Anlong Veng – The Khmer Rouge’s Last Stronghold and Pol Pot’s Grave

In December 2024, several members of the Edventure team, revisited Along Veng historical town situated 130km north of Siem Reap, in Cambodia. This town was the final stronghold of the Khmer Rouge until its collapse in 1998/1999.  Today, Anlong Veng is home to former soldiers and their families, who serve as living witnesses to the downfall of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime. 

The Demise of the Khmer Rouge 

In the mid-1990s, as the confrontation between the Cambodian Government and the Khmer Rouge was drawing to a close, prominent leaders like Pol Pot, Khieu Samphan, Son Sen, and thousands of soldiers fortified themselves in Anlong Veng and the Dangrek Mountain Range.  In the months leading up to the Khmer Rouge’s final surrender, Pol Pot was arrested by the formidable one-legged General Ta Mok.  Following a show trial in July 1997, Pol Pot was found guilty of multiple crimes, placed under house arrest in a humble hut, and died on 15 April 1998.  Various Khmer and Thai officials and two Western journalists confirmed his death, and he was cremated a few days later.  These events precipitated the rapid disintegration of the Khmer Rouge.  Ta Mok, the last of the Khmer Rouge generals, was captured by Cambodian forces in March 1999. Shortly afterwards, reintegration ceremonies were conducted in Anlong Veng to disarm and reintegrate former Khmer Rouge soldiers into society or the Cambodian Army, concluding the conflict amidst controversy. 

What to See in Anlong Veng 

Our specialist Edventure Travel guides reveal the history of the Khmer Rouge, focusing on the severe human rights abuses during their control and their ultimate downfall.  We visit the ruins of the building where Pol Pot was tried, the sites of his death and cremation, and General Ta Mok’s residence, which was also the last command centre of the Khmer Rouge military.  Visits to the secret residential complex of Pol Pot and Khieu Samphan are also a must-see.  Meetings with former Khmer Rouge soldiers or army generals can be arranged, providing profound insights into life under the regime and a chance to ask questions.  Our guides present rare photographs from former soldiers to enhance the historical context, depicting prominent high-ranking figures and key moments from the regime’s final turbulent months. 

A day trip to Anlong Veng offers a highly educational experience, particularly for those interested in communism, revolutions, Pol Pot, Asian conflicts, global politics, genocide studies, the Khmer Rouge regime, and themes of generational trauma, justice, and reconciliation. 

Ready to plan your next trip? Be in touch to discuss your school’s future travel program to Asia or New Zealand.