Anlong Veng: A Guide to Cambodia's Last Khmer Rouge Stronghold
A Note on Respectful Visitation
Anlong Veng is a site of profound historical significance and tragedy. It is a place of memory for the final chapter of a dark period in Cambodian history. Please visit with the utmost respect for the past and for the local community that lives with this legacy today.
Located in the northern province of Oddar Meanchey, Anlong Veng was the final stronghold of the Khmer Rouge regime, holding out until its ultimate collapse in 1998. Today, the area serves as a crucial historical site, offering a raw and unfiltered look into this recent history through a collection of key locations known as the Anlong Veng Peace Tour.
The Anlong Veng History Trail: Key Sites
1. The Anlong Veng Peace Center
This is the official museum and the best place to start your visit. It provides historical context with photographs, maps, and stories from the region during and after the Khmer Rouge era. It helps frame the significance of the other sites you will visit.
2. Ta Mok's House
Perched on the edge of a lake, this is the former villa of Ta Mok, the brutal military chief known as "The Butcher." The house itself is now a hollowed-out shell, but its eerie wall murals and the beautiful-yet-somber location make it a powerful and photogenic stop. You can still see his collection of cars rusting away nearby.
3. Pol Pot's Cremation Site
This is arguably the most chilling site. It is not a monument, but a simple, corrugated iron shelter covering a pile of earth and burnt scraps—the exact spot where Pol Pot was hastily cremated in 1998. Its crude simplicity is a powerful statement on the fall of the dictator. You will find it down a dirt track, marked by a sign.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Anlong Veng is located about 130 km north of Siem Reap. The journey by car or motorbike takes approximately **2.5 to 3 hours** on well-paved roads.
Entrance Fees: The fee structure can be inconsistent. While some sites are free, expect to pay a small entrance fee of around **$2-$5 USD at key locations like Ta Mok's House**. It is wise to carry small US dollar bills. The Peace Center museum is often free or accepts donations.
Hiring a Guide: It is highly recommended to hire a local guide in Anlong Veng town. They can provide invaluable context, share personal stories, and ensure you find all the disparate historical sites.
Location Map
Further Learning
To better understand the history of this era, consider visiting the website of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), the leading institution for research into the Khmer Rouge period.
