Toul Sleng Choeung Ek Killing Phnom Penh Shooting Range Tour

If you’re looking to add a bit of adrenaline to your Phnom Penh trip, the Toul Sleng Choeung Ek Killing Phnom Penh Shooting Range Tour offers a unique blend of history and excitement. While it might not be for everyone, this experience is perfect for travelers wanting an unconventional day that mixes cultural sites with a thrilling firearms experience.

What we love about this tour is the chance to visit significant genocide memorials—S21 and the Killing Fields—before heading out to a well-organized outdoor shooting range. The professional guidance, wide selection of weapons, and the option for a video record of your firing sessions make it a memorable adventure. However, it’s worth noting that the price can seem steep, especially when added extras like videos and weapons usage are considered. Still, for those interested in a mix of history and action, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits travelers with a sense of adventure, curiosity about Cambodia’s past, and a desire to try shooting firearms in a safe, supervised environment. It’s good for groups or individuals, but not recommended for young children or those with mobility restrictions.

Good To Know

• Unique combination: Cultural visits plus outdoor shooting experience.
• Professional guidance: Well-trained instructors ensure safety and tips.
• Wide weapon selection: Fire everything from pistols to grenade launchers.
• Flexibility: Private transportation and a local guide ensure comfort.
• Video option: Capture your experience on drone with a professional crew (extra fee).
• Value consideration: Additional costs like entrance fees and video services should be budgeted.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting the Day: Cultural and Historical Stops

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup around 8-9 am, ensuring a smooth start to your day. Sharing your hotel details in advance helps streamline the process, with the driver arriving early and carrying a sign with your name. This personal touch is appreciated, especially after a long flight or early morning.

Your first stops are the S-21 Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Prison and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. These sites are essential for understanding Cambodia’s tragic past. Each visit lasts about 90 minutes, giving enough time for reflection and photos.

Our informants mention that these visits are handled with respect, and guides are knowledgeable, which helps contextualize the sobering history. As one reviewer pointed out, “Randal was a great guide. We had a very comfortable trip and as much time as we needed at each stop, as well as footage of the shooting range.” This highlights the importance of a competent guide to enrich your understanding of these difficult sites.

Lunch Break: Rest and Recharge

After the harrowing visits, a 60-minute break for lunch allows travelers to reflect and recharge. The tour doesn’t specify the meal options, but with Cambodia’s fantastic street food scene, expect local dishes or a comfortable restaurant depending on your guide’s arrangements. Taking this time is crucial before switching gears to the more adrenaline-filled activity ahead.

The Shooting Range: The Main Event

Next, the highlight—the outdoor, mountainous shooting range located just outside Phnom Penh in the Cambodian countryside. This range is unique; it’s the only outdoor one in Cambodia and offers sweeping views of the hills. It’s designed to feel private and safe, with well-trained instructors overseeing the activity.

Here’s where things get fun: you can choose from an extensive list of weapons, including AK47s, M16s, pistols, grenade launchers, RPGs, and even machine guns like PKM or RPD. The variety allows for a customized experience suited to your interest and comfort level.

The reviews reveal that guides like Randal are experienced and attentive, making sure you understand how to handle each firearm properly. One reviewer shared, “Organization and transport very good,” emphasizing the smooth logistics from the hotel to the range and back.

More Great Tours Nearby

Shooting Experience: What to Expect

The actual shooting is handled with professionalism, with instructors providing clear instructions on safety. The range is set in a clearing with a mountainous backdrop, making for a scenic shooting environment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned shooter, the staff tailor their guidance to ensure a safe experience.

A common critique from reviewers is that the experience can be quite pricey, especially when adding the video service for $50, which captures your firing on four cameras, including GoPros and high-definition Sony cameras. If you choose not to pay for the video, you’ll still have the opportunity to share your experience on social media or with friends—just be prepared to rely on your memory.

Cost and Value

The main price tag is $75 per person, which covers transportation, guiding, and the shooting experience. Entrance fees for the genocide museums are extra: $10 for Toul Sleng and $6 for the Killing Fields. The optional video recording can add $50 to your bill but provides a professional record of your shooting.

Compared to other adventure activities, the price might seem high, but considering the level of organization, safety, and the variety of weapons, many find it worthwhile. As one reviewer noted, “Very expensive in comparison,” but for others, the novelty and the professional setup justify the cost.

Additional Details

• Transportation: Private cars and English-speaking guides ensure a hassle-free day.
• Duration: The full experience spans roughly 8 hours, including travel, site visits, and shooting.
• Group Size: Managed as a private tour, so your experience remains intimate.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating a broader range of travelers.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, water, snacks, cash, waterproof shoes. No drinks allowed in the vehicle, and diving is not permitted.

What Our Reviewers Say

One guest commented, “We had as much time as we needed at each stop,” highlighting the flexibility of the itinerary. Another reviewer appreciated the professional guidance and the opportunity to shoot a variety of weapons safely. A different guest mentioned that the shooting range is OK, but felt that some options (like coconut drinks) were unnecessary extras, and they paid for items they didn’t use. This underscores the importance of discussing your preferences beforehand.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers interested in a mix of history and hands-on activities. If you’re curious about Cambodia’s past but also want a dose of adrenaline, this tour hits the spot. It’s ideal for groups, couples, or solo travelers who don’t mind traveling in private and want a flexible, personalized day.

However, if you prefer cultural or natural sights without the focus on firearms, or if you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant women, this might not be the right choice. The tour’s emphasis on outdoor shooting, combined with the sobering visits to genocide sites, means it’s best for those with a mature outlook and good health.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a day that combines meaningful history with an unusual, action-packed activity, this tour provides good value. The well-structured itinerary, professional guidance, and variety of weapons make it a compelling choice. The optional drone video is a nice keepsake, especially for those wanting to relive their shooting moments.

Just keep in mind the extra costs involved—entrance fees and the video service—and manage expectations about the expense. The tour’s ability to blend Cambodia’s somber past with a fun, adrenaline-filled experience makes it memorable, albeit intense.

Who Should Book This?

Those with a sense of adventure, an interest in Cambodia’s history, and a desire for a unique activity will enjoy this tour. It offers a chance to learn, reflect, and then unleash some energy with firearms—all in one day. If you’re comfortable with the idea of shooting guns in a supervised environment and appreciate professional guidance, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides private pick-up and drop-off, with a well-trained driver and English-speaking guide, ensuring smooth logistics.

What weapons can I shoot during the tour?
You can choose from a variety of firearms, including AK47s, M16s, pistols, grenade launchers, machine guns, and RPGs, among others.

Are entrance fees to the sites included?
No, entrance fees for Toul Sleng ($10) and Killing Fields ($6) are paid separately.

Can I record my shooting experience?
Yes, there’s an option to have a drone and four cameras professionally record your activity for an extra $50.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 years old, and not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or other health issues.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience, from hotel pickup to drop-off, typically takes about 8 hours, including site visits and shooting.

To sum it up, the Toul Sleng Choeung Ek Killing Phnom Penh Shooting Range Tour offers a one-of-a-kind blend of Cambodia’s poignant history and an adrenaline rush through outdoor shooting. It’s perfect for travelers eager for an unconventional day that balances reflection with excitement. With professional guidance and a scenic setting, it promises an engaging, memorable experience that will stand out in your Cambodia adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby