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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Witnessing Cambodia's Dark Past

A haunting memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, preserving the stories of Cambodia's tragic 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. This former high school in Phnom Penh was transformed into a prison and interrogation center where thousands of innocent people were tortured and killed. 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

  • Allow ample time for your visit; the museum's exhibits are emotionally intense and require time for reflection.
  • Dress respectfully, as this is a memorial site.
  • Consider hiring a guide for a deeper understanding of the museum's history and significance.
  • Photography is permitted in most areas, but be mindful and respectful of the victims.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (the Killing Fields) for a more complete understanding of the Khmer Rouge's atrocities.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available and convenient mode of transport in Phnom Penh. From most locations in the city center, a tuk-tuk ride to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum will typically cost between $1 to $4. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting your journey. Apps like Grab and PassApp also offer tuk-tuk services with pre-arranged fares.

  • Public Transport

    Phnom Penh has a public bus system with several lines running throughout the city. A single journey on the bus costs 1500 Riel (approximately $0.40 USD). Check the Phnom Penh City Bus routes to see if there is a convenient line and stop near your location. The 'Stops Near Me' app can help you find nearby bus stops.

  • Walking

    If you are staying in the Boeung Keng Kang 1, Chamkar Mon, or Tuol Kouk areas, walking to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is feasible. From the center of Boeung Keng Kang 1, it is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Be aware that Phnom Penh is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, with limited sidewalks and heavy traffic. Exercise caution and be mindful of the heat.

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Discover more about Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, or Security Prison 21 (S-21), is a profoundly moving and disturbing site in Phnom Penh. From 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge regime, under the leadership of Pol Pot, converted this former high school into a center for detention, interrogation, torture, and extermination. It is estimated that around 20,000 people passed through its gates, with only a handful surviving. Touring the museum offers a chilling glimpse into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era. The buildings have been preserved in the state they were found when the regime fell in 1979. Classrooms were converted into tiny prison cells and torture chambers. Visitors can see the crude instruments of torture, the photographs of the victims, and the stark living conditions they endured. The museum serves as a memorial to the victims and a place for reflection on the consequences of extremism and violence. It stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Cambodian people in the face of unimaginable suffering. Visiting Tuol Sleng is an emotional experience, but it is also an important one for understanding Cambodia's history and preventing such atrocities from happening again.

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