The Win-Win Memorial stands on the Chroy Changvar peninsula, across the river from the city centre, and it marks the end of a conflict that had run in various forms from 1970 until the last Khmer Rouge strongholds fell in 1998. It was inaugurated in December 2018, twenty years after the end of the civil war, and it honours the win-win policy, which offered remaining Khmer Rouge commanders and fighters amnesty, let them keep their rank and brought them back into civilian life in return for defecting, rather than prosecuting them. Visitors find formal landscaped grounds by the river, architecture inspired by Angkorian forms and reliefs around the base that show reunification and fighters returning to civilian life. It is a quiet, calm place and a different kind of memorial from the genocide museums, one that tells the story of how the war ended. The amnesty is still debated in Cambodia, and the memorial presents one side of that debate, so it is best seen alongside the more sobering accounts at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek.
How to visit
The memorial is a short drive across the bridge from the city centre, and admission is free. It is open during daylight, and the Ministry of Tourism’s guide suggests allowing about 45 minutes. A tuk-tuk is the easiest way to reach it, and the driver can wait or take you on to the riverside on the peninsula. Go in the morning or late afternoon, when the grounds are cooler and the light on the stonework is softer.
What to look for
The Angkor-inspired design of the monument, the reliefs around its base and the long, formal gardens that lead up to it. Take time to read what the reliefs show, because they are the heart of the story it tells, and look back across the river to the city skyline. It is a calm space, and it is a good place for a slow walk after a heavy morning at the memorial sites.
Understanding the context
The memorial gives one view of how the war ended, and many Cambodians have a range of views about the amnesty and about justice for the Khmer Rouge years. Visiting it after Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and the museum exhibits helps you see the full picture. Keep your voice low, dress modestly, and treat it as a place of reflection. It pairs well with a river walk or a sunset cruise on the same afternoon.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided visit to landscaped grounds and a monument with reliefs, across the river from the centre.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, during daylight, when it is cooler and the light is softer.
How long
About 45 minutes.
Tips
Take a tuk-tuk across the bridge, read the reliefs, dress modestly and visit after Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek for context.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History-minded travellers who want to understand how Cambodia’s long conflict ended.
- Families
- Easy and free, though the history is complex and older children will get the most from it.
- Couples
- A calm, reflective stop, followed by a river walk.
- Pair with
- A sunset cruise or a river walk on the same afternoon.
- Time needed
- Forty-five minutes, plus the trip across the bridge.
Good questions
What is the Win-Win Memorial?+
It is a state-built monument on the Chroy Changvar peninsula that marks the end of Cambodia’s civil war in 1998 and honours the win-win policy of amnesty for defecting Khmer Rouge fighters.
When was it inaugurated?+
It was inaugurated in December 2018, twenty years after the end of the civil war.
Is there an admission fee?+
No, entry is free and the memorial is open during daylight hours.
How long should I allow?+
About 45 minutes is enough for the grounds and the reliefs.
Is the memorial controversial?+
The amnesty it honours is still debated in Cambodia, and the memorial presents one side of that debate. Visit it alongside the memorial sites for a fuller picture.
