Killing caves of Phnom Sampeau, Memorial caves in Phnom Sampeau Mountain, Cambodia.
The Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau are natural limestone caverns in a mountain near Battambang that now serve as a memorial site. Inside, glass-enclosed displays hold human remains alongside a golden reclining Buddha statue, marking the location where mass executions took place.
The Khmer Rouge regime used these natural caves as execution sites between 1975 and 1979, killing thousands and disposing of their bodies in the depths. This mountain became one of many locations where mass death occurred during one of Cambodia's darkest periods.
Buddhist temples and prayer spaces near the caves serve as places where visitors come to reflect and honor those who lost their lives. These sacred areas remain central to how the mountain is used and experienced by people today.
The site lies about 11 kilometers southwest of Battambang and is reached by climbing established pathways and stairs that ascend roughly 250 meters up the mountain. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to move carefully and thoughtfully through the various levels of the site.
At sunset, millions of bats pour out from the cave openings and fill the sky in large swarms. Troops of macaque monkeys inhabit the surrounding mountain slopes and go about their daily activities undisturbed by the memorial's presence.
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