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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Witness to Cambodia's Dark Past

A chilling memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum offers a harrowing glimpse into Cambodia's dark past.

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, stands as a chilling reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities. Once a high school, it was transformed into a notorious prison and torture center where thousands of innocent people perished. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims and a testament to the resilience of the Cambodian people.

A brief summary to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

  • រាជធានី, សង្កាត់​បឹង​កេងកង​៣ ខណ្ឌ​ចំការ​មន, St 113, Phnom Penh, Khan Chamkar Mon, 12304, KH
  • +85577252121
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the museum. As a memorial site, visitors should wear appropriate clothing that covers legs and arms.
  • Allow ample time for your visit. The museum is emotionally intense, and it's important to take your time to reflect on what you're seeing.
  • Consider hiring a personal tour guide or an audio guide to gain a deeper understanding of the museum's exhibits and the history of the Khmer Rouge.
  • Photography is permitted for non-commercial purposes, but be mindful and respectful when taking photos.
  • Be prepared for an emotionally challenging experience. The museum contains graphic and disturbing content that may be difficult for some visitors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are staying in central Phnom Penh, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is within walking distance. From the city center, head south on Street 113, also known as Tuol Sleng Road. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 2 kilometers and should take around 20-30 minutes. Be sure to use a map or GPS-enabled device to guide you.

  • Public Transport

    The public bus is an affordable way to reach the museum. You can catch bus lines 01, 02, or 03, which stop near the museum. The fare is approximately 4,000 riel ($1 USD). Check the local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.

  • Taxi/Tuk-tuk

    Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Phnom Penh. You can hail one from the street or use a ride-hailing app such as Grab or PassApp. A tuk-tuk ride from the city center should cost between $1 to $4 USD, depending on the distance and your negotiation skills. A taxi may cost slightly more, with fares starting at approximately $4 USD for a short trip. Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located in the heart of Phnom Penh, offers a harrowing glimpse into Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime. From 1975 to 1979, this former high school, once known as Tuol Svay Prey High School, was transformed into Security Prison 21 (S-21), the largest detention and torture center in the country. Between 1976 and 1979, an estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned within its walls. The Khmer Rouge, under the leadership of Pol Pot, sought to create an agrarian utopia by eliminating perceived enemies of the state. Intellectuals, professionals, ethnic minorities, and anyone suspected of dissent were targeted. Classrooms were converted into tiny prison cells and torture chambers. The buildings were enclosed with electrified barbed wire to prevent escapes and suicides. Inside, prisoners endured unimaginable suffering. They were interrogated, tortured, and forced to confess to fabricated crimes. The museum preserves the evidence of these atrocities, including photographs of victims, torture devices, and the stark prison cells. Today, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum stands as a memorial to the victims and a reminder of the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again. Visitors can walk through the preserved prison cells, view the haunting photographs of the prisoners, and learn about the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror. The museum also houses an archive of documents and artifacts related to the genocide. The museum serves as a place for education, reflection, and remembrance. It is a powerful and moving experience that offers insight into one of the darkest chapters in human history.

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