Phnom Sampeau Killing Caves: A Historical Site of Remembrance

July 01, 2024

Located 11 km southwest of Battambang in Cambodia, the Phnom Sampeau killing caves are a historically significant site that attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year. Major atrocities occurred here during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, where many victims were brutally beaten to death and then thrown into the caves' deep holes, known as skylights.

Left - Natural Skylight through which the bodies were thrown into the cave ; Right - The Skulls of the Victims

This area is also home to playful macaques that feed on bananas left by travelers in front of the memorials. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from a natural porch made of stone pillars, overlooking a lush valley filled with vines and inhabited by bats.

The killing caves are situated about halfway up the mountain along a 250-meter path. The mountain is composed of karstic stone and features a group of ancient temples. Today, a large glass memorial stands next to the skulls and bones of the victims, alongside a golden resting Buddha. These remains belong to those who were slaughtered by the Khmer Rouge; their bodies were discarded through the skylight openings. A memorial constructed from cyclone fencing and chicken wire holds human bones at the base of the stairs.

Remnants of government forces can still be seen in the area, heading towards Crocodile Mountain, which served as a strategic location for the Khmer Rouge during the war. At the foot of the steps leading to the cave, a chicken-wire enclosure contains additional bones and skulls of those killed by the regime. Another notable feature is an incomplete 9.1-meter statue of Buddha, partially carved into the rock face of the hill, with only the head of the Buddha visible.  

All images courtesy of Michelle Enemark via Atlasobscura

Visiting Phnom Sampeau is not just an opportunity to witness stunning natural beauty; it is also a poignant reminder of Cambodia's tragic history. This site invites reflection and honors the memory of those who suffered during one of history's darkest chapters.