sweltering hot around 10am. In wet season, you’ll usually get a downpour around 11am or 12pm. That’s why, regardless of the season, we recommend that you get to the Killing Fields right when it opens – around 8am. 

    The entire experience is already heartbreaking and uncomfortable as it is – so the last thing you want is to also be fighting the intense sun beams and humidity as you walk through the fields.

    The majority of the tour is outside, so don’t plan for any A/C. Get there before the sun gets unbearable – and make sure to pack water.


    Dress appropriately 

    Just as you would at any other important site, we advise that you dress respectfully. In Cambodia, this means that means covering both your shoulders and knees.

    You will still be allowed entry regardless, but as a general rule, this is the simplest way to show respect.


    You don’t need to read up before you go 

    In fact, one survivor we spoke to advised against it. The audio tour is included in your admission price, and is filled with everything you need – including the history of the Khmer Rouge from start to finish, as well as poems, songs, and stories. 

    You will hear true, first hand experiences from the tragic time as the entire audio tour is created by survivors. It is very well done, and it is important to hear the stories from real people who actually experienced the events. 

    If you would like to read up on the Khmer Rouge before you visit the Killing Fields, be sure to read books written by survivors. 


    Make sure to eat breakfast 

    … and use the bathroom before you visit. The great thing about the audio tour is that you can go at your own pace. Personally, we spent a few hours there. We really wanted to take our time and pay our respects.

    Make sure you are fed and comfortable before the tour in the case that you are there for longer than expected.


    Be prepared for a heavy experience 

    Though this may seem obvious, many people we’ve spoken to will admit that they underestimated how heavy the tour is. If we have any advice, it is to leave your problems at the door, bring tissues and allow yourself to feel any sadness that comes over you.


    It’s OK to not do Tuol Sleng right afterwards

    If you decide you are up for it, then carry on. That said, if you decide you feel too sad, angry, or ill after the Killing Fields experience, you do not have to push yourself to go to the Genocide Museum immediately after.

    Many people that we’ve spoke to, in fact, have said they wish they didn’t do both in the same day.

    Trust your gut and only take on as much as you can at one time.


    Don’t plan anything else for the rest of your day

    We would not suggest signing up for a beer pong tournament on the same day. Think about how exhausted you may feel afterwards and plan for that.

    What we did? Stayed close to friends and spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.

    —

    Making a trip to Phnom Penh? Read: 15 things to do in the capital city

    Looking to get some shopping in? Find our guide to the MARKETS in Phnom Penh

     

    OR if you prefer to watch (not read), find our Youtube Channel above.

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Nick & Raychel
Nick & Raychel

In 2018, we sold everything we owned and moved to Cambodia to teach English.

Let’s make this clear: this journey didn’t start with money. This journey started with a desire to see the world and to do something different for a change.

We’re not going to fool you with photos of floating breakfasts and private jets. We know what it’s like to be on a budget. Although we like to take pretty pictures, we aren’t going to wake up at an ungodly hour to give you unachievable travel jealousy. We aren’t going to censor ourselves or lie to you.

What we are going to do is stay in cheap hostels, find ways to make money, give the advice that we would want to hear, and share our experiences with you honestly.

Are you in?

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ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL

About Us Hi! We’re Nick & Raychel, the Canadian travel couple behind the brand ‘Not Luxe’. Far before we were married (and on a mission to see the world), we were working…

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  • This summer has been filled with a lot of hard work so we can continue the adventure.

Working odd jobs and picking up work that we aren’t necessarily *passionate* about (sorry to break it to you, Santa, I didn’t love being a Christmas elf at the mall during the holidays) isn’t always easy.

Working hours at the office, doing data entry, reception, and cleaning out the fridge every Friday isn’t exactly my idea of fun. Nick doesn’t love driving a truck for 11 hours a day, or getting home at 1am. 

But we are committed to the cycle, we are passionate about alternative living, and we want to see the world.

We don’t work hard so that we can have a margarita at the beach (although that’s fun too), we work hard so that we can experience different cultures, try different cuisines, learn about different climates, connect, and grow as people.

Travel to us is more than bright blue waters and aesthetic IG photos, it’s about the experience, and we can’t wait to see more.

__

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

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  • Yeah, the first ever “odd job” I took in order to afford travel was as a Christmas Elf at the mall.

I worked this job on top of my regular 9-5 so that I could afford to pay off my existing credit card debt and move to Cambodia. It was my first step away from the ‘big girl jobs’ I was used to working, but I had a dream to live abroad and a bank account that didn’t match, so I had to do something about it.

The next few jobs I’ve done either part or full time over the years.

💻 REV: I’ve worked as a transcriber on Rev for a few years now. The pay isn’t great, but I’m a super fast typist (80 wpm who!?) so I figured it could be a way to pass the time & earn extra income.

🐶 Rover: This summer, we’ve ventured into caring for dogs on Rover. While we can’t do this in our van, we are currently staying with my brother and between all of us, there’s always a dog here. If I had learned about Rover prior to moving out of our apartment, I would have definitely offered my services years ago.

👩‍🏫 Teaching English online: Many people know that we taught English overseas - but only long-time followers of the YouTube channel would know that teaching ESL was my job beyond that. Unfortunately there were major pay cuts within the company that I worked for (PalFish) so I quit, but I still teach on Cambly and Outschool (more on that in part 2).

We don’t have a lot of money but we have expensive dreams, so we’ll do anything to make it work. What odd jobs have you done to earn some extra cash?

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

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  • Anyone who knows our story knows that we have been working throughout our entire travels. Seasonal / temporary work has afforded us a lifestyle filled with travel and adventure. ✈️

We have explored temp agencies, Craigslist ads, used websites like Airtasker (Australia) and Kijiji to find our temporary/seasonal jobs. But in the US specifically, there are some websites designed specifically for this type of work. 🌲

Here are 3 websites designed for seasonal work (mostly U.S. based):
1. Vagajobs: a resource for seasonal & year-round work with a heavy focus on travel/adventure jobs. Some jobs posted on Vagajobs include staff housing.
2. CoolWorks: job opportunities in great places - from national parks to ski resorts, summer camps, to national parks. Some jobs posted on CoolWorks include staff housing.
3. Occupation Wild: job board for the outdoor / adventure and travel industry. Hiring all sorts of positions at ranches, camps, resorts, conservation areas and national parks. 

Outside of the U.S.? Same (kinda). Our main go-to in Canada is Indeed (search by job type & select contract / seasonal)

Do you have any seasonal job boards to add to the list?
Drop ‘em here. ⬇️

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

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  • If you’re in Ontario, you don’t want to miss this next year ✨ 

This was our first time visit the Hamilton night market and it was so worth the visit. Come along with us! @hhnightmarket 

Have you tried stinky tofu? ⬇️ 

—

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  • Shoutout to anyone who does these tiny (or big) builds on your own 🤦🏼‍♀️

We all have different strengths, right?… 

What’s your most dreaded part of DIY? ⬇️ 
_

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  • Saying goodbye is the hardest part about travelling.

We have said dozens and dozens of goodbyes throughout our 20s. We have met countless new faces, made a ton of connections, and have shed a lot of goodbye tears.

Even a visit ‘home’ comes with the looming feeling of saying goodbye again.

We wish we could take everyone we love and put them in our pocket.
But we know that everybody has a different dream, a different life. 

When we take our next flight or fill up the gas tank to our next stop on the road, they go off on to see the world for themselves, to raise their families, to chase their career goals, love lives, or whatever else.

And we are so stoked to be able to stay in touch online.
But it’s definitely the hardest part of living nomadically.

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 
__

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