Exploring the Heart of Cambodia's History at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Discover the poignant history of Cambodia at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a vital memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located in the capital city of Phnom Penh, is a profound and somber reminder of Cambodia's turbulent history during the Khmer Rouge regime. Once a high school, this place was transformed into a notorious prison and torture center known as S-21, where thousands of innocent Cambodians were detained, tortured, and executed. Visitors can explore the museum's various exhibits, which include photographs, personal testimonies, and artifacts that tell the harrowing stories of those who suffered here. The stark architecture of the buildings, with their barbed wire and crumbling walls, evokes a powerful sense of the past, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the full context of Cambodia's history. As you walk through the museum, you'll encounter the haunting photographs of victims, rooms that once served as cells, and chilling remnants of the violence that once took place. Each exhibit is carefully curated to honor the memory of those who lost their lives while educating visitors on the importance of human rights and the impact of political ideologies. The museum emphasizes the resilience of the Cambodian people and serves as a reminder of the necessity to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. Taking the time to visit Tuol Sleng is not just an opportunity to learn about a dark chapter in history; it is also a chance to reflect on the power of forgiveness and the hope for a better future.
Local tips
- Allocate at least two hours for your visit to fully absorb the exhibits and stories.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the significance of the museum.
- Respect the solemn nature of the museum; maintain a quiet demeanor while exploring the exhibits.
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and to have a more personal experience.
- Take time to reflect in the memorial gardens; it's a place for contemplation and remembrance.
A brief summary to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- រាជធានី, សង្កាត់បឹងកេងកង៣ ខណ្ឌចំការមន, St 113, Phnom Penh, Khan Chamkar Mon, 12304, KH
- +85577252121
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Tuk-tuk
To get to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum from any central location in Phnom Penh, you can hire a tuk-tuk. Simply tell the driver 'Tuol Sleng' or show them the museum's address: 'St 113, Khan Chamkar Mon'. The ride should take about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance of the museum.
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Cyclo
If you prefer a more traditional option, you can take a cyclo. Find a cyclo driver and inform them you want to go to 'Tuol Sleng'. They will know the way. The journey will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your ride.
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Walking
For those staying nearby, you can walk to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Start from the independence monument, head southeast on Norodom Boulevard, then turn left onto Street 113. Continue straight until you reach the museum, which will be on your right. This walk will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
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Bicycle
You can also rent a bicycle from various rental shops around the city. From the riverside area, cycle towards Norodom Boulevard, then take a left onto Street 113. Follow the road until you reach the museum on your right. The ride should take around 20-30 minutes.
Attractions Nearby to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
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Boeng Keng Kang Market
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WAT chocolate Phnom Penh
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Olympic Market
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Russian Market / ផ្សារទួលទំពូង
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Wat Langka Meditation
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Wat Langka
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Wat Than
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National Olympic Stadium
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Independence Monument
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Thánh Thất Cao Đài Tây Ninh Tại Phnompenh
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Bassac Street
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Bassac Square
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Orussey Market
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Olympia Fountain
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Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk
Landmarks nearby to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
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Wat Maniratanaram Tuol Tumpung
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Toul Tom Poung EVENING market
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Tuol Tompoung Market
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TESOL House
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Hiko Teppanyaki Noro Mall Branch
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Meta House
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Mad Monkey Phnom Penh
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Monument to the Constitution
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Malis Norodom
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WH Chamkarmorn Residence
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Bassac Lane
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WCS Cambodia
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ផ្សាររន្ទេះបាញ់ Chomka morn
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ក្រុងចតុមុខមង្គល សកលកម្ពុជាធិបតី សិរីធរ បវរឥន្ទបត្តបុរីរដ្ឋរាជសីមា មហានគរ
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ផ្ទះទំនើប០១