Ba Chuc’s memorial stands as a ghastly reminder of the horrors perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge. Between 18 April and 30 April 1978, the Khmer Rouge killed 3157 villagers here; only two survived.
The memorial consists of two parts: the ossuary housing the skulls and bones of more than 1100, victims and the memorial room next door, displaying wrenching post-massacre photos.
It's possible to organise a tour from Chau Doc (US$30) or a xe om from Ha Tien (400,000d).
In the ossuary, resembling either an onion or a lotus flower bud (depending on your outlook), the skulls and bones are divided by age group (including the minute skulls of toddlers and babies) and gender. This collection resembles Cambodia’s Choeung Ek killing fields, where thousands of skulls of Khmer Rouge victims are on display, but as it's clean, sterile and well-lit, with a spot to leave offerings in the centre, it appears almost cheerful compared to what confronts you next door.
The memorial room showcases the weapons used by the Khmer Rouge (knives, bayonets and cudgels) and sticks used for turture, particularly of women. Many of the Ba Chuc victims were tortured to death. The photos are for strong stomachs only.
