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

A chilling memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge, preserving the evidence of Cambodia's tragic past and promoting peace.

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The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh is a chilling reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities. Once a high school, it was transformed into Security Prison 21 (S-21), where thousands were imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately killed. The museum preserves the evidence of this tragic period, serving as a memorial and a place of reflection.

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, covering shoulders and knees, as this is a memorial site.
  • Allow ample time for your visit; at least 2-3 hours to fully absorb the experience.
  • Consider renting an audio guide for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits.
  • Be prepared for a somber and emotionally challenging experience.
  • Photography is permitted for personal use, but be respectful of the site and the victims.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available and convenient way to reach Tuol Sleng from most parts of Phnom Penh. Agree on a fare before starting your journey. A short trip within the city typically costs between $1 and $2. From popular tourist areas like the riverfront, expect to pay around $2 to $5. Ensure you have cash in local currency or USD. Apps like Grab or PassApp can also be used to book a tuk-tuk and may offer fixed prices.

  • Taxi

    Taxis offer a more comfortable, air-conditioned option. They can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps. Short trips within Phnom Penh typically cost a minimum of $4 to $5. Agree on the fare or ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Tipping is not customary, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

  • Public Transport

    Phnom Penh's public bus system is an affordable option. Look for buses on lines 01, 02, or 03, which stop near the museum. A single journey costs approximately $0.40. Check the bus routes and schedules in advance to ensure a convenient trip. From Wat Koh to Monivong/Road 360 via Line 01 bus costs $1.

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Discover more about Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, stands as a haunting testament to the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, this former high school, Tuol Svay Prey High School, was transformed into a secret prison and interrogation center, becoming the largest such facility in the country's vast network of detention centers. Between 1976 and 1979, an estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned within its walls. The Khmer Rouge meticulously documented their brutality, photographing prisoners, often both before and after torture. Classrooms were converted into tiny prison cells and torture chambers, and the entire complex was surrounded by electrified barbed wire to prevent escapes. The museum's buildings are preserved in the state they were found when the Khmer Rouge were driven out in 1979. Today, Tuol Sleng serves as a memorial to the victims and a stark reminder of the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. Visitors can walk through the former classrooms, now lined with photographs of the prisoners, and see the instruments of torture used by the regime. The museum also houses an archive of documents and artifacts related to the prison, providing a comprehensive look at this dark chapter in Cambodian history. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, offering context and personal stories. The experience is somber and emotionally challenging but offers a crucial understanding of Cambodia's past and the resilience of its people.

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